Moving into residence for the first time can be overwhelming, and my experience was no different. I arrived feeling alone and out of place, with no familiar faces to greet me. The room felt empty, a contrast to the lively home I was used to. The silence was unsettling, and I knew it would take time to adjust to this new environment.
Many of you reading this are incoming first-year students moving into residence, and your experience might be quite different from mine. I moved in a year after the COVID-19 pandemic and immediately took on the role of a Community Advisor (CA), which came with its challenges.
The abundance of campus resources was both a blessing and a curse. I had so many questions but didn’t know where to start, and the sheer number of options left me feeling overwhelmed.
Living in Mary Keyes, an apartment-style residence, I had three roommates, and the anticipation of meeting them made me anxious. Would we get along? What if we didn’t? These were real concerns, but I soon realized they were part of the journey. To help you find different connections or feel more connected to the community, I have broken down my key tips for you below!
Starting university can be overwhelming, but having an open mindset made all the difference for me. Attending events, starting conversations and being honest about myself helped me connect with new people and made me feel like I belonged. These are some of the more specific ways I applied my open mindset:
To combat my feelings of loneliness, I took full advantage of the events organized on campus. Welcome Week was a lifesaver, with reps organizing fantastic activities, including a carnival for us to enjoy. These events were the perfect opportunity to meet people and start forming community connections.
Beyond Welcome Week, as the year progressed, I continued attending cultural association events that resonated with my background, where I met other close friends. I took the time to explore and reflect on my interests, which led me to participate in various clubs and organizations on campus. This included joining the chess club, where I bonded with others over friendly competition, and participated in events hosted by the McMaster Diversity and Equity Network (DEN), which provided me with a safe space to further reflect on my identity and people with similar experiences related to their identities. These experiences helped me overcome loneliness and also ignited a sense of self-discovery when deeply reflecting on my interests and also meeting like-minded individuals from these areas.
Something I focused on, that I was most nervous about, was creating academic connections within my program. I found that these connections made my undergraduate journey different from what I had ever imagined. Who thought studying could be fun? – I definitely didn’t, until I met my group of people. I attended study group sessions organized by the residence, and program-based clubs, which were great for meeting like-minded peers focused on their academic endeavors. I also tried to speak to classmates I sat next to, before and after lectures to find study partners and collaborate on assignments with. In the end, my study group became more than just academic help – it was a support system where we motivated each other. In my experience, teamwork truly makes the dream work, so it’s important to form these connections early on.
Another strategy that worked wonders for me was spending time in communal hotspots. The games room in Mary Keyes became my go-to spot to unwind and meet new people. Simply being present and engaging in campus activities made a significant difference. It allowed me to connect with others naturally and build friendships over shared interests. Some of the best places to make connections are Commons (in Mills Library), The MSU Hub, and the M floor of PGCLL.
Feeling overwhelmed when you first settle into a new environment is completely normal. Many others are likely feeling the same way, so you are not alone. To help manage these feelings, here are a few strategies that worked for me:
Final Thoughts
Reflecting on my journey, I see how much I have grown. Moving into residence was initially daunting, but it turned into one of the most rewarding experiences. I learned to step out of my comfort zone, seek help when needed, and cherish the connections I made.
One of the most important lessons I learned during this time was the power of vulnerability. As I began to tear down my walls and open up to conversations with everyone I met, I realized that many students felt the same way I did. We were all navigating a shared sense of loneliness and a desire to connect.
To all incoming first-year students: feeling lonely and overwhelmed is normal, but there are countless ways to build a supportive community and make the most of your time on campus. Embrace every moment, take advantage of the resources available, and don’t be afraid to reach out to others.