Freshman year guide

TOBY REEVES
GRAPHIC DESIGNER

ADITYA HIREMATH
STAFF WRITER

9/8/2025

Freshman year at Alma College is a time filled with excitement, change, and plenty of challenges. For many students, it is the first time stepping into independence: living away from home, managing their own schedules, and learning how to balance social life with academics. At first, all of this can feel overwhelming. But I think it is also the beginning of an incredible opportunity. The decisions and habits freshmen form during this year set the stage for the rest of their college journey.

One of the first and most important steps is building comfort with campus itself.

 “I think the freshman should be able to feel comfortable with a good understanding of the campus,” said Reece Miller (’27). College becomes less intimidating once you know your way around. 

The library, Writing Center, Math Help Center, dining halls, and study lounges are more than just buildings, they are resources and safe havens that students can turn to each day. It’s all about building that support network from the very beginning. Comfort leads to confidence, and confidence allows students to focus on growth. Even small things like knowing the best place to grab coffee before class or finding a quiet corner in the library help build a sense of routine.

“Academically they’re gonna struggle at first most likely and there’s nothing wrong with that as long as they’re trying and they’re doing things to ensure their success later,” said Chris Ulysse (’27). Struggling doesn’t mean failure, it means you are learning how to adapt. I think academics, however, often bring the biggest adjustment. College classes move faster than high school, the assignments are more demanding, and professors expect more independence. 

What matters most is the effort you put in and your willingness to ask for help when you need it. It is also important to remember that professors are here to guide you. There is no need to hesitate in reaching out during office hours or after class, they genuinely want to help us succeed and are often more approachable than we might think.

“I would love to think that they are comfortable enough to join an organization on campus, sometimes they just need a little push,” said Miller. I think that joining a organization, club, sport, or organization is one of the best ways to meet people, develop new skills, and create a sense of belonging. The relationships built in these spaces often last far beyond college. 

Of course, challenges such as homesickness, stress, and uncertainty are natural in the first year. These struggles should not be ignored, but I think they should also be taken in as part of the growth process. Learning to manage emotions, balance responsibilities, and lean on support systems is part of the freshman experience. I think these moments of difficulty teach strength, independence, and problem-solving skills that will help the students for rest of their lives.

Freshman year can be a truly great time as students embark on a journey of self-discovery. It’s a time of exploration, where you may try out different study habits, join clubs that you like, or even step away from those that don’t feel right. Navigating life with roommates can also bring its own set of challenges. I think it’s important for freshmen to remember that it’s completely okay not to have everything sorted out immediately. College is not about achieving perfection, it’s about growing and learning from each experience, even the mistakes. Embrace the journey and know that it’s perfectly normal to be figuring things out as you go.

I think, freshman year at Alma College is about more than academics or social life. Instead, it is about striking a balance between the two while pushing yourself to grow. I think that if students use the resources available, stay open to new people and ideas, and have the courage to explore, they will find Alma to be not just a place to study, but a place to belong. Freshman year is a chance to take risks, to make mistakes, and to learn from them.