FIRST YEAR EXPERIENCE

The Office of First Year Experience is committed to supporting first-year students in all aspects of their lives, serving as a resource for student concerns and assisting students in their development as successful individuals and contributing members of the community.

The Office of First Year Experience is located in Dougherty Hall, Room 214. Stop by to visit us, or email us.

Alicia Dunphy-Culp

Senior Director of First Year Experience/ Special Assistant to the VP
(610) 519-7210
Email

Transitioning to a new environment can be fun, but it can also bring concerns as students adjust to life on campus. We invite you to hear from Villanova's Orientation Counselors about the issues they faced during their first months here, and the steps they took to find the campus resources to help them.

HOMESICKNESS

Khoa Nguyen ’25 shares his story about coming to Villanova University from a distance, how it caused feelings of homesickness and how he worked to combat these his first year.

GETTING INVOLVED

Mason Wesley ’24 shares ways in which he got involved on campus during first year, reflecting on what worked well and what he wishes he had done instead.

RELIGION

Ben Berlin ’24 shares resources related to the role of religion on campus and reflects on his own spiritual journey since attending Villanova.

ROOMMATE CONFLICTS

Mackenzie Smith ’25 shares how she overcame conflict with a roommate during her first year, and how communicating your feelings is effective in overcoming this challenge.

MAKING FRIENDS

Ryan Maloney ’24 shares ways in which he overcame anxiety surrounding meeting new friends at college and has made long lasting connections on campus.

SETTING FAMILY BOUNDARIES

Taylor Hultquist ’24 shares how she created expectations with family members about communication and involvement in her life after her move to campus.

ACADEMICS

Holden D’Avico ’25 shares how he dealt with a heavy academic course load, his adjustment from high school academics to college academics, and his tips to stay on top of all your responsibilities.

MENTAL HEALTH

Carson Brockette ’25 shares his story about his mental health journey, noting the resources he used to thrive on Villanova’s campus during a time of change.

FINANCIAL CONCERNS

Emma Conlin ’25 shares how she combated financial concerns and how getting an on-campus job has been extremely beneficial and rewarding.

Villanova has a wealth of resources designed to make your first year—and every year—healthy, safe and fun. Read more about the offices and departments we encourage you to utilize here on campus!

Villanova offers the highest quality health services to ensure that students receive the support they need to succeed in college.

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Villanova is a closely connected academic community with renowned faculty and a personalized, supportive learning environment.

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Grounded in our Augustinian Catholic identity, we support all members of the University community. We stand with those who are most vulnerable, as we honor the God-given dignity of every person and work together for the common good.

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Villanova professionals are on hand to help students in a variety of situations.

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Villanova creates and supports programming that fosters and sustains a community of respect and inclusion for Villanovans.

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Your Wildcard allows convenient, efficient, mobile and secure access to all card related services.

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The Parking Office is here to assist you and your transportation needs. We oversee all parking, shuttles, fleet van usage and other transportation options for the University.

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Villanova has more than 300 student organizations for you to explore—special interest clubs, student performing arts groups, fraternities and sororities, student media, sports and more!

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FIRST YEAR EXPERIENCE

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