Words of wisdom from current and previous Cav residents
What you need to know!
General Advice:
It is totally normal to feel overwhelmed when entering college. The new environment and fear of the unknown can be difficult. Be kind to yourself and give yourself time to settle in. Really lean into what Cav and the entire university can offer you. Some of the people who felt most overwhelmed during move-in ended up being the same people who fell in love with Cav just weeks later.
Say yes to opportunities to meet people! Stop in the hallway to chat, go with people to dinner, don't be scared to say yes to potential friendships.
Have an open mind and know that everyone else is also just trying to figure everything out :)
If you don’t know what you want to do, that’s completely okay! Feel free to take a diverse set of classes in order to assess what you want to do.
It's okay if you aren't having the time of your life! Don't put too much pressure on loving ND right away- moving to college is hard.
It is going to be a difficult adjustment, so be kind to yourself and take the time to find what works in your schedule and who brings out the best in you. It is never too late in the year to try something new; keep putting yourself out there!
Be open to being a little uncomfortable! There are so many things I regret not doing because my "best friends" that I met on day 1 didn't want to go. Welcome Weekend is awesome but keep an open mind and really try to talk to everyone and not limit yourself to only one group!
Embrace the new — be open to new experiences, new people, new future plans, etc
Enjoy every single moment, especially the small ones! The big events, like football games, are incredible, but I've found that so many of my favorite Notre Dame memories are the silly conversations at 3am, the dinners in the dining hall with a big group of people you love, watching your friend trip and fall outside La Fun, the list goes on. Your time here will fly by, so soak it all in. You don't get this time back.
Take a deep breath and try your best not to panic - not everything will be perfect but it will all work out. You belong here, and you will find you place. Don't be afraid to ask for help or advice, everyone was new here at some point.
don't feel stressed to know it all! everyone is starting a new chapter and is going into the unknown.
Don’t be afraid to talk to new people
Get to know your professors and get involved with clubs on on campus! Don't be afraid to try new things and have fun. Notre Dame is here to help you grow not only academically, but spiritually, and socially as well. Take advantage of all that Notre Dame has to offer!
Freshman year has highs and lows for everyone. Keep your head up and it will all get better!
Join things early and actually go even if it feel overwhelming. It’s a great way to make friends and it feels way more daunting to join later on.
Don’t feel like you can’t have friends from all over! Some don’t stick and you’ll want to find the friends that stay with you.
Congrats on winning the dorm lottery - we are so excited to welcome you to the Cav family!! Jump in with both feet and be sure to take advantage of every opportunity while you're here. Your first year will fly by, so enjoy every minute of it and know that we are always here to support you!
Be open to experiences and don't be afraid to reach out to others for help.
Embrace the awkwardness! It's going to be a lot of adjustment but be sure to make the most of it; your first year is full of so much growth and change and the Cav community is a great place to fall back on when things get overwhelming.
Also, put yourself out there! I struggled with this a lot but it will really help down the line if you are outgoing and reach out to people - this can be for your fellow first years or upperclassmen.
Don’t be afraid to go outside your comfort zone! Put yourself out there & introduce yourself to everyone! Remember everyone’s in the same boat!
Don’t be afraid to try something new! The transition from high school to college can be overwhelming, but you are capable of doing hard things! Make the most of this new experience!
Try to be yourself as much as possible. This advice definitely is easier said than done, but the people you meet in Cav are going to be with you for the next 3 years at least so don't be afraid to be yourself and find the girls that you really like and connect with the most!!
The first few weeks, especially Welcome Weekend, can feel overwhelming, but embrace it and enjoy it!! The year goes by super fast! Also, everyone is very welcoming and more than willing to help and answer questions, so don’t be afraid to reach out about anything!
It's okay to be nervous, it's a big change, but know that you have the cav community to fall back on always. Your upperclassman have all been where you are and are always available for a chat or dinner or advice! Lean on the people around you and don't forget everyone is in the same boat!
Packing Advice:
In my experience bringing 1-2 of everything is enough, you don’t need to bring much more than that (and you really don’t have space too). I think this mostly applies to household items. For example, 1-2 sets of sheets, towels, plates/bowls, sets of silverware, etc. As important as fans are in Cav, I also think that 1-2 big box fans or oscillating fans is enough to keep the room temperature manageable.
It’s very normal to overpack for freshman year but something I wish I would have done is keep track of what I use and don’t use in my first year so I don’t overpack for following years.
Pack less. You have a lot of stuff. Choose your favorites and save yourself during move-in.
you're going to want to pack everything and anything, but just know that you probably won't wear half the things you bring so just focus on bringing the basics for clothes (which is super helpful for layering!) Also, hang up all your clothes on hangers and cover them with trash bags before move-in to make the whole process easier.
Bring a fan! Since Cavanaugh does not have air conditioning this is crucial, especially in the beginning of the year when it is hot outside!
Don't bring too many t-shirts because you'll get tons of free shirts at college.
Wait to buy things until you actually need them/ don't just get everything on those giant college packing lists. For example, all dorms have printers that you can use.
pack lighter than you think! remember whatever you bring has to get packed up at the end of the year
Long charger and slippers for walking around the dorm
You don’t need more of anything than there are days in the week (7 hoodies, 7 pairs of pants, etc).
Bring bedding, clothes, and big furniture (ex futon, fridge) but get everything else here — fans, extra storage, organizing bins, cleaning supplies etc
My 3 favorite purchases freshman year were my slippers, a beanbag, and my brita.
BRING. EXTENSION. CORDS. I literally cannot stress that enough, you always need more than you think you do! Also decor and a cute rug really does help the room feel more like home, but no need to go overboard and spend a fortune! A couple cute posters and a cheap rug from Target are perfect.
Fans!!! Some sort of extra storage (stackable bins, cart, etc). Bring decorations you like, make your room feel more like a home. If you're driving, packing in bags is better than boxes. Make a list of things you plan to pack and check it off as you go!
bring fans and basics! try to pack light- only bring what you will really wear! people tend to dress nicer for class but you can really wear as comfy or as cute as you want
Don’t pack things you won’t use
Space is limited in your dorm room so be intentional about what you bring with you. Get a fan because Cav can get hot in August/September.
Make a list of the things you pack. Sometimes you’ll need some thing (like a medicine you don’t use super often) and you’ll completely forget that you have it already.
Fans! Also random but having a portable laptop/phone charger has been a lifesaver sometimes.
Plan it out. Being last minute will just stress you out, so try to avoid it. I am very good at this myself, but I have made great strides and I've noticed it helps a lot.
Don't forget your high school sports cleats or other extracurricular items - essential for Cav sports and activities! :)
You don’t need as many shoes as you think you do, Bring multiple fans, forms of extra storage for clothes can be nice
Pack the basics! And don’t forget a winter coat!
Don't be scared to overpack - your parents can always take things home with them if they need to.
In these small dorm rooms, less is more! Try not to bring too much other stuff aside from necessities to make sure you have enough room for everything! Definitely bring fans for those first warmer weeks!
You need less than you think! You can always order things you forget or add but try not to over clutter your room right away like I did. I recommend a pair of scissors, paper towels, a powerstrip, and a good water bottle. For me, my brita was a lifesaver and a drying rack that folds up that you can stash under your bed or by the sink for delicate clothes is super useful.
Cav Women’s Favorite Cav Activities:
Chat and chew, Hall Council, welcome week activities, RA programming, Mondays with Marqueen - basically everything. The more people you meet the more friendships you can make!
Definitely Chat&Chew (section snack) as well as Mondays with Marqueen. It's a great way to meet people and make Cav feel like home!
Chat and Chew and Hall Council - a fun series of events on tuesday nights that
really help make Cav feel like home. You will laugh, make friends, and enjoy some snacks!
Chat & Chew is a great way to get to know your RA as well as the girls in your section! Plus, you get some awesome snacks!
At the beginning, try everything out and just pick from there! Activities in cav are a great way to meet awesome girls!
definitely go to chat & chew -- especially early on in the year-- it's a great way to meet the other people in your section and take dedicated time to relax and have some fun conversations
watch the slack for walkovers to random events across campus-- it's a great way to find people who are interested in the same things as you
chat and chew! dorm parties, club day, hallway hangouts
Go to everything! Eventually you will figure out what you enjoy most and what works with your schedule but in the beginning I think it is best if you dive headfirst into all of it. All the newness can def be overwhelming at first but you have to just embrace the adjustment period & we will do everything we can to make it feel like home.
Chat and Chew!!!!! This is how I got so much closer to my RA and the upperclassmen in my section freshman year, and having "older sisters" to help answer my questions and guide me through some of the tougher stuff was so amazing. I cannot recommend Chat and Chew enough.
I love Chat & Chew as a way to get to know people, the first pep rally is amazing, and having your door open is encouraged in Cav!
Chat & Chew and Hall council! it will help you to meet people and immerse yourself into the Cav community while staying up to date with whats going on in Cav and around campus
Attend chat and chew definitely. It’s really fun to talk to the people in your session
Chat & Chew!
Chat and Chew bops!!
Go to chat and chew! It’s a great way to get to know all ages of cav girls.
Hall council is only a half hour and it’s a great way to know what’s going on or just to get to know people. Make time for it.
All of the above!! Chat & Chew and the social events at the beginning of the year (both within Cav and with other dorms) are great ways to make new friends. Also highly recommend Hall Council to stay informed about what is going on around campus.
Chat and Chew is a must. It'll help you get to know others in your section and it's an overall great time. Hall Council is also great, you'll get to hear about all the cool events on campus.
Cav sports cav sports cav sports. I made some of my closest friends through Cav's tight-knit sports community and I could not recommend it enough. There are so many opportunities and it's super flexible and can be laid back or competitive depending on what you want out of it (shoutout B Team sand volleyball). If you aren't the sporty type, Chat & Chew and programming are so wonderful and a great way to meet people while doing another activity!
Chat and Chew definitely!!
I would highly recommend hall council and chat and chew! (which means don’t schedule anything Tuesday’s nights) Hall Council is the best way to meet fellow Cav girls, and you learn about so many events happening around campus that you probably wouldn’t have heard of if you didn’t go!
Literally all of them - you never know how much you'll like it or who you're going to meet!
Chat & Chew, Hall Programming, Hall Council (once the year begins)
Go to chat & chew and if you're not sure what to do the first few weekends, go down to programming for a bit and get to know the RA's. They want to get to know you and hang out with people at programming!
Helpful Resources:
My most valuable resource was the support of Cav that I found through meeting people.
The McWell Restorative rooms were a great space to have some alone time (especially while living in a quad with three roommates)
upperclassmen!
This depends on your major, but a list of major/college requirements was helpful for me when I was trying to set up a class schedule!
The first year emails so much information that it can be easy to get bogged down by pdfs and online resources. To me, there's nothing like getting your questions answered by an upperclassmen- talking to people is so helpful!!
the cav dorm set up walk throughs were great
RAs, older members of Cav, following SAO for fun activities they put on, ND app for dining hall menu obvi
Google maps lol
Dining.nd.edu
The notre dame website to learn about different majors and minors
The observer
MVP resource: the sample curriculum. If you just look up (your major) Notre Dame Curriculum there is almost always a spreadsheet with examples for the paths you can take with required classes and core requirements. This helped me so much in making my schedule both freshman and sophomore year.
My advisor!!! I emailed her constantly, they are there to help and most are amazing at answering questions.
Joining clubs that pertain to your major! A lot of times upperclassmen in those clubs have a ton of advice on classes and internships related to your field.
The math help room!!!!! (and any other office hours/tutoring sessions) - literally saved me from failing calculus and organic chemistry.
The Cav Website
Cav upperclassmen! Please know that you can reach out to any of us before or during your transition to Cav
the cav website
Reach out to upperclassmen, even if they seem super busy/intimidating. They've been through it and know all the ropes. Also Marqueen is amazing!!
Cav website - first year and room layout pages specifically.
Others around you will always be a great resource. You'll be amazed by how much you can learn from just asking around.
Free apps like Notion (https://www.notion.so/) and Google Calendar saved my life. I was able to stay organized and, as someone who really struggles with this, able to keep track of all of the extracurriculars, classes, and everything in between on my radar.
Additionally, something I wish I took more advantage of is the free counseling & therapy at ND! (https://ucc.nd.edu/) It is extremely helpful as you go through your first year and mental health should always be a priority.
Candid conversations with specifically sophomores honestly were the most valuable to me.
I would say do not be afraid to reach out to people close to you, MarQueen, and find a priest (you don’t have to be Catholic) that you love talking to!
Honestly, just asking around and talking to other people who had been in my shoes before.
Cavanaugh Hall Website
ND First Year Advising- https://advising.nd.edu/first-year-and-incoming-students/
ND First Year Instagram
Upperclassman in my major and using the guided curriculum paths on major websites are the most helpful! Reach out to the upperclassman around you about classes, etc. Also, to print you can email [email protected] a pdf and it will go to the printer for you (I think it is easier than the print portal website)
Reach Out to Cav Women!
Have Questions, Concerns, Etc? Just Ask!
Lauren Kane
Rising Junior - Cav President
[email protected] : 980-333-2821
Arden Jennings
Rising Junior - Fall Vice President
[email protected] 917-488-4201
Abbey Donahue
Rising Junior - Spring Vice President
[email protected] : 440-570-1810
Annabelle Hilson
Cavanaugh Grad - Former RA
612-877-0474 [email protected]
Julia McKenna
Cavanaugh Grad
[email protected] 630-418-9159
AC Bailey
Rising Junior
email: [email protected]; phone: 626-297-5021
Mattie Knobloch
Rising Sophomore
Email: [email protected], phone: 2095598955
Sara Lessie
Rising Junior - SLC Chair
(520) 488-5095, [email protected]
Olivia Zino
Rising Sophomore
[email protected] & 5167430126
Paulina Rey
Rising Senior
[email protected] 678-833-8457
Maddie Hatfield
Rising Junior
[email protected], 630-363-4128
Sarah Ochocki
Rising Senior - Current RA
440-413-6027 : [email protected]
Ainee Martin
Rising Junior - Diversity & Inclusivity Chair
5618916479
Sophia Alvarez
Rising Senior
[email protected], 650 575 5721
Lauren McCarthy
Rising Sophomore
[email protected] 4129320590
Anna Huber
Rising Sophomore
[email protected] and (615) 891-0056
Kate Garcia
Rising Sophomore
[email protected]; 682-319-5668
Regi Hammond
Rising Junior
[email protected] (615)810-7978
Emmie O’Neill
Rising Sophomore
[email protected] 215-359-8109
Molly Foote
Rising Sophomore - Social Chair
785-657-7533 and [email protected]
Emma Allen
Rising Sophomore
[email protected] // 703-732-8748
Livi Edwards
Rising Sophomore
email: [email protected] phone number: 904-316-3882
Bronwyn Lewis
Rising Sophomore - Community Chair
[email protected] & 614-906-0781
Join everything! It's the only way you'll find out what you are really interested in and passionate about, so then you'll know what you want to get even more involved in. Go to office hours. Unless the professor is an obviously mean person , they really want to help and get to know their students. Also, when it comes time for final grades, if you're on the line, they'll always bump you up if you've been going to their office hours; it shows effort! Plus all of the professors here are some of the most interesting and intelligent people you will ever meet.
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Embrace the awkward! You might find that life is a little more fun outside of your comfort zone. Don't judge anything before you try it out, and try to make the most of the little encounters that you'll have with different people during welcome weekend, in classes, in the dining hall, etc. Remember the names and faces of the people you meet and don't be afraid to smile or say hi to them later. A little friendliness goes a long way!Don't take anyone for granted and make sure to meet as many people as possible; there are so many great people at Notre Dame!
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Try new things, meet new people, and don't forget to have fun. Freshman year can be overwhelming at times, but it is also a blast. Take time for yourself every once in a while to call home, take a walk, and reflect. You worked hard to get here, so take advantage of all the amazing opportunities here at Notre Dame and make the most of your time here.
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Don't stress yourself out! Adjusting to the social and academic aspects of life at Notre Dame can seem scary, but it doesn't have to be! Remember that everyone is either in the same boat as you or has been there once before, and there are so many resources on this campus to help you if you are in need! Remember to make the most of your freshman year because you only get to do it once. Sign up for a million activities, meet as many people as you can, make friends and memories that will last a lifetime. Find what makes you happy at Notre Dame, because believe me, there is something at this crazy amazing school for everyone!
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Enjoy every single moment, especially the small ones! The big events, like football games, are incredible, but I've found that so many of my favorite Notre Dame memories are the silly conversations at 3am, the dinners in the dining hall with a big group of people you love, watching your friend trip and fall outside La Fun, the list goes on. Your time here will fly by, so soak it all in. You don't get this time back.
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