First Year: NDSU Freshmen Students Reflect on Their Year

The first year of college is nerve-racking and full of surprises and hardships. It truly is a trial run, beginning in a new place, meeting new people, getting a taste of adulthood, navigating challenging academics and discovering more about yourself. This article asks two NDSU students — freshman McKinnlee Haberman majoring in agricultural education and freshman Alessandra Simmons majoring in strategic communication — how they acclimated to their first year at North Dakota State University and what advice they would give to those beginning college next fall.

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“The crushing uncertainty of whether or not I chose the right major or if I’ve doomed myself for the rest of my life,” said Simmons. Picking a major is difficult for many, and several students do end up switching, sometimes even multiple times over. Being young and having to decide what one wants to be for the rest of their life is no easy decision and that can be a stressor many freshmen face. Additionally, Haberman stated that “the initial adjustment period of being away from family” was the most difficult. This too is commonly experienced, especially as college students begin to navigate what life is like in the real world and take on the responsibilities of adulthood, often several miles away from loved ones.

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“Yes, yes, yes,” Simmons stated with enthusiasm. “It’s scary to put yourself out there, but you have to if you want community. I highly recommend joining clubs or Greek life because it gives you something to look forward to. That way, life doesn’t revolve around school.” Furthermore, Haberman responded similarly. “Joining fiber arts club gave me a way to find other people with similar interests.” Therefore, clubs, Greek life and other campus events can be a great way to get involved on campus, put yourself out there and find like-minded people. College can be an amazing experience where you find some of the most influential people in your life, but it all requires exposure and putting in effort to attend or join what interests you.

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“Anything and everything that sounded remotely interesting to me, and throw in a few you think you’ll hate because you never know unless you try,” said Simmons. Simply participating in something can engage you with the university’s community, opening up that door for you to begin making a place for yourself. Haberman offered similar advice. “Try out different clubs and get out of your comfort zone!” In consensus, do as much as you can during that first month, especially through events, organizations and clubs that pique your interest.

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One of the most difficult aspects of college is dealing with the stress and all that accompanies it. However, both Simmons and Haberman offered some great resources that aided them. Simmons used the campus counseling center and expanded on an application that helped her schedule out her day: “I love using Owaves to plan my days, especially when I’m in crunch time. Being able to see my whole day blocked helps me see times where I should rest and relax. I try to avoid all-nighters because of how much those negatively affect me, so I do my best to plan ahead and not have to do everything last minute.” Moreover, Haberman leaned on the wonders and motivation of sound: “Music, it is my saving grace!” You know you best, and if you don’t know what will assist you during those agonizingly stressful times, college will help you find out. But try not to worry, NDSU understands the pressure that you’re under as a student, and they offer several resources to help you combat the heaviness laid upon your shoulders.

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It can be extremely easy to overpack for college, especially because it is often the first place you’ve lived besides your childhood home. “I had so much clothing I never wore. If you don’t wear it at home, you won’t wear it on campus,” said Simmons. This also applies to those statement pieces you wear only once; maybe bring one, but it is quite unlikely that you’ll wear them all, so lighten your load and leave room for the essentials. Conversely, Haberman stated that “[the] printer [her] mom was convinced [she] needed” was the least necessary item she brought. “I only needed it when all the campus printers were down for two days.” That being said, trust your gut and know what you absolutely need. All the rest can likely stay home.

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While it varies for many whether they move away from family or not for college, school (and other duties like work) can take up most of your time and keep you from connecting with them as much as before. “Most of my family and friends are here with me so it’s been easy. I highly suggest scheduling a day and time to call your loved ones because it’ll never happen if you don’t schedule it,” Simmons stated. Haberman echoed similar advice: “I text and call frequently and send daily snaps [via Snapchat].” Our digital technology is definitely an advantage for connection and offers some of the most convenience when it comes to communicating and maintaining those relationships with family and friends.

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“For the plot! Alternatively, start the second an assignment is assigned.” – Alessandra Simons

“It could be worse, give it hell back.” – McKinnlee Haberman

Freshman year is no easy feat. It takes a lot of endurance and effort to make college feel like home. You’ll learn many lessons in your first year, and they will change the trajectory of your life and your views on the world around you, which definitely does not end when freshman year ends. So, congratulations to all the freshmen nearing the end of their first year, and good luck as you continue forward. And to those about to begin college, I hope you have received some beneficial insight into what the freshman experience is like. Get excited and come prepared, you’re in for a ride!