For some incoming freshmen, it is a sigh of relief-independence at last. But newly found freedom can lead to disaster when not balanced with responsibility.
“The independence was overwhelming at first. It was scary being there alone for the first time and not really knowing anybody,” said Ashley James, a recent U of M graduate.
However, Slade Kyle said realizing you are not alone is a huge help when you are starting your new life in college.
“I guess I was surprised at how friendly people were,” said Kyle, now a sophomore theater major. “I guess I anticipated it, but it never really occurred to me that everyone here is starting over and making new friends. People are just waiting for you to say hi and start a conversation with them.”
Incoming freshman math major Casey Barnett said making new acquaintances is definitely a concern for him.
“I think the hardest part of starting any new school or area is making new friends and allowing yourself to open up to the new ideas and practices of the people around you,” said Barnett.
However, the first semester is crucial for more than just making friends, according to upperclassmen.
“College is definitely a lesson about pacing yourself. You have to be careful not to get in over your head too fast,” said James.
And it’s for that very reason that The University makes an effort to prepare students before they get into situations of this nature.
“Most freshmen are concerned about getting lost in the shuffle,” said Brian Meredith, associate director of admissions. “It’s a change of environment from high school. They want to become a part of the institution and of student life, but we don’t want them to ever get lost in that shuffle.”
To help students, The University has set up programs such as the annual summer Frosh Camp where students can learn a variety of things about starting school and campus life.
“I think Frosh Camp prepared me so much,” said Kyle, who attended the camp last year and is now a counselor for it. “It was the thing that let me know that going to college was the right choice for me and that The U of M was the right place for me.”
James, who was a Frosh counselor for three years, said the information was priceless for helping freshmen not fall into the common traps of new-found independence.
“We had sessions everyday, and each one would talk about a different thing,” said James. “There were things about academics, such as study tips, where you can go to study and where you can get tutored. There were other things, like how to manage your money, and ways to get involved on and around campus.”
And information such as this is valuable in keeping students from tumbling into a heap of trouble their first semester.
“We’ve all had that friend who has drunk too much or done other things their first semester that have caused them to flunk all of their classes,” said Kyle. “And most of them look back and say I wish I hadn’t partied so much, and I’m going to have to get my act together before I get kicked out of school.”
For incoming freshmen like Barnett, however, he hopes to stay clear of things of this nature.
“Grades come first. At the end of the day, people will not always be there for you, and you will only have yourself to blame for your situation,” said Barnett.
Kyle agreed that it is important to set proper priorities.
“I think the most important thing is to always keep your mind on why you are going to college,” said Kyle. “If you keep your eyes on that goal you will make good decisions. Your college career is what you make of it.”
