Embarking on the First Year

My freshman dorm room in Leo Hall. Photo by Ava Battinelli '26

College is difficult. 

Whether you’re a student commuting to class each day or someone who just landed from a seemingly endless flight, the challenges you face may seem different, but the struggles of first-year students are a shared experience. 

Between new classes, new friends and new living conditions, the uncertainty of college can seem endless. 

One of the first, and perhaps the most difficult steps in attending college away is the initial move. Between packing your belongings, finding a roommate, choosing your classes and getting acclimated to your new environment, there are bound to be bumps along the road. 

After unpacking your bags, walking around campus to find your classes, and finally saying goodbye to your parents, the shock sets in. Suddenly, you find yourself alone, maybe even in a different state, sitting across from a stranger with whom you suddenly share a 12x12 room. 

Therefore, a familiar face in the hallway can make all the difference.

So, keep an open mind and make friends. For those living on campus, prop your door open from time to time and say hello to people in the hallway. Whether it seems like it or not, everyone is in the same boat as you: trying to navigate a brand new place with brand new people. 

Making friends is a process you should start when you get to school, but it’s also one that should continue throughout your time at Marist. You may end up in unexpected living arrangements throughout your four years, and you’ll definitely end up in classes without a familiar face. Putting yourself out there is a skill that no one truly masters, but it gets easier with practice. 

Luckily, at Marist University, there are plenty of spots to engage with the community. Take a walk by the green, grab a bite to eat in one of the dining locations on campus or hang out in your dorm building's common room. 

You’d be surprised how many events take place on campus; between all of the activities Marist’s Student Programming Council hosts, and the wide variety of clubs or intramurals you can join, you’re bound to find your people. 

But, after becoming slightly more acclimated to your new environment, another curveball is thrown at you: classes. Between the inevitable 8 a.m. classes and two-and-a-half-hour-long 6:30 p.m. classes, your new schedule may seem never-ending.

This advice may sound like a given, but it must be said: throughout your academic career, staying organized is essential. Keep a calendar, go to class and submit your assignments on time. Though certain tasks seem daunting, keeping track of your tests and assignments and attending class will help you stay ahead. 

A little tip for this week: read your syllabus. Though they’re long and wordy, reading your syllabus will give you an exact preview of what you can expect this semester. For example, it will outline whether or not you have a final exam, how to prepare for certain days or how many absences you’re allowed to have in the class. In other words, 10 minutes of reading can wind up saving you from being unprepared and falling behind for an entire semester. 

Additionally, foster an environment that prioritizes academics. Grab a bagel and a coffee from Fox & Lox, sit down in the library with friends and get your work done. Don’t forget: your professors are here to help you. Don’t be afraid to go to office hours and reach out to them regularly. At Marist, with relatively small class sizes, it’s possible and encouraged to engage with your professors daily. Know their name, and tell them yours; a quick introduction can go a long way. 

While academics and your social life are key in college, the most important advice to note is to take care of yourself. 

Prioritize your mental and physical health. Pay attention to your mind and body and listen to yourself if you feel you might need help. If you’re having a difficult time with anything at all, Marist’s Health and Counseling Services are here to help; give them a call and stop by. 

If you’re living away for the first time, it can be difficult to do certain tasks, such as laundry, keeping a balanced diet and maintaining a clean space. For those living with a roommate, keeping your very, very small space clean is a must; the difference between a clean and messy room can be a pivotal factor during your first year. 

These few tips may seem obvious, but when acclimating to one of the biggest changes you may face in your life, it's easy to forget the basics. Don’t forget to slow down and take each day at a time. 

The four years at Marist will be over in an instant, take it from a senior who remembers her first day like it was yesterday. Make the most of every moment; they might not all be joyful, but every experience will teach you something if you look at it from the right perspective.