Being an incoming freshman on any campus is not an easy task. There are a lot of thoughts that run through your mind. It’s almost like going off to kindergarten or riding a bike without training wheels for the first time. It can be a calming experience and not so overwhelming when you have helpful guidance.
If anyone can guide incoming freshmen properly, it would be the senior class. Seniors have truly lived and learned as they’ve made their way through college those four years. They have seen change in so many ways during their time and they too have been changed in four years by their time spent at Loyola.
In going back down memory lane writing this story. I remember going off to college in fall of 2004. Yes, you did the math correctly, that was 20 years ago. I am supremely thankful for the guidance I received from older cousins who were still on campus when I arrived to give me the experiences that I will remember forever.
Senior English major and Maroon staffer Natalie Thomas shared her feelings and tips she might have for incoming freshmen. She revisited the feelings that new, incoming students normally feel. “I felt a bit overwhelmed by the new environment. I was nervous but also excited about starting college and figuring things out on my own. I remember being able to adjust pretty quickly once classes started and I met more people.”
The first tip Natalie offered was pertained to meal plans and how to save money as an incoming freshman.
“I learned that choosing the meal plan really is up to you. I remember getting the plan that covered three meals a day because it seemed logical at the time. I learned by the end of the semester that I had money left on my card and I was a bit annoyed that I had prepaid for something I didn’t end up using entirely.”
“Now that I live off campus, I use the commuter meal plan which I like because I don’t feel like some of my money is going to waste. I would recommend figuring out how much you usually eat before purchasing your meal plan and don’t be afraid to request a change after the first semester.”
Many freshmen feel anxious about making friends.Natalie shared her strategy for making new friends that could possibly span a lifetime.
“I found that joining clubs and getting involved really helps provide a setting to meet people. I serve as President of the Loyola Literary Alliance and work with The Maroon which has given me some great opportunities to connect with people who share similar interests,” Natalie concluded.
