Transitioning to campus life can provide new experiences and opportunities, such as facing new academic expectations, meeting new people and navigating a vast campus.
While orientation programs and campus tours offer helpful overviews, graduating seniors who have reflected on their own journeys offer insight to help new students approach their first year.
“Step out of your comfort zone and be confident in all you do,” said Olivia Sharpe, a senior majoring in marketing. “Less people are paying attention to you than you think, so don’t let what people think stop you from doing something. Speak up in class, join clubs and groups where you may not know anyone and do things that make you nervous.”
Building relationships in and out of the classroom is important not only for social success, but for academic success as well.
“Make friends with your classmates and take that out of the classroom, especially classes for your major,” said Megan Wilson, a senior majoring in communicative disorders. “Find your place on campus. It’s so huge, and having your people will make it feel so much smaller.”
While friendships, classes and campus life are all major parts of the college journey, Mabrie Baker, a senior majoring in economy, said to consider the importance of faith and finding deeper community.
“Learn your faith for yourself, dive into learning and get plugged into a local body of people who have the same beliefs as you,” Baker said. “Take time to find your community. There is no reason your first friends can’t be there for you forever.”
Emilie Adams, a senior majoring in hospitality management, said she felt as though college is a gift because of all the people to meet and experiences to have.
“If you get overwhelmed, just remember this is a huge transition regardless of where you’re from, so give yourself grace and time to adjust,” Adams said. “No one has it all together, even if they seem like they do. Once you realize everyone is in the same boat, making friends and the adjustment to college becomes easier.”
