The car is unpacked, the hugs were had, and your Grizzly is ready for what’s next. Are you? We’ve got a few tips to make this transition a little easier. From staying in touch with the Parents and Family Newsletter to ensuring that UM provides safe and solid grounds to grow, you know that home doesn’t disappear when college begins.
Scroll below for some tips, tricks and reassurances to celebrate Move-In Day for the milestone that it is:
Move-In Day is just the beginning of our award-winning orientation, better known as the Big Sky Experience. The cumulative five days of the Big Sky Experience introduce new students to campus and the Grizzly ethos, incorporating small-group service-learning projects, presidential speeches, academic introductions and welcome activities, culminating with the massive Freshman Float on the Clark Fork River.
YOU’RE INVITED: After moving into the residence hall on Monday, all families are welcome to attend the BEAR Fair on The Oval and the First Meal at The Lodge Dining Center.
BEAR Fair (4 – 6:00 PM): Peruse and meet the bulk of student groups on campus during the BEAR Fair, with the opportunity to learn about more than 90 student groups, academic departments and student services tabling on The Oval.
First Meal (5 – 7:30 PM): Enjoy an amazing dining experience at The Lodge Dining Center during your student’s first evening on campus. Enjoy chef-crafted meals and feel the strong community of the Grizzly spirit. Monte and UM’s Marching Band will be making an appearance, plus other special surprises in store.
Read More: Learn More About the Big Sky Experience
Text, email, call or send letters to your student as much as they will permit – but if you want to stay up-to-date with the University, sign up for regular updates with the Griz Family Portal. This messaging service sends out messages regarding campus news and deadlines, personalized newsletters and special announcements via email and text message.
Hot Tip: Don’t want to crowd your inbox (or you want all the latest info as quick as it comes out)? You can choose how often you’d like to receive messages from Griz Family Portal (weekly, bi-weekly, monthly).
Family Weekend this year is October 16 to October 18 – and it’s shaping up to be a memorable weekend. Attend a Griz Football game, enjoy a special pre-game meal and participate in special campus tours and events. While you’re here, maybe enjoy the many community activities in Missoula, including a meal downtown or exploring our plentiful backyard.
Learn More: UM Family Weekend
Safety and security are paramount at the University of Montana. From a 24/7 UM Police presence to secured entries on all campus buildings, and emergency phones across campus, free nighttime chauffeurs across campus (Griz Walk) and dedicated support services – our #1 priority is to provide a safe and secure place to grow.
Learn More: Safety & Security on Campus
Learn More: Support Services at UM
Curry Health Center on campus is a one-stop shop for medical, dental, pharmaceutical and counseling needs. It also emphasizes well-being resources, focusing on eight dimensions of well-being. Students can access same-day, confidential health consultations for any matter. It’s hard to be your best when you’re not feeling your best, and the Curry Health Center is here to make health concerns easier to handle.
Learn More: Curry Health Center
From tutors to mentors to exploratory studies, the University of Montana is dedicated to providing assistance for students in our classrooms. One of the first places to explore on day one is the Office for Student Success. The three main goals of the Office of Student Success are:
1. Transition smoothly to college
2. Remain enrolled and progress in a program of study
3. Graduate in a timely manner
Learn More: The Office for Student Success
Read More: Free Resources for Every UM Student
There are innumerable campus opportunities to take advantage of outside of the classroom. From ways to find a sense of belonging, build out a resume, develop new skills, make new friends and land scholarships – attending UM provides more than just a degree. Check out some of these campus opportunities (and encourage your student to do the same):
The Davidson Honors College (DHC) is an opportunity for students from any discipline to gain access to personalized studies in small classes and have well-rounded academic experiences and opportunities such as internships, study abroad opportunities and preparation for future careers.
The University of Montana participates in 35+ club sports, competing against other regional schools. From hockey to lacrosse, ultimate frisbee, soccer and so many more – Club Sports at the University of Montana provide great camaraderie with a competitive edge. No experience is required!
Almost every program on campus offers internships or connects students with internships related to their studies. The Office of Experiential Learning and Career Success helps students find internships, volunteer opportunities and career opportunities. You can schedule appointments with them for anything related to your student, academic and future careers.
Read More: Make the Most of Your UM Experience with These Campus Opportunities
Your student is in good hands at the University of Montana. We pride ourselves on our academic environment, but it’s our community that bolsters the 130+ year legacy on our campus. And we’re confident that they’ll find their place here, and perhaps more importantly, they’ll find the best versions of themselves throughout their time at UM.
Read More:
Things to Do in Missoula: Move-In Day
What to Expect Your First Year at UM
Best Food Spots On and Off Campus
Get to Know the Buildings on Campus
Free & Fun Things to Do in Missoula