First Year

freshman graphic

First Year

(0-29 Hours)

Welcome! We are so excited for our newest Mustangs to join us on the Hilltop, and want to make this an easy transition for you. Here is some information we found for any questions you may have.  

Need help? Visit the (ALEC) to gain tools and resources to help you with any academic struggles that you may be facing. Free tutoring services, learning skills course, and SMU's Writing Center are just some of the academic resources that are offered. 

Writing a research paper? Head to any of SMU's to meet with your librarian for any assistance you may need. 

Meet with your professor or TA during student office hours to ask questions and attain any clarification on content. 

Utilize your Canvas to navigate through courses and keep up with instructors efficiently.  

Evaluate your interests and career goals. Visit SMU's and take advantage of their services in career counseling and assessment. 

Explore SMU's to find the perfect degree(s) for you.

Meet with your academic advisor for information about potential degree paths and what classes you will need to take.

Take courses in different departments to explore a variety of areas of study. If you're interested in multiple areas, consider a double major or adding a minor. 

We are here to help! Reach out to your personal to gain advice and insight into courses that will best fit your needs.

Like planning things out? Utilize the tool in your Student Dashboard to help create a personalized degree plan to help you on your SMU journey. 

 

Have you checked out SMU’s personal requirements? SMU believes in the importance of providing their students with an educational foundation, resources to grow, and opportunities to thrive in any environment. This is why SMU has created the unique framework that all students must complete.


 


 

Always check your . Checking your calendar, grades, professor updates, and any other information you may need for a course can all be found in your personal SMU Canvas.  

 
Self evaluation. A simple tool that can help indicate your success within a course is simply evaluating your personal studying habits. Taking a step back and looking at how you are dealing with your work load is a great way to detect your academic strengths and weaknesses.

Have you been going to ? Meeting with professors and TA’s is a great way to get on top of any academic questions or concerns you may have.

Simple. Connect with other SMU students or form a study group.

Check out SMU’s various common study spaces. Either in your residential commons, Fondren library, or even in front of Dallas Hall, there are so many study environments around campus to meet with fellow Mustangs!

Attend . ALEC center provides SMU students with various workshop experiences that help with particular concepts or academic strategies. These workshops are a great way to meet other students who relate with specific academic needs as well. 


Let's walk through the . SMU wants to make this process as easy for you as we can, so we have provided easy access to all information you need when it comes to the admissions process including .

 

What if I'm an international transfer? It’s no wonder that mustangs from 90 countries around the world are happy to call SMU their home! There are many opportunities for involvement for any international transfers at the , along with assisting with any potential immigration help. Check out more information about international transfers

 
Want to see if your credits transfer? Great! Find more information and answers to any questions you may have. 

Discover various that SMU offers and see if you are eligible!

Check out to explore your interests, make friends, build skills, and discover over 200 student clubs and organizations just waiting for someone like you!

Looking for fun? Whether it’s an art exhibit, sport’s event, concert or cultural events There is always something fun going on at SMU! Visit to find upcoming events to join the fun!

Spiritual Life. Looking to pursue a spiritual life? Look into SMU’s campus ministries page.

Campus recreationand sports. Have a blast and stay in shape at the same time! SMU offers a variety of club sport team and a top notch Recreational Center with tons of fun activities including classes, pools, and a climbing wall!

Discover unique opportunities at With the variety of creative and different minds, there is always something to look forward to at SMU. Connect.smu is an amazing way to find and attend events, browse and join organizations, and showcase your own involvement. 

Check out the following program and services: , ,  , , and  are  just a hand-full of programs SMU offers.


Need help with financial aid? Contact SMU's office to gain information and assistance on any questions you may have. A financial aid advisor is assigned to all students and offers aid in the form of academic scholarships, grants, loans, and work study awards. 

If you are in need of academic accommodations, visit SMU's office to receive information on disability related services and determinations for requests. 

Have you experienced discrimination or harassment? Contact SMU's office of , who are here to help. 

Sexual assault. Visit SMU for immediate assistance and further information 

Having an Emergency? Please call 214-768-3333 for SMU police. If a non emergency please call 214-768-3388. 

Visit the  to experience an easy, fun way to stay active within the community. 

 Fuel up at both Lee Dining Hall and Arnold Dinning Commons, where you will find healthy and nutritional options for your dietary needs. 

Take care of yourself at SMU  where you will receive everything you need to take care of your own personal health. Provide consultations with physicians, sports medicine, women's health, dermatology, counseling, dental, and a pharmacy for your prescription needs.