Life as a freshman at a university is often full of adaptations. It involves new people, new places and new ways to get involved. Life for freshmen at The University of Alabama is much the same. Now that the 2016-2017 school year is coming to a close, freshmen have a much different perspective of college now than when they first stepped on campus.

Nathan Singleton, a freshman majoring in economics, came to the University from Colorado. Singleton was drawn to the University because of scholarships and he was religiously called to come to Alabama. Singleton said since arriving on campus, he has had the freedom to do things he has never done before such as train for an Ironman competition and participate in an ultimate Frisbee club.

“It’s helped me become a more flexible person,” he said.

Singleton has also become involved with Church of the Highland’s college ministry since arriving to campus from Colorado. He also works for the English Learning Institute. 

Looking ahead, Singleton said he’s excited to move off campus so he can “get a kitchen and stop having to eat at Lakeside [Dining] so much.” 

Overall, Singleton’s first year has been one of tremendous growth. 

“I’ve learned how to become more disciplined with my time for studies and I’ve all in all really enjoyed meeting people in the state of Alabama, the Tuscaloosa area specifically,” he said. “It’s been great to experience the Southern culture.”

Another University freshman, Brandon Perdue, who is majoring in finance and economics, is an in-state student who fell in love with the University before even arriving on campus. Since coming to the University, Perdue said college has had a significant impact on his life. 

“You know, I’ve learned a ton through the Honors College and being able to have those smaller classes,” he said. “I’ve been mentored by some, you know, great professors and [they’ve] been really pouring all sorts of knowledge into me.”

In his first year, Perdue was able to be a part of the Student Government Association in a way that few freshmen are able to as a member of the First Year Council. Perdue authored a bill that allows for the appropriation of FYC funds, in order to “promote the success and autonomy of the First Year Council,” according to the bill. His bill was passed by the FYC and the SGA Senate.

“The process in FYC allowed me to develop a, for lack of a better term, a program of study almost in itself because I had to learn, you know, about how funding worked and things like that,” he said.

Looking back, Perdue said being involved with SGA, his church’s college ministry and a variety of other organizations has had an “absolutely positive impact” on his first year. Perdue said the only thing he would change about his first year, if he could do it over, would be to ask about the schedules and commitments some organizations require, in order to be sure his schedule is not stretched too thin. 

Perdue advised incoming freshmen to enjoy the week of welcome and to “take a deep breath.” 

“Just collect all the information that you can, and really analyze, you know, why you’re here and what you really, really want to do,” he said.