Woah! They’re (a little bit over) halfway there!
What our current first-year students wish they knew before coming to Agnes Scott
Anjali (she/her) is a current first-year student who did not think she would love Agnes Scott as much as she has grown to love it. “After my tour and getting to see campus, I really fell in love with the sense of home here that I hadn’t seen on other campuses.”
What advice would Anjali give to you? Visit campuses and talk to current students! Before moving in and starting as a student at Agnes Scott in August, Anjali wishes she knew her experience would be shaped by her own experiences and expectations. “Independence really applies to more than just living,” Anjali shares, going on to share the need for staying on top of assignments and connecting with professors when you need help. Anjali has loved her experience at Agnes Scott because of the friends she has made and clubs she has joined.
Up next is Morgan (she/her), a current first-year student whose experience thus far has just confirmed she made the right college decision. Morgan joined clubs during her first semester and attended many school events. Through the experiences she has had in clubs and during events, Morgan says she feels “seen and represented, which is essential in entering a new environment.”
When it comes to advice for prospective Scotties, Morgan shares the following advice: “Start to become acquainted with your needs, emotionally, mentally and physically, and how you can best support them entering this new space.” What has helped Morgan to transition into college life has been finding a consistent daily routine. She encourages you to be open to new possibilities, experiences and people because they “enrich who you are as a person!”
“Use the resources around you and don’t forget to pace yourself,” first year student Tavie (she/they) shares. They want prospective students to take advantage of their support systems and resources – whether it is through mental health resources, tutoring centers such as the Center for Writing and Speaking (or the CWS as Agnes Scott students frequently call it – a center where you can bring essays and assignments for peer assistance) or interactions with your SUMMIT and Peer Advisors – and know that everyone is here to help you. When it comes to residence hall living, Tavie’s advice is to bring some items that make your room feel a bit cozier. A larger rug, curtains and a desk lamp have been some of her must haves! Tavie encourages prospective students to pace themselves, learn about their boundaries and use the resources around them.
First year student Leah’s (she/her) must have items include menstrual products and a first aid kit. While you hopefully won’t need the latter, Leah shares, “you’ll be really happy you have it!” She thinks it’s important to bring items with you that will make you more comfortable, but also recommends not bringing “aspirational” items. Have a pile of books you have been meaning to read? A special smoothie blender you got as a gift a few years ago that is still in the box? There may not be a need to bring it with you to college right now. Take it from Leah… “If you don’t use it now, you probably won’t start using it in college.”
Obviously, the list of things you need to know or have questions about likely goes on and on… and on. But hopefully, reading about some of our first year students and their experiences can answer some of those questions you might have.
As you continue your college search and decision process, know that it is always okay to ask questions, but also know that it is always okay to not have everything figured out quite yet. Before making a final decision, we encourage you to tour campuses you are interested in, attend admitted student events and find ways to make connections with other prospective students. Remember, you’re more than halfway through this college search experience- you got this!
Dory Berry (she/her) is an admission counselor in Agnes Scott’s Office of Admission and alumna from the Class of 2021! Her biggest piece of advice for prospective students is to find a place that “clicks” for them and feels like home.
You May Also Like
