My FYE: My First Year at Morehouse

A student’s first year at Morehouse College is defined by discovery, growth, and a deep sense of belonging. From the moment new Men of Morehouse step onto campus, they are welcomed into a community committed to academic excellence, personal development, and purposeful leadership.

New Student Orientation (NSO): The Beginning of the Journey

The First-Year Experience truly begins with New Student Orientation, one of Morehouse’s most storied traditions. During this week-long introduction, students learn the values, expectations, and history that shape the culture of the College.

NSO brings students together for seminars, traditions, campus tours, and community-building activities. They meet peer leaders, faculty, and administrators who help them understand what it means to become a Morehouse Man. The experience sets the tone for the year ahead—instilling pride, discipline, and a strong sense of unity among the incoming class.

For many, NSO is the moment when they transition from being prospective students to active members of the Morehouse brotherhood.

A Community That Feels Like Home

Students soon discover that the Morehouse brotherhood extends far beyond NSO. Residence halls, campus walkways, and classrooms become spaces where lifelong friendships are formed. Upperclassmen often serve as mentors, offering guidance on navigating campus life, academics, and the traditions that define the College.

This sense of connection ensures that every student feels welcomed and supported from day one.

The First-Year Experience: A Foundation for Success

The First-Year Experience (FYE) provides structured support during the transition to college. Courses like Crown Forum and first-year seminars introduce students to the College’s mission, history, and expectations. Advisors meet regularly with students to help them explore academic interests and develop strong study habits.

Through a blend of academic programming and individualized guidance, students begin building the foundation for a successful and purpose-driven college journey.

Academic Rigor with Genuine Support

Morehouse demands excellence, but it also provides the tools students need to achieve it. Professors are approachable and invested in student growth, encouraging active engagement and intellectual curiosity. Campus resources such as tutoring, study groups, and academic workshops help students adjust to the rigor of college coursework.

These experiences encourage discipline, time management, and a commitment to continuous learning.

Leadership from the Start

Leadership is woven into every part of campus life. First-year students discover early that opportunities to lead are abundant and accessible. Many begin getting involved through student organizations, community service, and class-wide initiatives.

In residence halls, classrooms, and campus programs, students learn that leadership is encouraged, expected and nurtured.

A Campus Alive with Opportunities

At Morehouse, campus life is more than just classes. The College supports a vibrant network of recognized student organizations (RSOs) and clubs, over 70 in total — covering a wide range of academic, social, cultural, artistic, service, and athletic interests.

Students can explore:

• Academic / Pre-Professional Clubs for those interested in specific career paths or academic fields; these clubs help build networks and enhance skills early. 

• Artistic / Creative Groups for expression through music, arts, performance, and creative media. 

• Cultural Clubs supporting and celebrating the diverse backgrounds, identities, and communities represented at the College. 

• Fraternal Life fraternities and social fellowships, guided by national organizations, offering friendship, service, character development, and lifelong connections. 

• Honorary Societies for recognizing academic achievements and offering additional leadership or service opportunities. 

• Service & Social Justice Groups for students passionate about community engagement, activism, social equity, and civic responsibility. 

• Special Interest & Club Sports supporting hobbies, interests, athletic activities, and community among students outside typical varsity sports. 

Governance & Campus-Wide Engagement: Student Government & Campus Alliance

Student life at Morehouse also includes active student governance and campus-wide programming through the Student Government Association (SGA) and the Campus Alliance for Student Activities (CASA). 

• SGA represents all enrolled students and gives them the opportunity to voice concerns, influence student life, and lead institutional changes. 

• CASA organizes large-scale events throughout the year — such as Homecoming, Spring Fest, Diversity Awareness Week, Mental Health & Wellness initiatives, and other awareness or community-building events. 

This structure helps students contribute to and shapes campus culture, traditions, and student experience from day one.

Service, Civic Engagement & Leadership Development

Service and social responsibility are central to life at Morehouse. The Bonner Office of Community Service offers multiple pathways for students to engage with the Atlanta community and beyond through volunteering, civic engagement, social justice initiatives, outreach, and scholarship-supported service work. 

Students involved with the Bonner program or other service-oriented organizations have opportunities to:

• Participate in community service projects tutoring, outreach, food drives, environmental and social-justice work. 

• Engage in structured service learning, leadership training, and civic engagement that foster real-world impact and personal growth. 

• Develop critical skills empathy, social awareness, civic responsibility, leadership, and a commitment to service that aligns with Morehouse’s tradition of producing socially conscious leaders. 

Becoming Part of a Legacy

Throughout their first year, students begin to understand the profound legacy they are joining. Morehouse traditions, historic milestones, and the influence of distinguished alumni all serve as daily reminders of the College’s mission to develop leaders of distinction.

With NSO, RSOs, governance, service, and campus programming, the first year becomes more than a transition, it becomes a transformation. Students adjust to academic rigor with support from peers, mentors, and professors. They explore passions, create friendships, and begin building a network that can last a lifetime.

They find outlets for creativity, community service, leadership, cultural connection, and professional growth. Morehouse offers a college schedule and an experience. 

This sense of legacy inspires students to strive for excellence and carry forward the values that define the Morehouse experience.