START Week

Ready, set, START!

Starting college is an exciting milestone, but it’s also a big step up from high school. College life demands new skills, like mastering time management, navigating professional connections, and juggling academic and personal responsibilities.

START Week immerses you in the university environment for the first week of your First-Year Seminar class, preparing you to be a successful student throughout your time at Indiana University Columbus. In your START Week workshops and activities, you'll meet other first-year students and connect with upperclassmen and faculty who can guide you through your college journey. They'll give you insider tips on campus resources, success strategies, and how to make the most out of your college experience.

START Week 2025 begins on Monday, August 18. START Week is part of your First-Year Seminar, so your attendance is required. When you register, you'll have the choice of attending a daily morning session from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., or a daily afternoon session from 12 - 4 p.m.

Registration for START Week will open in early 2025.

Just some of what you'll learn during START Week

As a rule of thumb: for every hour you spend in class you should spend 2-3 hours studying. That means if you are a full-time student taking 12-18 credit hours, you will study outside of class 24-54 hours a week. During START Week you'll learn to maximize the results of that time by leveling up your learning strategies!

Once you’re in college, it’s up to you to manage your time efficiently. As a full-time student, you’ll only spend 12-18 hours a week in class. It will be your responsibility to make sure you are spending your time outside of class in a way that supports your physical and emotional health as well as your academic success.

Transitioning from high school to college can present challenges, but IU Columbus has resources to support you. Learn what to expect from college, what you can do to stay mentally, emotionally, and physically healthy, and who you can ask for help.

As a college student, you’ll frequently communicate with your professors, academic advisor, and other IU Columbus faculty and staff. To make good impressions and build connections in an academic setting, you’ll need to communicate professionally. Learn what that means and how to build lasting connections that will benefit your future from our Communication Studies faculty!

Do you know how you’re paying for college? Our financial expert can teach you how to sort out of the details of scholarships, grants, loans, and budgeting to pay out of pocket (or afford living on your own for the first time). Learning to be proactive about your financial well-being can help you prevent financial stress in the future.

You'll also learn about campus resources, like:

  • Canvas and IU technology
  • Student Affairs, clubs, and the Multicultural Student YOUnion
  • Leadership opportunities like Student Government and on-campus employment
  • The Schoellkopf Center and mental health support
  • Career Services