On behalf of the class of 2023, 2022, and 2021—Welcome to Hamilton!
Although the anticipation of this fall semester was stressful, everyone in their own way is grateful to be back for the in-person learning and (6-foot-apart) social experience that cannot be replicated through online college. With the excitement of finally being in college, living and studying in a new environment can be a tedious life to adjust to in addition to the recently implemented health precautions. Despite the new regulations for student life, many of the college resources are still available via Zoom. For example, the QSR center, Writing Center, OCC, and Career Center are full of eager students and faculty who want to help students. Similarly, in a short while, the club fair will also take place to recruit new students. Clubs are a great way to get involved in niche aspects of campus life and to also meet other students through virtual meetings for a change of pace from spending time with your cohorts.
I also recommend stocking up on snacks from the grab-and-go stations because nothing is worse than being hungry in the middle of the night without a morsel of food. Also in regards to eating, spend as much time outdoors during meal times as possible because very soon, it will become chilly in Central New York. The college also extended the WiFi range, which gives us all the perfect opportunity to mindlessly scroll on our phones while enjoying the fresh air!
It can be difficult to find your niche, especially during a pandemic where you can barely recognize people’s faces while trying to make new friends. But, there’s nothing wrong with taking a breather or a self-care day. Be sure to check in with yourself and your priorities- it’s not always necessary to have your social engine on all the time. And finally, enjoy being on campus! Freshmen aren’t allowed to have cars on campus, so with or without COVID, a lot of your freshman year would have been spent on the Hill anyway. I suggest you use this time to explore campus and figure out where everything is located.
The option to be on campus now is a privilege we were all awarded. Please be mindful when socializing with others, and think of the possible ramifications for the entire student body from breaking guidelines. It would be a wonderful feat for the entire Hamilton community if we got through the entire semester, and year successfully and healthily. With that being said — wash your hands and follow the rules. Good luck!
