Your First Year Away From Home
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Many of us anticipate the day that we will finally be free from our parent's rules
and guidelines that we all had to follow at some point in time while we were at
home. Going to college means new rules, new guidelines and often, your own rules.
It is a little scary when you think about it, but this is the time in your life
when you begin to learn the true meaning of responsibility and independence. Your
first year away from college can be tough, rewarding and simply awesome all at the
same time. I remember the drive to Santa Barbara. Even though I was with my two
best friends, my mom and dad, and my aunt, it was still hard to imagine that I was
going to be on my own. I could tell that this was very hard for my parents, and
I have to admit that I did get homesick, but not until my 3rd year at UCSB!! Some
of you may begin to feel it the moment your family leaves, and some of you may not
even feel the slightest need to call home. Either way, homesickness is something
most students living away from home can relate to at some point in his or her life.
Photo: WERNER HUTHMACHER @ 2008
Your first year away is going to be filled with choices and decisions that you are
going to be forced to make. Choices like, do I miss class today, or do I stick it
out and go? Should I go to that party everyone is talking about, or should I study
for my midterm? Should I call home and ask for money, or should I try to get a job?
Should I have sex with this guy or girl, or should I wait until I'm sober? These
may be a little funny, but these are the types of choices that you as a student
may come across during your first year here at UCSB. Decisions will be made, but
you need to be sure that you are aware of the potential consequences that each decision
will carry. As long as you keep these consequences in mind, you'll be okay.
One of the first things you should do when you move into your residence hall is
MEET TO YOUR RESIDENT ASSISTANT (otherwise known as an R.A.)! They are your biggest
resources. They have an enormous amount of training and can answer almost ANY question
you have for them. Whether it's about courses you should take, to finding an apartment
the following year, or if you just want to know how to get involved at UCSB, your
R.A. should have some answers.
Living in the residence halls is a very unique experience, as you will find out.
You will meet many new people on your floor and throughout your building. These
people all come from different experiences and each has something to offer, just
like you do! Challenge yourself and take the initiative to meet people. Everyone
is just as nervous as you are about being in this new environment.
Roommate issues are inevitable and if you find yourself having some conflicts, you're
not alone. This is a perfect time for you to challenge yourself and try to compromise
in order for both you and your roommate to have a successful and enjoyable year.
Talk to your roommate, and set some ground rules from the start. This may seem hard,
but it's better than dealing with conflicts later on.
The residence hall is a great way to get involved with your community as there are
many leadership opportunities that are offered. Each hall has its own council and
runs like a student government: all have a voice to decide the actions and activities
of the hall. You can also apply to be a Desk Attendant and gain some marketable
skills, or simply help organize events for your entire hall to enjoy. However you
decide to get involved, it is very rewarding and is a great way for you to feel
connected to UCSB. Lastly, I would like to leave you with some advice:
This is an experience that only you will be able to continuously make better, and
if you follow these few guidelines, you will have the experience of a lifetime!
- Nick Negrete
Former Assistant Resident Director, San Miguel Hall
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