With a new fall semester fast approaching, a new group of Memphis freshmen will be ushered in. The class of 2020 is both optimistic and apprehensive about the unknowns of their individual futures at the University of Memphis.
For many, it feels like freshman year of high school all over again. Some are excited for new friends, while others feel the stress of fitting in on a new campus with new surroundings.
“I’m apprehensive about meeting new people and finding my place on campus and in the community,” freshman psychology major Madison Day said.
However, for some, the moment they stepped on campus, it immediately felt like home, which played a large role in their decision to choose Memphis.
“There are many reasons that I decided on the University of Memphis, but possibly the most influential was that I could see myself spending the next four years of my life here,” incoming freshman Justin Bey said. “Every time I came to visit or was just on campus, the U of M felt like a place I’d fit in and succeed.”
Other students, like creative mass media major Bethany Clark, are most excited for an entirely new experience.
“I’m most looking forward to meeting new people since I come from a small town and a small school,” Clark said. “New faces and change of scenery will be extremely refreshing.”
The class of 2020 is already looking to become involved on campus in various student organizations. Many are joining a sorority, while others are interested in becoming involved in religious organizations.
One common theme for this fall’s incoming freshman class is the reality that they will be entirely responsible for themselves. This fact is already sinking in, even before the first day of classes. Besides new friends, new teachers and new surroundings, many will be living at the University of Memphis or right off campus, which brings additional challenges.
Freshman Lamar Matheny said learning to be independent will be the hardest adjustment for him.
“Probably doing my own laundry,” he said. “I’ve never really done that.”
In addition, freshman education major Emma Willard said, “The biggest adjustment for me will be not having my mom’s cooking.”
Even little aspects, such as food choices, time management and sleeping habits, will be new obstacles for almost all incoming freshmen this fall. The success or failure to overcome these new challenges will factor into their own academic successes.
As the class of 2020 steps onto campus this fall, enthusiastic new students will look to make their mark on this school and the Memphis community as a whole.
