Navigating college and exploring a new city can be overwhelming but I can assure you that it will not be as bad as you might make it out to be. One key aspect that I noticed especially for first-year college students is the community within the dorm experience. Many students in the dorms are in the same situation you are when it comes to becoming acclimated to this new environment and way of life. Many people in the first week are super friendly, trying to make new friends and getting to know new people.
Another important aspect is the ASU Welcome Week Events that take place. During Welcome Week, ASU will have events and activities to attend for first-year students. These will be promoted through your community assistant at your residence hall and through Sun Devil Sync. Additionally, check your student emails, different departments and organizations will send updates about different events there as well.
The first week is an exciting time when you are truly immersed in a college community for the first time. For many people this is a huge change of pace and life, this allows people to be open to meet new people. Speaking from experience I was extremely nervous and excited for college but honestly, ASU has so many events and activities in which I have met some of my closest friends.
Some recommendations for first-year students: try your best to make a schedule for yourself and allocate time for food, leisure activities, and studying. Having a consistent schedule will allow you to be super successful and overall a well rounded student. This can take time and you might add commitments to your schedule so be open to change, especially within the first month.
Adding on, take a class that you might like within another field. In my first year, I came in as a political science student and now I added the majors of sociology and psychology. My first semester I took a sociology class and I enjoyed the content and thought it was incredibly interesting. So much so that I decided to add it to my degree!
Lastly, college is the beginning of being a young adult. This time in life is known to be confusing, difficult, and unclear. Do not let this deter you from accomplishing your goals and succeeding in any way. Embrace the uncertainty that comes with your early 20’s and make sure to always set aside time for yourself. I hope that within ASU you will find a community and support system that helps you through your college experience and will continue to be lifelong friends.
Sammy Cristerna (He/Him)
Junior
Political Science, Psychology and Sociology