How to Make the Most Out of Fall Semester
Emilia Hansen | Major: Political Science | Minors: Honors, and International Relations and Comparative Government
Published September 24, 2025
A guide for how to embrace your first-year
What drew me to the Honors College at the University of Wyoming was the opportunities it provided and the support that faculty give to every student. I saw the Honors College as a place where I could expand my learning and build more connections on campus. After my first year in the program, I can confidently say that my initial reasons for joining were absolutely correct, and the program was even more enjoyable than I expected.
The first year also came with the reality that, whether you are pursuing the major or the minor, it can sometimes feel like a lot, but it is completely manageable and worth your time. In your first year, you will take Colloquium 1 and 2. These courses introduce many new perspectives, ideas, cultures, literary styles, and more. They are designed to challenge your critical thinking skills and expand your knowledge on topics you might not have even known existed.
As an incoming sophomore, I have a few pieces of advice I wish I had known during my first year. First, make friends in your classes. This makes discussions more interesting and allows conversations to flow more smoothly. Having friends in class also provides motivation to attend even on cold winter days in November and December, making the overall experience much more enjoyable. For the SOAR competition, having classmates as friends creates more incentive to attend Honors College events together, which can earn more points for you and your class.
Second, don’t be afraid to bring up perspectives if it leads to meaningful conversation. While the topics provided by your professors are important, exploring related ideas can offer new perspectives and deeper understanding. This doesn’t mean going off on random tangents that disrupt the class, but sometimes letting the conversation expand beyond the original question can be very beneficial.
Third, avoid procrastinating on assignments, readings, or SOAR requirements. The coursework is designed to push your thinking, and giving yourself enough time to complete it thoughtfully is key. The effort you put in early in the semester will pay off when finals arrive. For SOAR, make it a goal to attend at least one event or complete one badge requirement each month. This keeps it manageable and prevents the stress of rushing at the end of the year.
Honors Colloquium encourages you to expand your thinking and explore new ideas in a safe, supportive environment. I hope these three pieces of advice help you make the most of your class. Colloquium was one of my favorite classes, and I can’t wait to see what you all accomplish in it.
