Fairfield University is truly a special place. It is a great academic institution where you learn a lot about the profession you have chosen to pursue and about other areas of interest with our core curriculum. On top of that, Fairfield is a great place to learn a lot about yourself as an individual and to meet the best friends you will ever know. The friends you make at Fairfield will be some of the best you will ever know and you didn't even know these people existed before coming here. If you are a freshman and this is your first week at Fairfield, you may be feeling a mixture of positive and negative emotions, which is totally normal. There are a few things all freshmen should know:

1. It is totally OK to be homesick.

College is a really big change for some people, while others have a very easy time adjusting. Regardless, being homesick is a normal thing for college freshmen and you should not be ashamed of that. Anyone who says they were never homesick as a freshman is probably lying.

2. You should actually go to class!

Even though it's Syllabus Week, you really should go to class! It is a great place to meet people, especially since most freshmen generally take the same intro level classes.

3. Go to the Activities Fair and join clubs!

Clubs are another great way to meet people at Fairfield! They are highly encouraged and there are so many to choose from! You could choose to follow your interests from high school or try something new that you've always wanted to try! Some of the best friends you could have may be from a new club you try!

4. Your roommate is a great resource for dealing with first year stresses!

Random roommates can either be a blessing or a curse for freshmen year (usually a blessing!) It is great to be able to talk things out with your roommate about how you're feeling and how things are going during your first week away from home!

5. Get to know your way around campus!

Although at times it can be a bit confusing at first, it is important you get to know your way completely around campus! You will get it eventually!

6. Get to know your professors!

Your professors are great for personal help and professional connections! They are here to help us all become the best learners and individuals we can be! Take advantage of office hours to get to know your professors on a more personal level!

7. Give Fairfield a chance!

Although some people may struggle for the first few months, don't rule out Fairfield right away! You have to make the most of your time here in order to see how truly great this university is!