Top 5 Tips from Barnard OLs
The New Student Orientation Program (or NSOP as we here at Barnard like to call it!) is Barnard’s version of college orientation. Every student is assigned an orientation group of about ten new students led by an upperclassmen Barnard Orientation Leader (or OL as we call them). NSOP is a 5 day program that incorporates campus resource workshops and lectures, community programming, B’scursions, and programming with the three other three undergraduate colleges of Columbia. B’scursions are excursions around New York City led by Barnard Orientation Leaders to help you start to explore New York and meet some other new Barnard students!
Here are my personal top five tips to make the most of your orientation experience!
1. Come into NSOP with an open mind!
Sometimes coming into new situations can put a lot of pressure on ourselves, and set expectations of the situation we are walking into. Try not to come into NSOP with too many expectations. Sometimes NSOP will be a little more resource and session focused. You never know what you can take away from a session. Even if you think there is nothing, maybe it's a connection to a presenter or an interesting new perspective. Try your best to make the most of every opportunity.
2. Try new things!
Say yes! Step out of your comfort zone! NSOP is a great time to learn about new things and have new experiences. Trust your instincts, but also try to lean into the unknown, new, and exciting experiences and opportunities that you have in front of you. NSOP has so many opportunities to try new things: attending optional workshops about things that you are interested in, going on B’scursions to explore more of New York City, or 4 School programs that can help you connect with the broader Columbia community.
3. Find pockets of peace during NSOP.
NSOP can be overwhelming. Everything is new and different, and the schedule can feel packed and daunting. It's important to find moments, during meals, between sessions, or events to pause. Taking walks, reading, or just finding a quiet spot to sit can be so important and refreshing so you are able to show up as the most confident version of yourself. Make sure you are eating enough and drinking enough water. It is okay to not be with people all the time, and it's also okay to prioritize your rest and mental wellbeing if NSOP becomes a little too much!
4. Try not to compare yourself and your experiences to others.
Everyone’s NSOP experience is different. Everyone adjusts at their own pace, and everyone is walking into NSOP with different past experiences and knowledge bases. Try not to get caught up in thinking that just because your experience is different it is somehow worse. You don’t have to find your people on day one. You don’t have to know where everything is, or where to go. NSOP is a program meant to help you become acclimated. Even if it seems like everyone is 10 steps ahead, I promise you that everyone is adjusting on their own timeline.
5. Utilize your OL as a resource.
Your OL is there to support you in your transition into college. They all have been where you are and know just how hard it is. They are wealths of knowledge about Barnard, college life, and everything in between. If they don’t know an answer then they can direct you to someone that does. Don’t feel ashamed or embarrassed to ask them questions, I promise they want to answer them. Each one of them applied to this position because they are passionate about welcoming new students into the Barnard community, and they want to be a resource!
All in all, NSOP is just the beginning of your journey at Barnard. It is meant to help you set your foundation walking into your first week of classes, but it is not the end all be all! You got this! Welcome to Barnard! We are so happy to have you!