What resources and advice should freshmen capitalize on?
Welcome to the University of Rhode Island! You’ve survived your first couple weeks of school here as a freshman. Congratulations! The beginning of freshman year can be scary. You have to move into a shoebox with people you’ve never met. You have to learn to share two showers with a dozen people who always want to shower at exactly the same time. You have to focus on making new friends and finding where on campus the buildings are for all your new classes. And you have to start eating three meals a day at the dining hall, two of which will probably consist of pizza.
All these new adjustments are scary and intimidating. Being a freshman is daunting and often leaves you with so many unanswered questions. The sophomores, junior and seniors now were all in your place not too long ago. It’s not as intimidating as it may seem, and upperclassmen can offer advice on how to handle the start of this new adventure.
Senior Johnny Morabito believes that in order to make the most of your time in college you should step outside of your comfort zone and try new things.
“My advice would be that a lot of people might say to find your people and do what you love in college, but I actually believe that you should never settle with the friends you have,” Morabito said. “Always try to meet new people and have as many experiences as you can. College is a short time in our lives and we’re lucky to have an opportunity to try so many things you otherwise wouldn’t get a chance to do. Go join the Fencing Team for a practice, go help build a home for Habitat for Humanity, check out what the Sailing Club is doing, and so much more. Live a college life because it’s a life to make memories.”
Sophomore Emma Hayes believes it’s important to have fun, but managing your time well is the key to success at URI.
“My advice to freshmen is to work on time management,” Hayes said. “It’s so easy to get caught up in all the fun things college has to offer, but don’t forget the main reason you’re here is for education. If you prioritize getting your work done it makes the free time you have so much more rewarding, and the overall experience less stressful.”
Senior Katie Hausherr advises first-year students to keep their mind open to new ideas and opportunities and make friends with everyone.
“Be open to any possibilities and go into everything with an open mind,” she said. “Remember that no one really has friends yet and that everyone’s in the same boat as you. And be social in your major related classes. Those are the people you’re going to be with for the next four years. They make awesome study buddies.”
Senior Molly McMahon suggests that new students join a new club or team.
“My biggest piece of advice to any freshman is join an organization you’re excited about,” McMahon said. “Whether it be an old sport or a completely new club, just getting involved on campus and meeting new people was the best thing I ever did.”