School is back in session, and with it, comes the same set of challenges. You don’t know where to go in that awkward 15 minutes between classes, you still have trouble locating where things are, and conversation with new classmates is a bit awkward. Whether you’re new to campus or returning, it’s valid to feel lost and out of place. That shouldn’t keep you away from your college experience.
My freshman year, when I lived in the dorms and had all the time in the world to explore the university, I was too nervous to stay on campus after my classes ended. I even designed my spring schedule to have hour-long gaps between classes so I didn’t have to wait on campus.
I think it can be difficult to feel comfortable on campus generally, but especially by yourself. Sitting alone in a crowd of people can be alarming. Sometimes eating my lunch solo amongst tables full of friends left me feeling like a lone zebra surrounded by a pride of lions. That does not mean it was shameful. Being alone is natural, and can even be a liberating experience. Over that spring semester, I slowly gained comfortability and reassurance on campus by utilizing the spaces available to me. A sort of self-inflicted exposure therapy, if you will.
You pay to be here, so why not be here? That is, present and on campus. There are benefits to enjoying your own company. Taking time for yourself is important, and I believe it is more beneficial than rushing back to your dorm or apartment and collapsing into bed. Don’t get me wrong, I understand the desire to lay down and recuperate; I used to do that. But it often left me feeling empty, doomscrolling on my phone.
One trend circulating TikTok that reminds me of my freshman self is “bedrotting,” which promotes laying in bed for extended periods of time. I do think rest is important, especially alongside a busy college schedule. However, an entirely sedentary lifestyle can be harmful. If you bed rot, you should find some time to get out as well. Additionally, it is near impossible to gain friends from the safety of your dorm. Unless your roommate is doing some serious heavy lifting in the socialization department, meeting new people is going to be difficult from your bed.
All to say, getting out and learning to be on campus is important, especially by yourself. To gain independence, make friends, and keep your mood up, I encourage everyone reading this to spend time somewhere on campus. As I wait to set up the internet in my new apartment, I’m writing this from the fourth floor of the Integrated Sciences Complex as I watch lightning cascade over the harbor.
Another good studying spot, and a good place to slowly adapt to campus, is the library. I feel like library-goers in the media are often portrayed as bookworms above all else; Hermione Granger or Matilda Wormwood come to mind for me. They have friends, but sometimes they’d rather hunker down alone and read. In the library, it’s almost like you’re supposed to be alone.
My favorite spot on campus is the mandatory quiet section on the sixth floor of Healey Library. The room is set up with cubicles with dividers that section off desk space, offering privacy. Most people come alone to this floor, and on the off-chance a few friends are studying together, they are not allowed to talk above a soft whisper. Any other floor in the library also works well for studying; the eighth floor offers group studying and tutoring services.
Unfortunately, It’s much easier to take advantage of these resources the closer you are to campus, as someone who lived on, off, and close enough to campus. My freshman year, I started acclimating without even noticing it. I started going to our gym located in McCormack to manage my stress, which was just the thing I needed to push me out of the funk I was in. If you overcome being alone in the gym, you can go pretty much anywhere else on campus.
While commuter students also have the library, gym, and other campus buildings available, it is harder to find the time to come and take advantage of them. Trust me, taking the train home in sweaty gym clothes is not ideal — especially during rush hour. Bringing a change of clothes is another obstacle itself. All places on campus become much harder to take advantage of the further away you live and the longer you commute.
I’m sure a lot of commuter students are thinking, “Do I really want to spend more time on campus than I have to?” The answer is not so clear-cut. Sometimes you forget to bring lunch, you just haven’t slept enough, or you’d get home so much later if you don’t get on a specific train. The reasons to return home after classes stack up against you. But the simple fact is, a student’s time existing on a college campus is limited.
This time is yours, and what you make of it will shape your emotions, friendships, and future. Personally, I’d rather love my campus than turn against it. Whether you’re hindered by anxiety, the commute, or a busy schedule, this campus is meant to serve you. You just need to take advantage of it.