After a long summer, it is difficult even for upper-class students to get back into the swing of school. Between solidifying class schedules, buying books, settling into housing and balancing social lives, the first month of the school year is taxing on everyone. But first-year students do face somewhat different and unique challenges than the rest of campus does. While incoming students look forward to their college years as being some of the most exciting of their lives, most also look forward to just making it through the first days, weeks and months. This part of the year can be very exciting, but it can also be very overwhelming.
Many students are far from home, often for the first time.
Aside from adjusting to the routine of college classes and life in the residence halls, learning how to deal with this new independence and balance school and a social life - loneliness can be one of the greatest challenges of the first year. But it is important to keep perspective on all of these conflicting emotions. Even though it may sometimes feel otherwise, everyone is in the same position. While the size of the University can alienate students, it also can draw them in. There are hundreds of clubs and organizations at the University for which involvement is not only offered, but invited and should be encouraged.