That first step onto American International College campus can be intimidating at first, living in an unfamiliar world around them. First year residents and commuters have the luxury of finally being on their own, which comes with responsibility, taking hold of this new chapter in their life. While facing multiple challenges such as major academic adjustments, learning how to navigate the campus services, gaining knowledge of campus culture, and adapting to college life demands. College is more than just attending and getting a degree, the experience first year students gain here will stick with them on a lifelong scale. This is the phase in their lives of self-discovery and personal growth over these four years at AIC. 
As the fall semester has concluded and the spring semester has started up, first year residents now have made themselves home on campus. First year commuters are becoming more familiar with the area surrounding the campus. Gradually learning the ropes of what it’s like to be a part of the community while understanding the rhythm that comes with college life here at AIC.
Taegan Mcconell talked about fellow first year’s holding themselves accountable and time management is important. “Got to stay on top of your stuff, lots of more free time compared to high school and everything is more on you and responsibilities.” Building Self-discipline as a college first year student is crucial, the college life itself demands a greater level of supervision over themselves compared to high school. Which comes with self-guidance for their education, college classes expectations make first year’s responsible for how they learn various course materials and the way they manage the resources provided to help them learn. Some level of independence is necessary to get through the college experience, but no path is done alone. First year students should always seek help when needed.
Jason Alvarez said his most memorable moment was about one of his classes and how everyone was having positive interactions with each other. “Everybody in my class and professors were happy and smiling, everyone had good vibes, so I knew this was going to be a great first semester.”
Seeing fellow freshmen enjoying their time in the classroom or at any of the campus facilities can be empowering for many other first year students who are anxious about college life. Reassuring them that this transition to college is something to be hopeful about. Getting exposure to a relaxed and positive atmosphere for first year students on campus shows a sense of connection between peers, staff, and faculty and an environment that encourages communication. First year students building a relationship with their peers, staff, and faculty is important, having a network of support provides help when they need it the most.
Phuong Thao Anh Lai advice for upcoming first year residents and first year commuters she said, “Enjoy the most time you have left on campus, join organizations or clubs to have fun.” Even though four years does seem quite long, it can go by incredibly fast. The College experience should be full of excitement and traversing the vast possibilities one can achieve with their time at AIC. First year students should take advantage of the clubs and organizations the hive has to offer early, but there’s no need to rush the process. Essential part of the first-year journey is to wander down paths without having pressure to commit to a specific path. Especially for first year commuters, it’s hard having to live off campus as that’s where the majority of events happen and that comes with the struggles of having reliable transportation even when they are off campus. This has a strong importance of gaining a sense of belonging on campus and plays a key part in enjoying first-year experience for both first year residents and commuters.
Future first year and current first year students that attend AIC should be looking forward to going out and enjoying what college life has to offer, making the first year a memorable experience. While it does come with a lot of adjustments that have their own challenges that are different for everyone. Whether first year students commute or live on campus, all first-year students should be supportive of their fellow first year peers. Share the struggles and experiences to help each other thrive through the first year of college.
