Starting college is a transformative experience for most young adults. It marks the beginning of new academic challenges, personal growth, and a whole new social world. For the approximately 1,500 freshmen who joined SRU this semester, it’s a journey of discovering independence, building new relationships, and finding their place in a larger community.
The transition from high school to college can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. Whether it’s moving away from home for the first time, managing a packed schedule, or adjusting to new academic demands, the first few weeks are full of new experiences. In this post, we’ll explore the perspectives of two SRU freshmen, Ian Squyres and Jordan McElravy, who share how they’ve embraced this exciting chapter in their lives.
The Emotional Transition
The emotional transition to college life is a significant one. For many students, it’s their first time living away from home, and with that comes a wide range of emotions—fear, excitement, and sometimes, homesickness.
Ian Squyres, a freshman double majoring in music education and performance, shared his feelings about leaving behind the familiarity of home and stepping into a new world. “It’s a big change. You’re going from one way of living to picking all of your stuff up and moving to another place with new people and a new environment,” Squyres explained.
This emotional upheaval is common among freshmen. It’s not just about adjusting to the new physical environment, but also about adapting to the psychological shift. Many students, like Ian, find themselves navigating a complex web of emotions as they transition from the safety and predictability of home to the excitement and uncertainty of college life.
Jordan McElravy, another freshman majoring in early childhood education, described how she felt before moving in. “Before I left, I was really sad to be leaving. Especially my cat, because she doesn’t know anything. I miss my pets. I was really sad to leave my house, but as soon as I got here and I got moved in, I was really excited,” she said. For many freshmen, leaving behind pets, family, and familiar comforts is tough, but the excitement of a new chapter often takes over once they begin settling into their dorms.
This emotional rollercoaster is not uncommon. One minute, students feel sad about what they’ve left behind, and the next, they’re excited by the possibilities that await. Jordan’s experience highlights an important aspect of this transition: while the initial move might be difficult, the excitement of starting fresh in a new place quickly outweighs the anxiety.
Making New Connections
One of the biggest challenges for college freshmen is making new friends. Coming into an unfamiliar environment where you don’t know many people can be intimidating, even for outgoing individuals.
Squyres admitted that the social aspect of college was something that initially concerned him. “One of the things that I was definitely concerned about was the social side of things. Not that I’m not a social person, but it’s still intimidating to come into a completely new area where you don’t know a whole lot of people,” he said.
Socializing in college often feels daunting, but it’s important to remember that everyone is in the same boat. Most freshmen are just as nervous and eager to form connections. Squyres, like many others, found solace in the fact that most students are experiencing the same emotions and uncertainties.
Jordan McElravy found her way into the social scene through her passion for dance. She joined the Illusions Dance Team shortly after arriving at SRU. “I’m excited to make that connection with everyone… to have this new dance family. I hope that as I keep dancing, it just grows and gets better and better over the years,” McElravy shared.
For freshmen, finding common interests with others—whether it’s through sports, clubs, or shared hobbies—plays a crucial role in easing the social transition. College offers numerous opportunities to meet new people, and the key is to actively engage in activities that align with your interests. By doing so, students like Jordan are able to form meaningful connections and create a sense of belonging within their new environment.
If you’re looking for tips on how to make new friends in college, check out this guide to navigating college friendships.
Time Management and Academics
One of the most significant adjustments college freshmen face is learning how to manage their time effectively. High school may have offered a structured environment with clear guidelines on when and how to complete tasks, but college demands a higher level of independence and responsibility.
Squyres touched on this challenge when he spoke about the difficulty of managing his schedule. “An important thing that I’ve been trying to figure out is how to manage just fitting some time to sit down and, just like, I don’t know, read a book,” he explained.
For most freshmen, balancing academic responsibilities with social activities and personal downtime is a new experience. Time management becomes an essential skill to master early on. Between lectures, study sessions, club meetings, and social events, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
One approach to better manage time is to create a weekly schedule that includes all classes, study blocks, and extracurricular activities. Setting aside specific times for relaxation and personal interests, such as reading or exercise, can help maintain a healthy balance. This time management guide for college students offers more strategies on how to stay organized.
The shift to college academics can also be exciting. Squyres is particularly enthusiastic about his coursework. “I think for me it’s getting to study what I have always wanted to study. You have music classes in high school, but you don’t have anything that really goes into it very much,” he said. For students passionate about their fields of study, college provides an opportunity to dive deep into subjects that truly interest them.
Campus Life and Activities
A big part of adjusting to college is learning to navigate campus life. SRU offers a wide range of activities and resources to help new students settle in, including the Week of Welcome (WOW) program. This event gives freshmen a chance to meet their peers, explore the campus, and engage in fun activities that help them feel more comfortable in their new environment.
During WOW, freshmen can learn about SRU’s many clubs and organizations, which provide opportunities for students to get involved and build lasting relationships. With over 100 clubs and organizations to choose from, there’s something for everyone, whether it’s academic clubs, cultural groups, sports teams, or creative arts organizations.
For freshmen like McElravy, joining a club is more than just a way to make friends—it’s an outlet for pursuing a passion. As a member of the Illusions Dance Team, Jordan is able to continue doing something she loves while creating bonds with fellow dancers. “I’m excited to have this new dance family,” she said, emphasizing the sense of community that comes with being part of a group.
Whether you’re into arts, sports, or academics, joining a club or organization can help you find your niche on campus.
Conclusion
The journey from high school to college is full of emotional, social, and academic adjustments. For freshmen at SRU like Ian Squyres and Jordan McElravy, the transition has been both challenging and rewarding. From navigating new environments and forming friendships to managing time and diving into subjects they’re passionate about, they’re finding their place in the SRU community.
While the first few weeks can be overwhelming, students are not alone in this journey. SRU offers plenty of support, including events like the Week of Welcome and numerous clubs and organizations, to help freshmen settle in. It’s a time of growth, discovery, and learning how to thrive in a new setting.
As freshmen continue to adjust, the excitement of new opportunities and experiences will shape their college years. The key is to embrace the changes, engage in campus life, and take advantage of the resources available. By doing so, students can make the most of their time at SRU and set the foundation for a successful and fulfilling college experience.
