College. For most freshmen undergrads, like me, this will be the first time that we live without the constant supervision and structure that our parents have provided us for over the past 18 years
Unfortunately, my first four days on campus felt more like basic training than a simple “welcome to college”. From excruciatingly early wake-up calls, to a Welcome Week schedule more demanding than my actual course load, I was left exhausted by the first day of classes. I’m aware that most activities were optional; but then why was I hassled into a new group activity every time I considered taking a moment to catch my breath and unpack my things?
Welcome Week was a great opportunity to meet new people and explore new social options, but the best moments were in the tiny margins outside the confines of the jam-packed agenda.
Some activities, such as residence hall floor meetings, are necessary and practical. Other events, however, seem like a waste of resources, and frankly, a waste of my precious last days of summer. I am not alone in my opinion, as I have heard the countless mumblings of other first-year students saying they feel as if they are, “at church camp,” or, “lacking a moment to even settle into my room.”
I am not trying to say that the Welcome Week activities were poorly run in any way. The resident advisors and Oriflamme leaders were well-trained and knowledgeable enough to answer any questions an incoming freshman could possibly have, and were also very sociable.
I enjoyed the moments I spent talking with them – outside of the bustle of constant events.
Overall, my Welcome Week was overflowing with fun memories and brought about a plethora of new Facebook friends. Interestingly, most of those friends came from activities outside of those that were printed in my Welcome Week handbook..

Megan Saksefski is a freshman in the College of Arts and Sciences