Move-in day for every freshman at DePaul brings a wide range of emotions. While there is the excitement of being on your own, there can also be some anxiety to beginning a career in college. I was personally quite nervous when I began my first fall quarter at DePaul. While a new schedule came as quite a shock to my system, the adventure of college seemed incredibly exhilarating.

Of course, with any change quite as big as the move to college, there are a number of aspects to adjust to. Freshman commuter student Nicole Been explains some of the issues that have arisen in her college life.

“So far as adapting to the college schedule, I feel like it’s gone pretty well,” she said. “The real challenge for me is to keep track of all my assignments. We don’t have teachers constantly reminding us.

Commuting has also been tough. I have to wake up super early to take the train and always base my day along that schedule.” While learning to adapt to a college schedule may not take long, there is also the issue of students feeling completely welcome at DePaul University.

There are a multitude of students coming from different states and countries. These students are starting a new life at DePaul University; many of them chose to leave close friends and family behind while they strive to get the best education they deserve.

However, thanks to DePaul University’s Welcome Week activities, students are able to make new friends who are all in the same boat and can completely immerse themselves into DePaul’s exciting and dynamic community. Freshman Joey Ziemniak feels that DePaul University did a quality job of helping students adapt to college life.

“I think DePaul did plenty of great events throughout Welcome and Immersion Week,” he said. “I liked the Second City show, which was a lot of fun. I liked Taste of DePaul as well. The dinners were also nice for meeting new people.”

The first year of college is an incredible milestone for all freshmen. Even though college is a huge change, DePaul University makes each freshman feel welcome and helps them with adapting to a new schedule.

Take a word of advice: although you are starting a brand new life at DePaul University, you have also embarked on the most phenomenal journey of your life.