Second-Year Experience
Join us for Western Warm-Up Week: Jan. 26-30, 2026
Kick off the spring semester with Western Warm-Up Week! This week is full of events designed for second-year and transfer students to reconnect with your academic college, meet classmates in your major, and get a jumpstart on your semester. Events include career prep sessions, social meet-ups with peers and faculty/staff, and plenty of free food and goodies!
Events are hosted by your academic college and other campus departments. Some may require an RSVP, and new events may be added. Be sure to check back for updates.
Please click the accordions below to expand.
- Major Insights - Spring 2026
Hosted by Haworth College of Business, Zhang Career Center
Jan 26 | 3 - 5 p.m. | Schneider, Room 3150
Major Insights is geared to first year and transfer students who are undecided on their chosen business major. The program consists of three, 90-minute, hands-on sessions on consecutive Monday afternoons. The goal is to provide information that can help you build confidence in selecting your major.
Seats are limited! RSVP at ExperienceWMU.
- Paint Your Path
Hosted by the Office of Student Transitions
Jan 26 | 6 - 8 p.m. | Sangren, Room 1720
Join the Office of Student Transitions for a relaxed, friendly, creative opportunity to start the spring semester with a clear idea of what you want yours to look like! Bring a friend to enjoy some pizza, painting, and pop.
Drop-in
- CEHD Welcome Warm Up
Hosted by the College of Education and Human Development
Jan 27 | 10 a.m. - Noon | Sangren, Room 2510
Enjoy a cozy start to the semester with hot cocoa, waffles, and refreshments while connecting with your advising team! Full event info on ExperienceWMU.
Drop-In
- Bracelet Making and Mindfulness
Hosted by Health Promotion and Education
Jan 27 | 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Student Center, Room 2209
Join us for a mindful and educational event focused on improving mental well-being and social connection through bracelet making.
Drop-In
- BEP Showcase Event
Hosted by the Haworth College of Business, Zhang Career Center
Jan 27 | 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Schneider Hall, Room 2150
Learn about the Business Externship Program, network with staff, and grab free snacks and a t-shirt! Full event info on ExperienceWMU.
Drop-In
- Resume 1.0
Hosted by Career and Student Employment Services
Jan 27 | 2 - 3 p.m. | 2208 Student Center
Learn the basics of resume writing, including the standard chronological format and how to best highlight your accomplishments.
RSVP required: Sign up for this event on Handshake.
- Punch Bowl of Possibilities
Hosted by the Office of Student Transitions
Jan 27 | 6:30 - 8 p.m. | Sangren, Swain Library
Make your own goal punch card - Punch and snacks provided! Pick a goal (or more!) for the semester, and get inspired by the Well-Being Playbook to explore campus, try new hobbies, or make new friends.
Drop-In
- Donuts and Dogs with the Dean
Hosted by the College of Health and Human Services
Jan 28 | 10 a.m. - Noon | 1st floor atrium, CHHS Building
Meet therapy dogs, enjoy cider and donuts, and connect with Dean Lillian Smith and faculty.
Drop-In
- Coffee in the Cube
Hosted by the College of Fine Arts
Jan 28 | 10 a.m. - Noon | Richmond Center for Visual Arts Student Lounge (second floor)
Free coffee and donuts with a student panel available to answer your questions.
Drop-In
- Graduate Program Overview
Hosted by the WMU Graduate College
Jan 28 | 10 a.m. - Noon | Student Center, Main Floor, Browsing Table
Learn about graduate programs, enjoy treats, get some swag, and talk with staff about advancing your education.
Drop-In
- Winter Warm Up with CAS (Chili and Snacks)
Hosted by the College of Arts and Sciences
Jan 28 | 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Dunbar Hall, Lobby and Room 2101
Vote for your favorite chili, enjoy snacks, and mingle with professors and advisors.
Drop-In
- Warm Up: Pizza and a Plan
Hosted by Merze Tate College
Jan 28 | 12 - 2 p.m. | Ellsworth Hall, Merze Tate College Community Room 1343
Join us for free pizza and drinks while creating your semester success plan using the WMU Well-being Playbook.
RSVP Required - Sign Up on ExperienceWMU
- Support Without Stigma
Hosted by Disability Services for Students
Jan 28 | 2 - 4 p.m. | Seibert 2110 (Provost's Conference Room)
Open house style session to ask questions, learn about resources, and accommodations to see if they're right for you!
Drop-In
- Scholarship Writing Strategies
Hosted by Haworth College of Business
Jan 28 | 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. | Schneider, Communication Center
This workshop will teach you how to: Communicate your credentials effectively, learn how to answer application essay questions for different types of scholarships, and brainstorm ideas on what to put on a scholarship application.
Seats are limited: RSVP on ExperienceWMU.
- Business Bash
Hosted by the Haworth College of Business, Zhang Career Center
Jan 29 | 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Schneider Hall, Quiet Study Lounge and Dean's Conference Room
Meet RSOs, college departments, and career center partners while enjoying games, prizes, snacks, and free Jimmy Johns. This event is not SPuRS approved so there is no need to swipe, come and go as you please! Full event details on ExperienceWMU.
Drop-In
- Interviewing Workshop
Hosted by Career and Student Employment Services
Jan 29 | 11 a.m. - Noon | 2208 Student Center
Learn the STAR method for answering tough questions, craft a memorable introduction, and discover tips that will help you stand out from the competition.
RSVP required: Sign up for this event on Handshake.
- Job Fair Prep
Hosted by Career and Student Employment Services
Jan 29 | 2 - 3 p.m. | 2208 Student Center
Explore career resources, research potential employers, and create a personalized strategy to maximize your experience.
RSVP Required: Sign up for this event on Handshake.
- Cocoa at the CoA
Hosted by the College of Aviation
Jan 29 | 2 - 4 p.m. | Aviation Education Center - Fire Pit
Join CoA faculty and staff for hot cocoa, smores, and conversation around the CoA Fire Pit.
Drop-In
- Puzzle & Play
Hosted by the College of Engineering and Applied Science
Jan 30 | 1 - 3 p.m. | Floyd Hall, Room E-121
Join us for a fun and social drop‑in event filled with brain‑boosting puzzles and hands‑on games. Take a break, connect with fellow students, and have a snack in a relaxed setting.
Drop-In
- FOCUS Kalamazoo Volunteer Event
Hosted by Community Engaged Learning
Jan 30 | 1 - 2:30 p.m. | Student Center, Room 2209
Come for games and career and life stories shared among students and senior residents of Heritage Community of Kalamazoo. Games and prizes included!
RSVP Required - Seats fill up fast! Sign up on Experience WMU
- Be Job Fair Ready: Dress for Success
Hosted by Career and Student Employment Services
Jan 30 | 2 - 4 p.m. | 2nd floor of Kohrman Hall
Step into confidence and style at Boutique Shopping Without the Price Tag, a signature Western Warm-Up Week experience designed to help you look and feel your best for the upcoming job fairs and professional opportunities. Try on professional clothing, learn styling tips, and prepare for job fairs with confidence.
RSVP required: Sign up for this event on Handshake.
Month-by-Month Roadmap
Get Involved
One of the most important parts of a successful undergraduate experience takes place outside of the classroom. Joining a registered student organization is a great way for students to find a community at WMU. If you’re already involved in an RSO, your second year is the perfect time to consider leadership opportunities that will help to build your resume.
- Check out WMU Well-Being Playbook to discover all the opportunities WMU has for you and how getting involved can make your college experience even better!
Visit Experience WMU Events to learn about registered student organizations and events taking place on campus every day.
Exploring Study Abroad
A study abroad experience is one of the most transformative opportunities available to you as an undergraduate at WMU. Whether you want to spend a full semester abroad on your own or two weeks with a faculty member and a class of fellow Western students, there’s a program for you here. While studying a foreign language is always encouraged, this is not a requirement for a study abroad experience! Ready to start exploring?
- Schedule a time to attend an Information Session.
- Explore and apply to programs – Broncos Abroad
Declaring a major
- Visit Exploratory Advising for tips on how to get started.
- Still having trouble? Navigating the future can be overwhelming! Consider booking a career advising appointment.
Plan for the spring semester
- Be sure to meet with your academic advisor before spring class registration begins.
- Review your Degree Works Plan on your own and with your advisor, and make changes as needed. Here are 10 ways Degree Works can help during registration.
Important Dates
- Class Registration – Registration for spring classes begins in October. Be sure to check your priority registration date.
- The FAFSA federal application for the 2026-27 academic year will be available Oct. 1 and covers the academic year from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027. More information is available at wmich.edu/finaid/apply and at studentaid.gov.
Thanksgiving break is a great time to rest, restore, and connect with family and friends. If you plan ahead, you won’t have to spend your entire break doing homework!
Finals will be here before you know it. If you’re struggling in a class, ask for help! WMU has multiple offices that provide academic support for students in every major.
- Bronco Study Zone
- Learning Assistant Program
- Peer Academic Success Coaching
- Supplemental Instruction Program
- Writing Center
Financial Aid and Scholarships
- Scholarships aren’t just for first-year students! Many WMU students benefit from scholarships offered through academic departments and programs. And, through generous support from donors, WMU has over 50 endowed scholarships available to students.
- Access WMU’s ScholarshipUniverse to apply for WMU scholarships as well as many external scholarships. Applications open Dec. 1 and are due as early as Feb. 15.
Stressed about final exams?
- Take some time to check in with the free digital tools: YOU at Western and Welltrack. If you need additional support, we encourage you to consider the offerings at Counseling Services.
- Waldo Library, Sindecuse Health Center, and various student organizations offer events and activities designed to destress during finals and throughout the rest of the year.
Get to know your faculty
Talk to your professors after class or visit them during their office hours. Introduce yourself. Talk about your major or what you like about the class. Ask them about the research they’ve done. Ask them for help or for opportunities to get involved in things they’re doing on campus. Professors are an invaluable resource for you. They’re also human and they enjoy college students. That’s why they’re here!
Attend Western Warm-Up Week
Kick off the spring semester by joining Western Warm-Up Week (January 26–30)! This is your chance to explore campus, connect with faculty and staff, and discover the programs, resources, and opportunities available to second-year and transfer students. Stop by events in your academic college or other departments, ask questions, and get a head start on making the most of your semester.
Consider applying for a job with the Office of Student Transitions
OST hires over 200 student employees for various positions every year. As Orientation Student Leaders, Peer2Peer Mentors, FYE Co-Instructors, and Fall Welcome Ambassadors, these students are dedicated to creating an open and welcoming campus community for its various student populations.
Check out Student Leadership Opportunities to learn more about various positions and look for applications on Handshake in January or February.
Career Fairs
It’s the season of career fairs and time to think about internships! Even for second-year students, job and internship fairs are important. These events are a good way to get an experience lined up for the summer and build connections with potential employers who are looking for college students of all levels and majors.
Money Management
Financial literacy Is essential, and college is a great time to learn about your personal finances. Whether you’re looking to finance your costs of college or just learn how to eat smart on a budget, the Sanford Center for Financial Planning and Wellness has something for you. Attend a workshop or speaker event or schedule some time with a peer financial coach to help you with budgeting, debt management, saving, credit cards, student loans, or comparing job offers.
Class Registration
It’s hard to believe but it’s time to think about fall classes. Make sure you meet with your academic advisor again this semester to be sure you stay on track and find your priority registration date and time online.
You’re halfway through your college career
Take a moment to celebrate this huge accomplishment, but don’t forget to finish the year strong! Summer is coming and the weather is getting warmer. Plan ahead so that you can enjoy this time on campus while continuing your academic success.
Explore Kalamazoo
You know WMU’s campus well so now’s a great time to get to know the surrounding city. With art hops, festivals, great restaurants, and nightlife, and plenty of parks and trails, there’s something for everyone. Visit Discover Kalamazoo to read about some favorite events and activities.