By Josie Osborne, Campus News Editor
The beginning of an academic year is never easy. Students are flustered with first day nerves, nightmares about forgotten textbooks, and the labyrinth of seemingly never-ending hallways. Especially for freshman, acclimating to a new environment is challenging on its own; but, at least the rest of the class is in the same boat.
However, for transfer students, starting anew is even more intimidating, as their classmates have already made friends and gotten comfortable with the university in previous years. For transfer students, it can feel rather lonely and anxiety inducing. Thankfully, there are a variety of ways to make this transfer student transition easier.
Heaven Nazario, a junior majoring in English, transferred to Saint Leo University as a sophomore. Used to taking classes online from the comfort of her room, Nazario was both excited and nervous.
“I knew that eventually I would make friends,” Nazario says, “but at first it was a bit daunting” not knowing anyone.
The first recommendation, despite being repeated countlessly throughout academia and preached by professors, is participating in class discussions. It may seem annoying, but it is actually a great way to break the ice. Not only will professors be grateful for contributions, but classmates will begin to learn each other’s names, personalities, and faces by interacting more, even if it is in an academic environment.
Take advantage of group activities; because, while they may seem frustrating to those who prefer to work individually, group assignments allow students to get to know each other away from the usual silence of a lecture-based curriculum.
Nazario says this helped her feel comfortable as a transfer student, even if it seems simple.
“I think I needed some time to get used to the university lifestyle,” Nazario said. Attending her classes and getting to know the fellow students as the year progressed was her first step before joining clubs or attending events.
One of the benefits of Saint Leo being a smaller school and having smaller class sizes, is that it is easier to develop connections with classmates and professors. Despite the hierarchical differences that may appear intimidating, many professors are very willing to speak outside of class.
While it is their job to educate, it is also their responsibility to guide and help students, especially when it comes to matters concerning the university. Many professors are also involved with extracurricular activities, whether it be a book club, an honor society, or even a work opportunity.
Ryn Williams, a Saint Leo Alumna, says that while she wasn’t nervous transferring to Saint Leo in her sophomore year, staying close with her professors and joining organizations like Sigma Tau Delta and The Lions’ Pride Media Group helped foster the growth of her personal community.
Like those mentioned previously, there are many clubs and associations around campus that are always looking for new members, which helps with making new friends and establishing a deeper connection with the university as a whole. In this way, it is important to embrace interests. No matter how niche they may seem, Saint Leo has a variety of clubs that specialize in everything from anime and K-pop to gardening.
There are also a variety of intramural sports outside of recruitments, like tennis and dodgeball, as well as esports, that are avenues to new friendships. Some organizations, like honors societies, may even reach out to students via email; so, make sure to regularly check for any exciting opportunities. By joining one club, more opportunities may arise that allow students to branch out to others, creating more and more comforting connections.
Saint Leo almost always has an event or two in the works. Through the previously mentioned flyers and checking EngageLeo, students can find fun and sometimes educational events to attend that will provide memorable experiences and another way to make friends. From bingo and Moonlight Breakfast, to seminars and showcases, there are plenty of options to investigate.
Another way to find comfortability is to explore the campus. There are many beautiful areas around Saint Leo that are not only great for studying, but also for getting a much-needed breath of air. By finding enjoyable spots around campus, even when alone, students can find comfort in quiet, serene environments. This may especially help students who benefit from established routines, as visiting the same spot daily will establish a connection with the campus that one is able to rely on amidst a day of changing classrooms and busy hallways.
While exploring the campus, keep an eye out for bulletins and posters. With usually one board on each floor of a building, there are events and clubs advertised year round.
Overall, the most important thing, and yet the easiest, is to be friendly. By starting conversations, being interested in other’s lives and interests, and being an active Saint Leo student, it won’t be long before you feel right at home.
