Dear First-Years,
My first year was honestly the most memorable year in my college experience. I met some of my best friends and current roommates, I met my boyfriend, I fell in love with my major, and I went on some wild adventures, exploring my new home in Fairfield. Although it was a time of embracing my discomfort and fears in a completely new environment with former strangers, it was also a time of finding myself, trying new things and having fun as a freshly new adult. As a current junior, bittersweet about my college journey reaching its halfway point, I wish I could return to that early point in my college experience. So this is for you, first-years. This is my letter to you giving all the advice I wish I had when I was in your shoes.
DO hangout in the Quad
Boy, do I miss the Quad. Whether your friends live in Gonzaga, Jogues, Regis, Campion, Loyola or McCormick, you just walk around your little town square to reach them. Everything is local, everything is close; it’s like a little community. While the weather is still warm and the beautiful fall foliage starts to peek out, grab a blanket and picnic out on the Quad lawn. Get your studies done with your friends, pick up food from the food trucks and enjoy the fresh air. You’ll see other groups of friends mingling, people playing catch and people relaxing to music on their speakers. One of my favorite memories of my first year was having dinner picnics on the Quad with my friend group. Take in your surroundings and make the most of this hangout spot, I miss it.
DO join intramural sports
Coming from a second place spike ball and third place pickleball co-rec champion, I am telling you to join an intramural sports team. It is low stakes, fun and an active stress reliever. Grab a partner or a group of friends and get involved! Next semester you can sign up for kickball, spikeball, pickleball, softball, cornhole and more. After a long day of work and studies, playing an intramural sport is such a nice break promoting your physical fitness and mental wellbeing, with no judgement.
DO explore the town of Fairfield
I have got some good recommendations for you! Starting with the foodies, these are my go to spots that I always receive excellent feedback from. For Mexican food, head to Geronimo’s for an upscale and classy taqueria! Order the nachos, trust me. For a more comfortable and local Mexican joint, head to Rio Bravo for the best guac ever. Looking for a cute lunch spot? Grab your friends and head to Firehouse Deli, a Fairfield student sandwich staple. Italian? Look no further than Molto, an aesthetically pleasing restaurant that projects old Italian movies as you eat!
Now onto activities! For my fellow shoppers, look no further than Post Road. Try out the cutesy boutiques called Ciao Bella and Apricot Lane. Need your nails done? Go to L&G Nail Salon for 5-star quality and an inexpensive price. Bowling night? Head to Nutmeg Bowl. For a golf simulator head to Golf Lounge 18! Rock climbing? See you at Rock Climb Fairfield. There are numerous activities for whatever you’re into!
DO sled down the library lawn hill
You are not getting the full experience if you do not go sledding at least once with your friends down the library lawn. On the first big snowfall, it is customary to carry out this stag student tradition. Students get sleds, sleighs, snowboards and even lunch trays to race each other down the hill. A word of advice: Bundle up and watch out for the trees!
DON’T lose focus on your grades
I know, I know, you’re just starting off your college experience, you wanna have fun. It’s the first semester you’re allowed to slack off… WRONG. Your first semester grades set the precedent for your grade point average throughout college. Set your GPA right first semester. If you do well, it’s easy to continue your Dean’s List streak. If you party your way down to a 2.2 GPA, it is very hard to get it back up. Remember what you’re really here for.
DON’T go home every weekend
Alright now that I set you guys straight, remember you do deserve to have some time to relax. Don’t make a rookie mistake and spend these times traveling home. Our school is not a “suitcase school.” Our weekends are active and eventful. Even if you’re homesick or uncomfortable, be brave. Try your best to stick it out and get involved in student life. Spend time with your fellow Stags and embrace what the weekends have to offer you. I promise you, you won’t regret it.
DON’T be afraid to put yourself out there
As a first-year, it can be intimidating to join new clubs, try new activities and get involved. Trust me when I say you will not regret putting yourself out there. Breaking out of your shell and branching out is necessary to build self-confidence, make more friends and find the things that make you tick. If you see a club you’re interested in, join it! They would be more than happy to have you. If a class is offered that makes you a little nervous, register for it anyway. Take that public speaking class that scares you, take that film production class that excites you, take that acting class that makes you nervous. You will come out braver and more well rounded.
DON’T forget who you are
I remember what it’s like to feel small, meek and out of place. I remember the brave face I had to put on to talk to new people, meet new friends and work towards connections. You are a prize. Anyone would be lucky to be your friend. Find the people who remind you of this. Don’t settle for friends that don’t reflect your values or get you into bad situations. Find good people, even one good friend that you can rely on. Trust yourself, your intuition and your heart.
I wish you the best of luck on finishing your first semester at Fairfield!
With Love,
Ava