Starting Strong with Saddle Up

I had the unique opportunity of being part of the very first class of students to go through Saddle Up. That alone made it feel special. It wasn’t just a program I was participating in, it was something I got to help shape, simply by being part of that initial experience. The University created Saddle Up to help new students ease into college life, and as someone who had just left the comfort of home, it was exactly what I needed. 

Get familiar with campus life 

During that week, the university created space for us to get familiar with the campus, meet other students, learn what to expect academically and even have some fun along the way. One of the biggest highlights for me was the mock college course we were enrolled in. It felt like a practice round before the real thing. A chance to test the waters without the pressure of being graded like a traditional class. We learned how to read a syllabus, keep up with assignments, manage our time and participate in discussions and lectures. I walked away from that week feeling so much more confident and prepared for the semester ahead. 

practice college before it starts

You also can earn one credit hour just for completing Saddle Up. So not only are you gaining valuable knowledge and experience, you’re also starting your academic journey with progress already on the board. It’s a small but meaningful win at a time when everything can feel a bit overwhelming.

Make Friends That Last 

But academics were just one part of it. What truly made Saddle Up unforgettable was the community I found. 

 

In fact, I met one of my best friends during Saddle Up, and to this day, we’re still incredibly close. We were placed in the same Poke Pack for the week and from that moment on, we were stuck together. We navigated campus, got lost together, talked about our academic goals and even got tickets to go to a concert together. There is something really meaningful about finding a person who’s also figuring it all out at the same time you are. That friendship became an important part of my time at UW. 

Watch the program evolve

Since I was part of the inaugural year of Saddle Up, I also got to watch the program grow and evolve. The University took what worked and built on it, while also listening to students and adjusting things that could be improved. Over time, Saddle Up has become even more student centered, adding new activities, refining the academic portions and focusing on mental wellness and campus resources as well. It’s clear the goal isn’t just to throw students into the deep end, it’s to walk with them into the newness of college life with real support. 

Transfer Students, this is for you too

Something important that often gets overlooked is that Saddle Up isn’t just for the new freshmen. Transfer students are encouraged to participate too. College transitions come in all shapes and sizes. Whether you’re coming straight from high school or transferring from another institution, Saddle Up creates a welcoming space for anyone stepping into the UW community for the first time. 

 A Strong Start Means Starting Connected 

I look back at that week with so much gratitude. It gave me time to get comfortable before classes started, showed me where everything on campus was and most importantly it helped me start building my community. Without Saddle Up, I think I would have spent my first few weeks feeling a lot more alone and unsure of myself. Instead, I had a solid foundation and that made all the difference. 

 

Now that I’m further along in my college journey, I realize just how valuable that one week was. It didn’t solve every challenge or answer every question, but it gave me the tools, friendships and confidence to start strong. 

 

If you’re getting ready to come to the University of Wyoming, whether as a freshman or transfer student, I cannot recommend the importance of Saddle Up enough. It’s more than just a program. It’s a community and a launchpad, and it might just be the start of some of your best college memories. 

So if you’re nervous about starting college, unsure of what to expect or just hoping to meet a few friendly faces before your first class, I promise that Saddle Up is for you.