Five Must-Know Tips for New CIA Students
Author Madeleine White ’29 is a Food Business Management major.
Starting college is an exciting and nerve-racking milestone, but every student at the Culinary Institute of America is supported from day one with move-in and orientation. These events are designed to make it a smooth transition. However, here are some fun and useful tips for your first semester at CIA.
- Make a Calendar: Calendars are a great way to track all the tasks you have in a day—both classes and fun activities. There are never-ending events on campus, so add the ones you like to your calendar, so you don’t forget them!
- Utilize Campus Resources: Whether that be your professor’s office hours, free tutors, or all the books at the library, make sure you take advantage of everything this campus has to offer. There are so many great opportunities on campus like sporting events and group exercise classes. The “Zen Den” has free tea and coffee, which is always a nice treat during a study break. Everyone is here to help!
- Be Out and About: Whether you are studying in The Egg or just walking around campus, try to limit the time you stay in your room. While unwinding is crucial, there are so many opportunities to meet people. Smile, say hi, and hold doors for strangers! It makes their day and makes you a new friend.
- Check Your CIA Student Email: So many great resources are sent directly to your phone, like trips off campus, club activities, and cook-offs. You may also find tabletop competitions, logo designing competitions, and culinary events that could earn you meal plan points or scholarships!
- Apply for Every Scholarship: CIA is great about sending you all the available scholarships. Make sure you are taking that extra time to write an essay; you never know when it will pay off!
As a second semester student, I learned so much in my first three months here. I took every opportunity to meet new people and take part in campus activities, which only made me more excited about what’s next!
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