When it comes to leaving the people who raised you since birth, and moving into your new temporary home at the college of your choice, emotions can often times be all over the place. In most cases, freshman in college are faced with new adversities, situations, and a far larger work load than they are usually used to.

Students at American International College have been on campus for a little more than a month now and seem to be adjusting well. Besides waking up for eight o’clock classes, staying up for late night practices, and trying to fit a social life in-between everything going on, there doesn’t seem to be many problems.

Upon arrival, students received a welcoming box from admissions to give them a head start on stocking the essentials in their new rooms. Inside was an air freshener, snacks, water enhancers, and other essentials needed for move in day. These little things help new students feel like they have a little something when they arrive, rather than feeling like everything was left at home.

Although new students don’t always adjust to these new changes very quickly, here at AIC things are handled a bit differently. On campus, there are many different opportunities and people that are ready to help you get involved with the school. Along with this aid, you are able join sports teams, clubs, intramurals, or other groups.

“Adjusting to the work load is definitely the hardest thing so far for me,” freshman Andrew Brown said when asked what the hardest thing about college was so far. “Especially being homeschooled from pre-k to high school, there’s just so much going on.”

Fall sports on campus have also started recently, providing a way for students to connect and branch out. Athletic events are great ways to bring students together, all while building school spirit. Football, field hockey, soccer, and rugby have all began their seasons in the last few weeks.

“What really made me feel better about coming to school was being part of the lacrosse team,” freshman Sam Scarfo said. “It feels good knowing you have a bunch of guys there for you, pushing you through no matter what the task may be.”

The AIC campus is filled with a vast majority of student athletes who not only take pride in their success on the field, but they success in the classroom as well. If a student athlete finishes the year with a 3.0 GPA, they are recognized in front of each sport teams and inducted into the 3.0 club. Along with joining, you receive a tee-shirt and a nice round of applause from your fellow peers.

All in all, students seem to be settling in well, and enjoying their time spent so far at AIC. The biggest conflict students are facing seems to be taking on the larger workload, and managing their time. Time management is key in college in order to balance all the different things going on in a new student’s life.

If a student can find a way to balance schoolwork, sports, and a social life, then college will be a breeze. Once everything settles down and a consistent daily schedule begins to form, a lot of weight will be taken off of the shoulders of adjusting students. The college life is something everyone should experience, and can definitely be successfully achieved if the work is put in.