First Year Advice

All of our staff have experienced what it was like to be a first-year student in college. Click here to find advice that our staff, both past and present, have for our incoming freshman class!

Freshman Connections Program

Take Part in Freshman Connections!

Welcome to William Paterson University and the Freshman Connections Program!  The Office of Residence Life is committed to providing a living environment that complements the transition to William Paterson and the learning experience of our first-year students. 

It is our intention that from the moment you walk on campus in late August, you will feel like part of the WPU community of students, staff and faculty.  Learning occurs both inside and outside of the classroom and we hope that you embrace all of the new and exciting opportunities that will be available to you.

First-year students will be housed in three different residence halls: Overlook North, Overlook South, and High Mountain East.  For specific information regarding the building layouts and other details, please refer to the residence halls tab under the current students section of this website.

We hope that you take advantage of getting to know the entire Residence Life staff and participate in programs throughout your freshman year that will help you become part of the William Paterson campus community.

Campus Resources

There are many offices on campus ready to help you, especially in your first year on campus.  Below are some of the offices that can be very helpful with your transition to William Paterson University.

Peer Academic Leaders

Do you need PAL assistance, but you aren't sure when they are available? Want to learn more about the PALs? Click here for more information!

Seven Weeks To Success

This is a program designed to connect you to other first-year students during the beginning of your first semester at WPU! Find out what our freshman residents experienced in Fall 2012 by clicking here!

Where Do I Go?

You can find a helpful map and guide to important campus locations by clicking here! Make sure to visit all of the links included on the second page!