The Freshman Experience: Pandemic Edition | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

The Freshman Experience: Pandemic Edition

Trying to grapple with a new environment during a global pandemic can be a little hard.

100
The Freshman Experience: Pandemic Edition
Photo by Scott Webb on Unsplash

I can see it now, standing in the heart of the student section at Beaver Stadium during the annual White-Out game, singing along Sweet Caroline on an electric Saturday Night as the football team wins yet another game putting us in a playoff seat. So close yet so far. That's how I imagined my Saturdays at Penn State to be as a freshman, not sitting in my dorm room, yet again, deciding whether I should have microwavable Mac & Cheese or Cheerios for dinner.

I don't want to be negative about this because essentially, I got what I wanted. I moved almost 4 hours away from home into my dream school and I didn't have to have my fall semester be all virtual like so many other schools. However, I can't help but feel disappointed. Don't get me wrong I absolutely love it here, but I just wish it was "normal".

Whenever anyone mentions college the typical response is that these years will be the best of your life. They hype it up to be some sort of end all be all time that's a turning point for your future. What they don't tell you is that the first few weeks can suck. It can be uncomfortable and awkward, which the pandemic doesn't help with.

Not only is it weird getting thrown into a completely new environment full of people you don't know yet, but meeting new people with masks on and trying to maintain social distance makes it even worse. Making friends just became ten times harder, with no classes to go to, no club meetings in person, and no campus activities to find your people. It's not impossible, but there are more obstacles in your way.

You can't ignore the risk others enforce every time they don't abide but the universities set guidelines. All of the money and effort that you put towards your education is threatened with each party and social gathering. I don't know about you, but I was hoping on staying for the full semester, not just staying for a two-week summer camp and getting robbed of thousands of dollars. It's not hard to wear a mask people. Respect others. Thank you!

Seeing as I'm only going into my second week as a freshman, I still have a lot to learn and experience. Who knows, maybe these will turn out to be some of the best years and I just don't know it yet? I'm excited to see where this road leads me because I know it's only the beginning and there is so much left to do. Take it from me, it's weird for everyone. No one was exactly prepared to have to start off their journey like this, take advantage of that.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

13882
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
college

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

6052
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

4484
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

3944
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments