UCF’s First Year Experience Ultimate Knight program is all about helping freshmen make the most of their college experience.

Through a series of themed workshops and events on topics such as healthy living or picking the “right” major, freshmen are encouraged to become active members of the university community.

This month, UCF freshmen are learning how to wisely manage their money. The First Year Experience (FYE) office offers a program that teaches students how to take control of their personal finances, along with tips on managing and using credit cards wisely and keeping their financial information secure. FYE works with SunTrust Bank to offer this information.

UCF’s Student Financial Assistance office also informs students about scholarship opportunities and managing student loans. Its next event, “Do You Know Your Financial Aid?,” will be held at 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 28, in room 218C of the Student Union.

“The Ultimate Knight is a great way to help students have well-rounded experiences at UCF and learn about everything the UCF community has to offer,” says Emily Jensen, the program’s coordinator. “It’s not too late for freshmen to get involved and become the ‘Ultimate Knight.’”

While January’s topic is “Get Savvy,” February events will be about choosing the right major and career exploration. The month’s motto – “Get to Work” – will help students start thinking about ways to build their resumes and find the careers that best match their personalities.

Upcoming events related to careers and academic majors include a Majors Fair on Wednesday, Feb. 16, in the Pegasus Ballroom and a workshop for exploring major and career options on Wednesday, Feb. 23.

You can learn more about upcoming events and see a listing of campus resources for careers and advising on the Ultimate Knight website.

Other topics throughout the school year encourage students to meet with their academic advisers, get involved on campus through clubs or experiencing new cultures, contribute to global community service and lead a healthy lifestyle physically and mentally. Teaching these skills prepares freshmen to “get it all together” – the overall goal for the “Ultimate Knight.”

“By setting realistic goals that are achievable, students learn how to ‘get it all together’ to become balanced, contributing members of the UCF community,” Jensen said.

Freshmen who attend Ultimate Knight events can earn LINK points – incentives from the FYE office that they can use in raffles and bids for local gift certificates, electronics and even UCF scholarships.

Students who attend one Ultimate Knight event each month during the fall and spring semesters are eligible to submit a video or photo essay toward winning one of four $250 textbook scholarships.

Learn more about how First Year Experience opportunities and the Ultimate Knight program at https://fye.sdes.ucf.edu/.