A residential student leader shares advice for New Buffs living on campus
Many students will be living on their own for the first time when they move into the residence halls this August. To help during this time of transition, New Buffs can look to their residential student leader to help guide them. Residential student leader have a wide range of knowledge and resources to assist students in their first year at CU.Ìý
Gavin Walker worked at Stearns West during the 2025-2026 academic year and he’s been a residential student leader since 2024. Gavin shares advice for new students and some insights into what it's like to live on campus.
What do you wish you had known in your first year at CU?ÌýÌý
I wish I had known about all of the academic resources available to students. There are so many tools and people ready to help you succeed. Don't be afraid to use them. Asking for help isn't a sign of weakness, it's a sign of self-awareness and will help you pass your classes.
Where’s your favorite place to study on campus?ÌýÌý
Norlin Library is my favorite because it has a mix of environments to fit whatever I need. If I'm working on a group project or studying with friends, we head to the conversational floor where we can actually talk. If I need to focus solo, the third floor has the quiet I need to get things done.
What's one thing you wish you would have brought to campus your first year?ÌýÌý
A basic toolkit, a first aid kit and a portable battery pack for my phone. You don't realize how often you need a screwdriver, a bandage or extra charge until you're stuck without one!
What advice do you have for New Buffs?ÌýÌý
Get involved any way you can. College is an incredible time to expand your network and figure out what you love and what you don't. Go to those club meetings, step into leadership roles in activities that excite you and don't stop applying to scholarships. The money doesn't dry up once you get to college, there are tons of scholarships available to current students that most people never even look for.