Saddle Up: The Cowboys Guide

 

Howdy Pokes! We hope you had a great summer and are getting excited to come to the University of Wyoming! As the week of Saddle Up approaches, you’re probably experiencing many thoughts and feelings. For most of you, this isn’t just another summer camp; it’s the first week of college. This comes with a lot of changes. From being away from home for the first time to being in an unfamiliar place with a completely new set of people, it can be stressful to try to digest the situation completely. One of the goals of Saddle Up is to hopefully ease some of the stress that comes with starting college. Saddle Up does that by giving you plenty of experiences to be excited about! We asked some of our Poke Pack Leaders about what excites them during Saddle Up and to share some tips to get the most out of your time here! We can’t wait to see campus buzzing with activity again as we begin the fall semester! 

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What’s the most exciting part of Saddle Up?

The most exciting part of Saddle Up for me is getting to meet your Poke Pack! This is a great opportunity to meet new people and make friends with other new students who share a similar major. There’s a good chance that some of your Poke Pack might even live in the same dorm hall as you, making it easy to stay in touch with them during your first year living in the dorms. Having a sense of community during your first week can make a significant difference in the long run. It offers you a group of people to experience college with and get help from when you’re struggling.

– Zakk Loveall

You’ve checked into Saddle Up, what’s Next?

Time for move-in! After checking in, begin moving your belongings into the new dorm room you'll call home for the duration of the academic year. The best first step is to get your fan up and running as the dorms can get warm while moving around a lot. Then, decide if you want to loft your bed, organize your desk with all your school essentials and load up on some snacks for your mini fridge. As you put the finishing touches on your dorm, have your parents or guardians visit Parent Basecamp and One-Stop Shop down in the basement of Washakie! This is a great place to get all last-minute questions answered.

Moving can make you hungry, but don't eat all your snacks yet! Washakie Dining Center is the centerpiece of the residential dining program designed as a marketplace-style dining facility and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Stop by for a bite to eat after getting all settled into your room or check out one of the many great local places to eat in Laramie. 

   – Brooklin Wyatt

What’s the most important thing to have in your dorm room?

When I lived in the dorms, my shower caddy and shower shoes were vital! They made navigating communal bathrooms much more convenient and sanitary. My shower caddy kept my toiletries neatly organized and portable, while my shower shoes shielded my feet from the occasionally less-than-clean shared shower floors. These essentials streamlined my daily hygiene routine, freeing up more time and mental energy for my studies rather than logistical concerns.

–Lekili Grebinger

How should you reenergize midway through saddle up?

The week of Saddle Up is full of different activities and things to do. You will always be doing something and you will definitely feel the need to re-energize towards the middle or end of the week. Personally, my favorite way to re-energize is to take a nap! No better way to rest your brain and get some alone time. I also love walking around campus listening to my favorite music, or doing a hobby I love, such as reading.

Make sure you are taking care of yourself during the week of Saddle Up and throughout the semester. Prioritizing your health and wellness is one of the best things you can do to help yourself succeed! Consider utilizing the Wellness Center where you can engage in various relaxing activities to unwind and refresh your mind. Taking these breaks will help you regain energy and stay focused for the rest of the week.

– Emma Scarborough

After Saddle Up, what can you expect from class on Monday?

Over the weekend, be sure to recharge and prepare yourself for the start of classes on Monday. I’d recommend creating a schedule, gathering your class materials and then exploring your new town. Laramie has so much to offer from Vedauwoo Recreation Area and UW’s Half Acre gym for those that enjoy getting out and moving around to several fantastic book stores and parks for those that want to take it easy! Check out Saddle Up's optional weekend programming for additional ideas to recharge and get ready for the start of the semester!

Come Monday, remember not to stress; take deep breaths and perhaps enjoy a cup of coffee to start your day. It's a good idea to wake up early so you can arrive on time for class. If possible, aim to sit towards the middle or front rows to enhance your engagement with the professor and participation in class discussions. These steps will help you stay focused and make the most of your learning experience as you navigate your first official day at UW! 

–Zakk Loveall