The first-week school recap was just like any other first week. There is this
thing called Bred Week, which is when Student Success host different events for
the incoming freshmen throughout the week. For Bred Week for the Freshman,
they had little events for them before everyone came back to school. Some things
they did were a scavenger hunt, a freshman talent show, a carnival, a line dance
party, and at the end of the week it was freshman confirmation. Also, the Office of
Student Activities had stuff to do on campus, like a movie drive-in, they also
hosted a welcome-back extravaganza when all the different organizations were on
the yard and were just telling people about their organization. They had a day party
in front of the new dorm to bring people out also. They had a campus cleanup to
help people get some community service coming back fresh on campus. But now
let’s talk about what is like for the first week of college for many different people.
The first week of college is a transformative period filled with a blend of
excitement, anxiety, and discovery. For many students, it’s their first taste of
independence, away from the familiar comforts of home. The initial days are
packed with orientation sessions designed to help new students navigate the
campus, understand the academic expectations, and start building a social network.

Academically, the first week serves as a crucial introduction to the classes
and structure of college courses. Professors distribute syllabi, outlining the
semester’s assignments, and reading lists, and letting them know when exams are.
This is the time to get organized, purchase necessary textbooks, and set up a study
schedule. The shift from high school to college-level coursework can be scary but
there’s a greater emphasis on self-directed learning and critical thinking. Unlike
high school, where teachers often guide students through the material, college
professors expect students to take the initiative. This independence can be both
liberating and daunting, but it fosters a deeper level of intellectual engagement and
personal responsibility.
Socially, the first week is equally significant. Dorm Life introduces students
to the joys and challenges of sharing living. Sharing a room with a stranger
requires negotiation and compromise, but it also offers a unique opportunity to get
close bonds. Many lifelong friendships begin in these early days. Campus life is
vibrant, with numerous clubs, organizations, and social events dying for attention.
Joining these groups is an excellent way to meet people just like you and start
building a sense of community. Whether it’s a sports team, a cultural club, or an
academic society, these extracurricular activities make the college experience and
provide a welcome spirit from the academic grind.
The first week also involves a lot of difficult tasks. Students must figure out
their class schedules, locate lecture halls, and understand the public transportation
system if they are doing it. There are often welcome fairs where local businesses
and campus services set up booths, offering everything from banking information
to free pizza. These events are not only practical but also add to the festive
atmosphere of the first week.

Emotionally, the first week is a rollercoaster. The excitement of new
experiences is often tempered by homesickness and the stress of adjusting to a new
environment. However, most students find that these feelings ok as they start to
settle into a routine. The support systems provided by the college, including
counseling services and peer mentorship programs, are invaluable resources for
navigating this transition.
By the end of the first week, most students have begun to adjust to things.
There’s a sense of accomplishment in having survived the first week and a growing
anticipation for the journey ahead. The first week of college is just the beginning,
but it’s a steppingstone that sets the tone for the rest of the academic journey. It’s a
time of growth where students start to find their identities both academically and
socially and lay the groundwork for their future success.