Freshman year is an exciting time full of valued memories and learning experiences. You create bonds with people that you never thought were possible, you become more independent and you grow into yourself.
Freshman year is dubbed incomparable. This is very true. Comprehending the dynamics of college life while building lasting friendships is tough, but easily fulfilled. At times, freshman year is overwhelming — whether due to school or social stress — but in the end, you come out stronger and wiser.
TCNJ tries to acclimate its students to both college life and to each other through a series of activities compiled into “Welcome Week.” Truthfully, Welcome Week is a bit of a culture shock and tiresome, but it’s ultimately beneficial due to certain friendships you form. However, don’t put too much stock into every single friendship produced during Welcome Week. You have a whole year to make friends. Your FSP is one of the best places to build lasting connections- it’s where I met some of my best friends.
College life gets better as the year progresses and you become more comfortable with your surroundings. Additionally, you notice an unparalleled bond with your freshman floor, one that can only be described as the direct result of living with other people 24/7. Some of my fondest memories between my floormates and myself seem so insignificant to an outsider, but they truly were wonderful to my friends and I.
Moreover, take advantage of all that the campus has to offer. There is always something going on. There is a loop bus that goes to various shopping plazas, the movie theatre, and train stations every Tuesday and Friday night, and Saturday during the day. The College Union Board (CUB) also plans free bus trips, weekly activities, specialty night events, and concerts. Last semester, LMFAO, Mike Posner, and Sam Adams performed. Various clubs like Polish Club and Greek Club have food and dance festivals. We also have a holiday event and end-of-the-year carnival. There are movies shown every weekend and Tuesday night. Basically, there’s a lot of cool stuff happening at TCNJ.
I loved my time as a freshman on Travers 6, but now I am a sophomore, passing the figurative torch to you, the new freshmen (especially those on T6!) Appreciate and enjoy every second. Have a great freshman year!