Written for the Beacon, Merrimack College Student Newspaper, by Student Writer Olivia Piazza ‘23
The first semester of college is by far the most exciting, yet intimidating one. There are so many unknowns and so many experiences to be had. I remember my first semester here at Merrimack, and honestly, I wasn’t really sure what to expect. Would I make it in college? Would I find a solid group of friends? Am I going to get homesick? A million different questions ran through my head, and I am sure they might be running through yours as well. I am hoping to share some small pieces of information from my time here at Merrimack that may help you through your first semester of college and the rest of your time as a whole.
For those of you who were worried about moving away from home for the first time or even those who couldn’t wait to move, my biggest piece of advice is: do NOT go home! As tempting as it may be to go home and see your home friends, family, or just escape from school, it is really going to have an impact on your overall experience.
Staying on campus is the best way to make friends and get involved! Luckily here at Merrimack there is something for everyone. The list of clubs is endless, and our Office of Student Involvement does an amazing job planning events for the entire student body. College is all about exploring your interests and really understanding who you are, or who you want to be. So try joining a few clubs this semester, attending an event on campus, or even going out to watch your favorite sport! You never know who you might run into, or you might even learn something new about yourself.
One final piece of advice that often gets overlooked by students is how important it is to make a connection with your professors. Oftentimes your professors have worked in the field you are looking to go into. They are the perfect resources for learning more about a career you are interested in, and are a great way to network for the future. Not only are connections with your professors important in the professional sense, but making connections is just as important for your overall academic experience. Students who put the effort into working with their professors are often more likely to be granted extensions, extra help with material, or any other issue you may run into that they can help with. The Merrimack staff is incredible across the board and I highly recommend you put your best foot forward with them to make the most of your experience here as a student!
