What UND Students Wish They Knew Sooner

Starting at the University of North Dakota is exciting, overwhelming, and full of unknowns. Looking back now, there are a few things many graduates wish they had figured out earlier, not because they are complicated, but because they make such a difference in the overall experience.

If you are new to campus, consider this your unofficial UND student survival kit.

It is easy to underestimate how much clubs and organizations shape your experience. They are not just something to add to your resume, they are where you find your people. Cultural groups, academic clubs, student government, or something completely new, getting involved early helps you build community faster. Many students wait too long to join something, and by then, they feel like they missed their chance. You did not. Show up, introduce yourself, and try things out!

One thing many students do not realize right away is how many digital tools UND offers to make student life easier. The My UND App quickly becomes one of the most useful resources you will use. Through it, students can access Blackboard, campus email, class schedules, grades, financial information, and important announcements all in one place.

UND also has tools that help with navigating campus life, checking dining information, and staying informed about events and deadlines. Having everything set up early saves a surprising amount of stress later. Instead of scrambling to find information during the first week of classes, you already know where everything lives. It sounds simple, but learning these systems early helps you stay organized and feel more prepared throughout the semester.

One of the biggest misconceptions students have is that they need to figure everything out on their own. You do not. UND has a wide range of support resources that are there for a reason. The Counseling Center, the Hilyard Center, and the Writing Center are all spaces designed to help you succeed academically and personally. The earlier you become familiar with these resources, the more confident you will feel using them when you need support.

Getting around campus is easier once you know your options. UND’s bike share program allows students to pick up bikes from stations around campus and Grand Forks and drop them off at different locations. It is especially helpful for getting across campus quickly between classes or avoiding long walks in harsh weather.

Students also frequently use scooters and the campus bus system, which is especially useful during colder months and connects key areas of campus and nearby locations.

Learning these options early helps save time and makes getting around campus much more manageable.

Life at UND is not just about what happens on campus. Knowing where to go off campus makes a big difference. Finding good study spots, budget friendly grocery stores, and affordable places to grab lunch helps you stay balanced. These are the places where you recharge, catch up with friends, or just take a break from everything.

Suggestions I have include coffee shops like The Ember, Urban Stampede, Sweetwaters, Meg-A-Latte, Bully Brew, and more! Also, during the warmer months, studying outside at a park or at the various outdoor seating areas downtown is a must do!

There is no perfect way to do college, and part of the experience is figuring things out as you go. But knowing a few of these things early can make the transition smoother and the experience more meaningful.

If there is one takeaway, it is this: get involved, stay connected, and do not be afraid to use the resources around you! You are not meant to do it all alone, and your time at UND will be better because of it.