Starting college can come with a lot of questions: Where do I go? Who do I talk to? How am I supposed to make friends? What if everyone else already knows what they are doing?
If you have ever looked around campus and felt like everyone else has already found their people, you are not alone. College can feel unfamiliar at first, especially when you are still figuring out your classes, routines, goals, and where you fit in. At Lemoore College, there are opportunities to connect with other students, explore your interests, and find support along the way.
You Do Not Have to Have It All Figured Out
It can be easy to assume that other students have college completely figured out.
You might see students talking with friends, walking confidently across campus, or
participating in activities and wonder how they already found their place.
The reality is that belonging does not always happen immediately. For many students, it develops through small interactions and experiences over time. Saying hello to someone in class, asking a question, attending an event, or visiting a campus resource can be the first step toward feeling more comfortable.
You also do not have to change who you are to belong. Finding your place in college can mean connecting with people who share your interests, goals, background, experiences, or simply your desire to succeed.
Start Small
If getting involved feels overwhelming, you do not have to jump into everything at
once. Try choosing one small way to connect with campus.
For example, you could:
- Attend a campus event, workshop, or activity.
- Spend some time in the Student Union.
- Introduce yourself to someone in one of your classes.
- Explore student clubs and organizations.
- Visit the Student Life & Engagement Program to learn about activities, leadership opportunities, service projects, and ways to get involved.
- Consider joining a club related to an interest, academic area, or community that matters to you.
Lemoore College's Student Life & Engagement Program connects students with clubs, organizations, events, leadership opportunities, service projects, and other campus resources. The Student Union is also a place where students can spend time, connect with others, and learn more about opportunities on campus.
Find People Who Share Your Interests
One of the easiest ways to begin building connections is to start with something you
already enjoy.
Lemoore College offers a variety of student clubs and organizations. Current opportunities include groups such as Umoja Community, Engineering the Future, Phi Theta Kappa, Rainbow Alliance, and other student organizations.
You do not have to know exactly which group is right for you before getting involved. Visit the Student Life page to explore available clubs and organizations, or complete the Club and Student Organization Interest Form if you are interested in getting involved.
You can also explore Student Government if you want to have a voice in student activities and campus life. Student Government provides opportunities for students to participate in campus activities, support student organizations, and bring student concerns and ideas forward.
Ask for Help When You Need It
Belonging is not only about making friends. It can also mean knowing that you have
people on campus who can help you navigate college.
If you are unsure about your classes, academic goals, or what you should do next, Counseling and Advising Services can help with educational planning, course selection, degree and certificate requirements, registration, balancing school with other responsibilities, and referrals to campus resources.
You can also explore Lemoore College's Student Services and Resources to find additional support, including tutoring, the Academic Center for Excellence, the Library and Learning Resource Center, and other student support programs.
Asking for help does not mean you do not belong. It means you are taking steps to make college work for you.
Give Yourself Time to Find Your Place
You may not feel connected after your first class, first week, or even first semester.
That does not mean you do not belong at Lemoore College.
Give yourself permission to take your time. Try one event. Talk to one new person. Visit one campus resource. Join one organization that interests you. Small steps can create opportunities to meet people and become more comfortable on campus.
Most importantly, remember that you do not have to wait until you feel like you belong before getting involved. Sometimes, getting involved is what helps you begin to feel like you belong.
Ready to Get Connected?
Start by exploring Lemoore College Student Life or visit the Student Union to learn about clubs, events, leadership opportunities,
and ways to connect with other students. If you are not sure where to start, contact
Student Life at (559) 925-3131 or visit the Student Union Monday through Friday from
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.