A Word of Advice – we’re here to help!

Welcome to Washington State University! These first steps into your college journey mark more than just the start of classes; they are the beginning of a transformative experience that will shape how you think, how you lead, and how you interact with the world around you.

WSU is a place built for doers and problem-solvers. Here, you will be challenged to ask big questions, engage deeply with your community, and embrace the responsibility that comes with opportunity. Be curious. Take risks. Seek out people who will expand your perspective. Growth comes from stepping beyond what is familiar.

Most of all, remember that you’re not doing this alone. You’ve joined a network of Cougs who care about your success and want you to thrive. So, take a breath, be yourself, and get ready for an incredible journey.

We can’t wait to see what you accomplish here. Go Cougs!

Hello, Cougs! Welcome to Washington State University and the Cougar family! As you begin this exciting new chapter, I want to share one key piece of advice: get involved. 

At WSU Pullman, you’ll find more than 450 registered student organizations—whether you’re into robotics, the arts, service, or something entirely unique, there’s a place for you. You’ll also have access to hands-on research opportunities, one-of-a-kind recreation opportunities, and a dedicated community of faculty and staff who are here to support your success. 

Strive for balance—prioritize your academics, but don’t forget to make time for friendships, fun, and personal growth. Explore new interests, connect with others, and step outside your comfort zone. This is your time to create a meaningful and memorable university experience. 

Being a Coug means more than earning a world class education. It means becoming part of a strong, supportive network that lasts a lifetime. 

We’re so glad you’re here. Go Cougs! 

Welcome Cougs! My best advice? Be present, be engaged, be proactive, and embrace your journey at WSU. To be present, you have to show up – go to class, go to that club meeting, go to that event. But to get the most out of being present, you need to also commit to the experience. Engage with your professors and your classmates. Engage with people in your dorm or student clubs. To find your purpose – personally and professionally – you have to be proactive. Seek opportunities for growth. Join that club. Talk to that professor. Apply for that internship. Is it uncomfortable to put yourself out there? Of course. But push through the discomfort and remember although we all love success, we learn even more from the times we miss the mark. Figuring out what doesn’t work for you is just as important as figuring out what does. Lastly, remember that this is your journey and not anyone else’s. As you travel your path toward your purpose, remember that there is a whole community here rooting for you, ready to help you along the way.

My biggest piece of advice for you is to go for it, because if you really want something, you can absolutely achieve it.  This is something I wish I was told as a first-year student. No matter your financial need, your background, or the community you identify with- if you want to study abroad, you can; if you want to join the PB&J Club, you can; if you want to join a research lab or even pursue higher education, you absolutely can. Don’t let challenges bring you down. Although my resume may not make it obvious, I have failed so many times. I failed my third chemistry exam; I failed my experiment in my research lab; I failed to be there for my friends and family sometimes. It’s through all these setbacks that I learned everything I know and that grew me into the person I am today. Get out of your comfort zone, succeed, fail, discover the world, and remember that what the WSU community has to offer is far beyond what you can imagine. If you leave today remembering only one thing, let it be that anything is within reach. At the end of the day, it’s really just all about you- the lessons you learn through your experiences, the community you build here, and the achievements along the way. 
GO COUGS!  

Making the most of your four years here at WSU requires you to lean into discomfort rather than stay within your comfort zone, as that is where genuine personal growth and resilience are built. Treat this time as a significant investment in yourself rather than a passive experience, avoid just going through the motions by actively engaging with all the resources and opportunities available. Just attending classes and returning to your dorm is a disservice to yourself. The real value comes from building relationships, expanding your network, and actively seeking connections. Be intentional about the people you choose to surround yourself with, and seek out those who will challenge and encourage you, as they shape the person you will become. Ultimately, get involved by joining student organizations and seeking out leadership roles, and leave Washington State University a better place than when you arrived.