In the summer leading up to a student’s first year at college, there are various emotions a student could be feeling.

Some are ecstatic that they are moving away from their parents and creating a life that is their own, whereas others are nervous about leaving their support system as they must figure out how to navigate through this momentous milestone.

When it came time for the incoming freshmen to move in, they were first introduced to their Collegiate Fellows (CF’s) either in Sohre, Pittman, or Norelius Hall.

“It actually went smoother than I thought…I set up my room, got to meet my CF right away, Taylor, and I couldn’t have expected it to be any better,” First-Year Hannah Boeze said.

Aside from checking students in, Collegiate Fellows are meant to provide their residents with assistance as they settle into their room and learn how to adjust to the college lifestyle

In regards to interacting with residents for the first time, “it felt really good. I know so many thoughts go through their heads…they’re scared or excited, so helping them and making them move-in a little bit easier made me really happy,” Sophomore CF, Taylor Kmiech said.

The whole purpose of a CF is to ensure students feel safe and welcome in the living quarters they call their “home away from home.”

The CF’s understand the transition to dorm life is not easy, especially when experiencing it for the first time. As a fellow upperclassman who endured similar circumstances, they know how to handle lingering emotions of homesickness.

“It was more stressful when the parents were here…you feel more tense because they’re assuming you need to be sad…but they left and you kind of get on your way,” Boeze continued.

In the first couple days, they played ice breaker games, made their community agreements, and shared the most interesting facts about each other. While move in day was focused on students hauling belongings into their room, the CF’s were already looking forward to the upcoming year.

“I’m just excited to create fun memories with my residents and make their experience at GAC one of the best,” Kmiech said.

After students were situated into their dorms and said emotional goodbyes to their families, it was time to dive into the New Student Orientation. This program was designed to be an engaging experience that introduced students to the uplifting campus environment.

Students were separated into orientation groups led by the well-rounded, knowledgeable Gustie Greeter, who introduced them to essential aspects of the college.

“For me, one of the more important things was talking about the things people don’t want to talk about…if people aren’t clear and concise about those, their safety is at risk,” Sophomore Gustie Greeter, Nicole Pfalz said.

Both the greeters and students had the opportunity to know more about each other by sharing their interests and engaging in playful banter. Greeters made sure to do their job well, so they could be an informational support system for their freshmen during the academic year.

“You met a whole set of people, so all the different events where they have us mingling and getting to know each other and talking is probably the best part,” Boeze said.

All first years attended the formal President’s Banquet where Rebecca Bergman and Student Senate President Co-Presidents, Solveig Svendsen and Hubert Ngabirano gave passionate speeches.

The Greeters encouraged them to attend social events such as the Square Dance in the Lund parking lot, where they could potentially find their soulmate.

“It was really cool, just because it’s getting out of your comfort zone and dancing even if you don’t like dancing…it makes me happy that they want to branch out and meet new people and become apart of the community we have on campus,” Pfalz said.

Along with that, students could show off their funky moves at the back-to-back Dive Dances held in the lower level of campus center.

Students also saw the live performance of the Minneapolis-based social justice troupe, You. Me. We., whose powerful message was to show that despite differences, human beings are all bound by certain commonalities.

For more reserved individuals, the Greeters had organized a Grocery Bingo in the Evelyn Young Dining Hall, where they had prizes consisting of a popcorn maker, comfy chair, candy, and pretzels.

The prizes kept getting bigger as the bingo went on.

There were also small social events held by the Diversity Center, the Pan-Afrikan Student Organization, LGBTQA, and the Womyn’s Awareness Center.

Throughout these eventful days, students had gotten to understand the five core values at Gustavus such as Justice, Faith, Service, Community, and Excellence.

For many individuals, Orientation Week has given the students the stability to survive their first year of college.

“I’m just excited to actually live in the moment…and experience this stuff that others have before me…I’m probably happier now than I’ve ever been” Boeze said.