College is an exciting and unique environment in which individuals can be whoever they want to be and do whatever they please. As students finally reach the end of their high school years and receive their diplomas, the next step for some is pursuing a college career.

As a freshman, it is sometimes difficult to adjust to having to move away from home. For some, the transition may be easy, but for others, homesickness is not uncommon.

Shippensburg University welcomes its Class of 2020 this week with various welcome ceremonies and events. This is a great opportunity to interact and meet others.

Being a new student and not knowing the ropes around a university can be a pretty challenging situation. For some it can be difficult to try and make friends, especially if a student tends to lean more on the shy side.

Joining clubs is often considered one of the easiest ways to make friends through a shared interest. There is a large number of opportunities to make friends who also have the same hobbies and interests as you. To join a club, students can attend the student fairs that allow you to converse with club leaders and sign up.

All throughout campus there are bulletin boards with plenty of advertisements which usually have information attached about locations and times to meet.

“It is all about networking,” junior Devin Fisher advises first-year students. “Go out and get to know people on a personal level. You never know who you are going to meet.”

Another piece of advice would be to enjoy the free things handed to you.

College is expensive, and as students, we live on a budget. Take whatever you are offered.

There are always advertisers and clubs giving away free items outside the Ceddia Union Building and in the quad.

If a student is interested in sports and is not part of a varsity team’s roster, they can join a club team. There are plenty of sports ranging from soccer to basketball and many others.

Another tip would be if a student is ever feeling homesick, they should not trap themselves alone.

There are counselors at the counseling center and other students are going through the same thing. Being away from home is a new experience and it can be tough being without family and guidance.

Use all the helpful resources offered on campus.

Keeping busy is another remedy for homesickness. Keeping busy is a way to keep the mind off missing home or missing people. The adjustment is tough, but keep pushing through.

Victoria Bremer enters her last year at SU and advises first-year students, “Make the most of every opportunity that you have to get involved at Ship. Cherish the time you have here because it goes fast.”

The main thing students often forget is to just have fun. College is supposed to be the best four years of your life.

Make the best of it, make new friends and make memories that will be remembered for the rest of your life.

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