I think it is safe to say that freshman year of college is one of the most (if not the most) exciting, scary, life-changing, eye-opening, fun years of your life. For many of us, this is our first time away from home, living on your own and surrounded by strangers who will (spoiler alert) quickly become your best friends.
And while there are some universal truths that come with simply being freshman (shower shoes, twin XL sheets, figuring out how to feed yourself), where you go to school definitely has an overall impact on your experience. Liberal Arts College or Big Ten University? East Coast or West Coast? With all these factors, it is clear there is no one single definition of “the freshman experience.”
So we decided to get a taste of what it is like being a freshman at campuses across the country. Whether you are a freshman yourself, still in high school or simply looking to get a little nostalgic, check out these four freshman Style Gurus, who are sharing their thoughts of what it means to be a member of the Class of 2020.
EAST COAST
Shannon Oteri, University of Delaware
Hometown: Ocean City New Jersey | Major: Fashion Merchandising
“Going to college, no matter where you go or what you study, is an eye-opening experience that teaches you how to adapt, how to live on your own, how to manage your time, and ultimately learn about who you are as a person.”
CollegeFashionista: Why did you choose your school?
Shannon Oteri: The University of Delaware was my top choice because out of all of the schools that I visited while in high school, this one felt the most like home to me!
CF: Describe your campus in three words?
SO: My campus is energetic, inviting and innovative.
CF: How would you describe the other students at your school?
SO: Here, at the University of Delaware, the student body is one giant team. The upperclassmen are so welcoming, especially to the new students! We, Blue Hens from the past and present, are one community that work together and support each other.
CF: What five words best describe you?
SO: If I had to pick five words to describe myself, I would say that I am original, visual, ambitious, dialogical and passionate.
CF: What has been the most surprising thing you have found so far about college?
SO: So far, the most surprising thing about college to me is how busy I am every day! I thrive off of keeping busy and I made sure to get involved on campus so that I never have time to sit still and twiddle my thumbs.
CF: What is the thing you have liked the most so far about college?
SO: So far, my favorite parts about college would be the opportunities and the friendships that I have made.
CF: And the least?
SO: In all honesty, there is not much that I do not like about college besides not seeing my family, close friends and dog every day!
CF: What does being a freshman mean to you?
SO: To me, being a freshman means taking a new step in life with an open mind and learning new things.
CF: What your dreams and aspirations for the future?
SO: In the future, I hope to work for a fashion magazine or open my own boutique while photographing as a job on the side.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN
Sami Helgeson, University of Denver
Hometown: La Crosse, Wisconsin | Majors: Environmental Science and International Studies
“Don’t be too hard on yourself. Grades are important but they are not everything. It is completely okay to go to bed early if you are exhausted or to eat that extra doughnut. Enjoy yourself, learn and take care of your mind and body.”
CollegeFashionista: Why did you choose your school?
Sami Helgeson: I chose the University of Denver because I needed a change. I love Wisconsin, but the mountains were calling my name. The school also offers an awesome study abroad scholarship and that was a huge selling point for me.
CF: Describe your campus in three words?
SH: Beautiful. Active. Fun!
CF: How would you describe the other students at your school?
SH: I really feel like everyone at the University of Denver welcomed me with open arms. Everyone is so kind and energetic, it truly is inspiring to be surrounded by so many enthusiastic people!
CF: What five words best describe you?
SH: Adventurous. Global-minded. Creative. Curious. Smiley.
CF: What has been the most surprising thing you have found so far about college?
SH: The communal showers really aren’t as bad as they seem at first! It’s amazing how quickly you adjust to wearing flip flops in the shower.
CF: What is the thing you have liked the most so far about college?
SH: I love being surrounded by so many new opportunities. In my first week I had a burrito at the original Chipotle and met Vice President Joe Biden equally exciting experiences.
CF: And the least?
SH: It can be a bit difficult not having your own space to just relax and have some “me-time.”
CF: What does being a freshman mean to you?
SH: It means a new start. It means learning, growing and expanding myself.
CF: What your dreams and aspirations for the future?
SH: I hope to work with the Peace Corps and then a nonprofit or the State Department. I just want to help people. I hope I can see the world.
MIDWEST
Courtney Macphee, Kent State University
Hometown: Youngstown, Ohio | Major: Fashion Merchandising
“College is what you make of it. If you never get out there and make an effort to meet new people, then it might not be the best time. So my advice is to get to know as many people as you can, make close friends with the people on your floor, and join a club or two. Getting involved around campus is the best way to meet people and network!”
CollegeFashionista: Why did you choose your school?
Courtney Macphee: I chose to go to Kent State because when I went on a tour the campus just felt like home to me and it also has one of the best fashion schools in the country and has so many opportunities for fashion students!
CF: Describe your campus in three words?
CM: Diverse. Homey. Empowering
CF: How would you describe the other students at your school?
CM: I would describe the other students at my school to be very kind and helpful. Like if you are lost or have a question almost ten out of ten times they will be helpful and willing to guide you in the right direction with a smile on their face. I would say the students at Kent are overall diverse and unique, everyone just does their own thing and it’s pretty cool to see genuine and accepting people all over campus.
CF: What five words best describe you?
CM: Procrastinator, fashionable, creative, outgoing and caring.
CF: What has been the most surprising thing you have found so far about college?
CM: There is ALWAYS something to do. I always thought, “Okay, it’s going to be a lot of school work and studying and eating.” It was so surprising to see all the events happening daily and all the clubs to join and be a part of. I am never bored when I’m at Kent.
CF: What is the thing you have liked the most so far about college?
CM: The thing I like most about college so far is the way everyone can just be themselves and be who they really are without having to worry about being judged. People can dress how they want and wear outfits they like and feel comfortable in and can know that they aren’t going to be judged for it.
CF: And the least?
CM: All the walking I have to do. All my classes are in all four corners of Kent and I am a really short girl so it is a little bit of a hassle especially with all the hills at Kent State.
CF: What does being a freshman mean to you?
CM: Being a freshman means that it’s that first year on your own after high school; where you start to find yourself and who you are and most importantly what interests you. It’s that first year to transition to a new school and to be given the chance to be you and make friends that will hopefully be with you through this next chapter of your life.
CF: What your dreams and aspirations for the future?
CM: My dreams for the future are to live in New York and be employed after college. I hope to be working in the fashion industry either doing something with magazines and editorials or doing something related to bridal.
WEST COAST
Jordan Cornell, Azusa Pacific University
Hometown: Chino, California | Major: Undeclared
“Being a freshman to me is like being the little fish in the big ocean again, I think it’s a year of learning as well as year of starting new.”
CollegeFashionista: Why did you choose your school?
Jordan Cornell: I chose Azusa Pacific University because it’s not a huge university. And since I come from a small private school, it felt like home! I love the Christian community and everyone here is so friendly and fun!
CF: Describe your campus in three words?
JC: Energetic, hipster and a community.
CF: How would you describe the other students at your school?
JC: The student body here is so motivated to pursue their careers, and with me being undeclared, it inspires me to find a career that motivates me that way it motivates them.
CF: What five words best describe you?
JC: Funny (at least I think I am), caring, hospitable, fashionable and motivated.
CF: What has been the most surprising thing you have found so far about college?
JC: One of the most surprising things I’ve found out about college is how different it is from high school. I came into college thinking there would be very little differences, but literally everything from the courses to homework to the daily life is SOOOO DIFFERENT. Also, I found that talking to people and making friends is a lot easier than it was in high school.
CF: What is the thing you have liked the most so far about college?
JC: What I like most about college is the dorm life, it’s so fun to be able to hang out with friends 24/7! I also LOVE seeing everyone unique fashion sense!
CF: And the least?
JC: The thing I least like about college, is the unnecessary amount of reading we have to do for every class… its draining!!
CF: What does being a freshman mean to you?
JC: Being a freshman to me is like being the little fish in the big ocean again, I think it’s a year of learning as well as year of starting new.
CF: What your dreams and aspirations for the future?
JC: My dreams for the future are to find a career I love, and to flourish in it and to keep pushing myself to strive for the best I can possibly be.
