Freshmen describe how they are feeling about the new year.
On Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, this year’s freshmen moved onto campus and began their journey at The University of Tulsa. Students were welcomed by peer mentors, faculty and staff. Following their move-in, freshmen had four days of StartTU Orientation. Led by peer mentors, the new students got accustomed to campus, learned how to navigate TU and the adjustment to college and met their new classmates. While TU makes an effort to help students adjust to college easily, there are still challenges to be expected for the newest members of the Hurricane family.
As a freshman myself, before coming to TU, I was nervous thinking about college. Knowing that I would be living in a new state with new people and having to take on new responsibilities sounded overwhelming. However, after being on campus for a couple weeks and starting classes, I am glad that I chose TU and am excited for the rest of the year.
When asked about their feelings surrounding college, many students shared similar feelings. Freshman Cole Murphy said, “I was worried about leaving everything behind and if I’d be able to thrive in such a different environment, but now that I’m here, I’m so glad I came.”
While many freshmen had similar hesitations to Cole and myself, some members of the class of 2028 were ready to begin their college journey and all that it would entail. Gabriel Buxton said, “I was excited to experience college and meet new people. I was eager to take the first step into my adult life.”
Whether freshmen were nervous or excited before getting on campus, the university has done its best to make the first few weeks enjoyable. There have been several events for students to take part in and meet new people at. Freshman Ellie Dunn said that her favorite experience on campus so far has been orientation, “specifically Glow Tour and Afterglow.” The last night of orientation, freshmen go on a scavenger hunt in their orientation groups, collecting glow sticks to see how well they know campus. The scavenger hunt ends at the New U where freshmen run through the fountains and dance at a glow and foam party.
Buxton also mentioned that his favorite experiences have been the events put on by the university, specifically “Afterglow and Sip n’ Slide. Everyone is always very happy and in the moment.”
Seeing everyone on campus having fun and realizing that we can both have fun and succeed in school has made college feel a little less intimidating to the new students.
After the first week of classes and living on campus, much of the class of 2028 finds themselves feeling excited and prepared for the year ahead. Chloe Magnon is feeling “mostly excited for college and the year ahead” and is “ready to get involved on campus and see what’s out there!”
Many freshmen are also looking forward to activities and finding new things to do. Cole Murphy is “looking forward to all the adventures” and says that his“initial concern was workload but I think I’ll manage” and “so far I’m really optimistic about the future.”
The freshmen have high goals for themselves and hope to make themselves proud. Ellie Dunn says, “I am excited to see where I am after this year!”
Even if there were nerves initially, the newest members of campus are looking forward to their adventures and feeling prepared for the next year.
