College Tips 101

Even though I've only been in college for a year, I feel that I have acquired some valuable tips that may be helpful for incoming First-Year students.

Entering college can seem scary and intimidating. But have no fear! Freshman Orientation is the time to make new friends and to meet new people, so don't be afraid to walk up to people and introduce yourself. Don't stress too much about your future five or ten years from now. Focus on being a student first and on doing your best in your classes. Remember to work hard, but also play hard. Balance your schedule with clubs, events and get involved with different activities around campus (You're only a freshman once!) Make sure that you're always prepared for your classes; being organized is key. Be open minded and keep a positive attitude for everything.

College is a time of exploration. When I started college, I was excited to start a new chapter in my life. I was nervous at first, but the Drew community did a very good job making this school my second home and making me feel very welcomed. The people at Drew not only have open eyes and ears, but most importantly they have open hearts. Everyone here is kind and caring. Don't ever do something that you don't feel comfortable doing. Be yourself at all times.

Best of luck to the incoming freshman class!

Nearing The End Of My First Year At Drew

As spring quickly approaches, I realize how quickly my first year at Drew has flown by. There has been so many memories and friends made along with experiences and lessons learned that have helped me develop into a well-rounded individual.

My transition from high school to college, although daunting at first was something I found easy because of the accepting community on campus. From the classrooms, to the residence halls, and to the playing fields, there is something on campus for everyone. Smiling faces will welcome you to join a team or club and get involved!

In the classroom, I have constantly been challenged to learn new things, while expressing my opinion and accepting others. The beauty of a liberal arts education is having the freedom to study a variety of subject areas while simultaneously focusing in on your specific major. I have enjoyed the opportunity to immerse myself in different areas of study and I continue to learn new things each week.

So far, this year has been an amazing experience shared with lots of friends on my field hockey team, in the residence hall, and in my classes. I am looking forward to completing my first year on campus and look forward to the many more experiences and friends to be made. 

Spring is Approaching!

The snow is melting, the weather is getting warmer, and the days are getting longer. This can only mean one thing: Spring is approaching! I'm very excited for my second semester at Drew. There are so many activities happening on campus almost every weekend. From Bingo, to Open-Mic night, to Winter Fest, it's hard not to find something to do. With spring break just around the corner, students are getting ready to go home or travel to other destinations for the break.

I've always enjoyed the spring time because it brings a new light, a fresh beginning, and an opportunity to have a new start. I remember around this time last year, I was waiting to for my college acceptance letters in the mail. Drew was the first college I got accepted to, and I was so happy, relieved, and proud of myself to have been chosen by this magnificent institution. March 3rd was Accepted Students Day at Drew. The campus was filled with excited High School Seniors, in anticipation for making one of the biggest decisions of their lives. I think making the decision to come to Drew was probably one of the best decisions I've made. I absolutely love this school and everyone in it. I am very involved on campus with numerous clubs, activities, and a job. But of course my academics come first, and I take full advantage of all the academic services that Drew offers.

As a second semester first-year, I'm still exploring and learning more about college life. I feel very optimistic about this spring semester, and the other years to come!

Exploring Your Academic Interests

As the spring semester of my first year on campus is quickly underway I have been encouraged by both my professors and classmates to begin thinking about what I want to major in. Unlike many of my friends, I have a general idea of the career I want to pursue after graduation. Although I know what I want to major in, it is not uncommon for first year students to utilize their freshman year on campus to adjust and explore your academic interests.

Drew offers a variety of different majors and minors to choose from while delivering an intensive liberal arts education. One of the reasons I chose to attend Drew was the academic flexibility I have to study sociology and experience a liberal education simultaneously. Similarly, there are many professors who are friendly and helpful in advising which classes to take, and which major to choose. Although you do not have to declare your major until the end of sophomore year, many people at Drew will help you to explore your interests and build the foundation towards your future career. With so many majors and minors to choose from, along with a liberal arts education the academic opportunities at Drew University are endless.

First Semester Exam Week

Upon beginning my first exam week at Drew I was very focused, yet worried and stressed. Although I only had two exams to study for, they were both worth a whopping 25% of my final grade. An exam in college is much more than I anticipated and was not what I was used to in high school. Drew was very helpful throughout the entire studying process, giving me the necessary space, food, and resources for a successful exam week.

Beginning on Monday the residence halls enforced a 24-hour quiet rule so that the students could study peacefully throughout the day. Similarly, the library was open 24-hours a day, which was unbelievably helpful to my studying habits and productiveness. Also, food hours were extended which made getting a late night coffee or snack very easy! What I liked the most was that our athletic facilities were open throughout the week so that students could break a sweat in the gym or on the track and get a needed study break throughout the day. Overall the faculty and staff here at Drew really helped in making the transition from high school to college level exams much easier than expected, and the results will hopefully pay off!

Although exam week is stressful and tiresome, it is important to remember that staying calm, focused, and eating balanced meals will help you through the entirety of exam week and into a well deserved winter break.

Residence Halls as a Community

One of my biggest fears upon moving into my dorm room at Drew was whether or not I would have a good experience living in a large dorm with a lot of new and diverse people. Although I attended a boarding school, and was used to living away from home, the “unstructured” dorm life felt quite different.  In high school I lived in a single sex dorm with only forty residents and a mandatory “lights-out” policy, strictly enforced at 11pm. This kept everyone on exactly the same schedule. Now, living with over a hundred boys and girls in the dorm, I have been enriched by the diversity of the people around me.  Students from around the world are my neighbors and it is an incredible experience to be exposed to get to different cultures, religions, opinions and viewpoints. In the meantime, I’ve had to adjust and improve my time management skills and study habits.

            One of the most comforting aspects of living in a large dorm is the sense of community and care the residents have for one another. It has been a pleasant surprise to see the dorm community come together so easily to celebrate special events and theme nights such as Halloween, Cantina night, Casino night, and many more impromptu and fun dorm parties. Sharing food and drinks, listening to music, and participating in activities as a group makes me feel as though I’m part of something larger and special.

            I have had such a great experience living in Brown dorm thus far and I really look forward to the festive Christmas season activities and other holiday parties to come.