College can be an overwhelming experience for many new freshmen. UNC Wilmington looks to continue its tradition of providing a welcoming atmosphere for freshmen. Freshmen can find help in numerous areas of campus life.

The residence halls provide a residence assistant or R.A. to each floor. Freshmen can seek comfort and guidance from their residence assistant.

Student Residence worker Leslie Burns said, “If they are having any problems emotionally (missing mom syndrome), they can talk to an R.A.” The residence halls encourage interaction between students.

“You meet a bunch of different people, I know that I did, coming from Ohio and not knowing anyone,” Burns said.

Freshmen are introduced to their R.A. when they move in.

“Each R.A. always has a meeting to get acquainted with them and introduce the house rules,” Burns said.

If a student has a problem that requires more than a R.A.’s assistance, the university has a counseling center. Located in Westside Hall, the center offers free counseling to students. Receptionist Betty Robuck said, “We deal with eating disorders, stress, almost anything.”

The center has eight counselors on staff. They offer walk in services or appointments to suit the student’s schedule. The student in need of guidance is not obligated to return if they are uncomfortable.

“If they don’t want to. Then they don’t have to,” said Robuck.The center also offers free services from a psychiatrist two days a week.

UNCW not only focuses on the mental stability of its freshmen, but academic as well. The university provides academic advisors to all freshmen. These advisors track the student’s success.

“There is an intervention program in which the advisors follow their grades very closely,” Director of the General College, Dr. Yousry Sayed said.

A freshmen seminar course is offered allowing freshmen to learn the importance of time management, study skills and more.

“It is an important course for freshmen to take,” Dr. Sayed said.

Freshmen can also receive free tutoring in any basic studies course through The Learning Center, located in Randall Library. The Reading and Writing Place, also located in Randall Library, will provide free editing of students’ work.

Dr. Sayed explained that there is no reason one should not succeed at UNCW if they take advantage of what the university offers.

The transition to college life can be one of great excitement and confusion. UNCW prides itself on the programs offered to students to help make life a little easier.