What brings freshmen back for the Spring Semester?

As we start the Spring semester at Presbyterian College, it feels important to address the good things from last semester that made our lovely freshmen come back to campus with excitement and motivation. As an RA in a freshman-year girls' hall, I had the chance to hear directly from the students what brings them back.

Some students said that the campus has begun to feel like home. They said that while they do miss their families, PC has become like a family to them. One student said that they missed their friends so much that they wanted to come back faster to get back to campus life. One of my residents said that one of the main things that got them through their homesickness was to be surrounded by people they felt would support them no matter what. This stuck with me, because the support on PC’s campus is what gets you to the finish line. If you want to put in the effort to reach your goals, PC will help you reach them.

Other students focused on the drawbacks of being at home. They realized the independence that college students have. Going back home and listening to the rules your parents have always had for you isn't easy. Another student said that going home felt like they were throwing off their routine. They felt like they had a rhythm on campus and wanted to get back to it.

One thing mentioned by multiple students was campus activities. Many residents were looking forward to bingo or club events. We have so many amazing student organizations on campus that will welcome you with open arms. Some students noted that they missed their sorority families. They explained how when they go home, they truly feel like they are leaving their sisters.

Some of the freshmen talked about missing what they are here for, their academics. They missed being engaged in their favorite professors' classes. Even though they said the homework isn’t their favorite, they said learning about new topics and discovering subjects they didn’t know they liked was a huge plus of being in college.

One thing that stood out to me was a resident saying they came back this semester to crush some new goals. They said that last semester, they accomplished anything they set their minds to. They are ready to make more friendships and have something to look forward to every week.

Overall, it is clear that our freshmen are ready to get back into the rhythm of things. One piece of advice that I will leave you all with is to put yourself out there. College is what you make it. Make this spring semester about personal growth, friendships, community involvement, and pursuing the goals you set for yourself. PC is the perfect campus to do all these things with the support of the community around you.