By Wylliam Smith
The final stretch of the school year is fast upon us. As University of Iowa students return from spring break and prepare for the last round of classes and tests, one can’t help but think back to the exciting moments this year. For me as a first-year out-of-state student, who is also a first-generation college student, this year was one of a lot of extreme emotions.
Attending college is always a difficult transition, but for out-of-state students, it can be especially difficult. Tuition for them is higher, they may not live in the same time zone as their family, and if they get homesick, their family is often not just a short car drive away.
I knew that this would happen before I even came to Iowa, but knowing and experiencing are two different things. When I got to Iowa, the differences of cultures between here and my hometown of Grand Rapids, Michigan was almost overwhelming. Thankfully, the UI is a very welcoming place and helped my transition from Michigan to Iowa go smoothly.
However, college is more than just a change of location. It is also a change of responsibilities. It means more freedom and the chance to be an adult. Getting a job, managing bills, even the opportunity to vote were all introduced to me and many other freshmen this year.
It was definitely strange doing this without my mother to help me. Of course, I could always call her for advice, but in reality, with her being so far away, if I had an emergency, it was up to me to solve it.
Many out-of-state students must come to terms with solving problems on their own. It was hard seeing students go home whenever they wanted, knowing that I was essentially trapped here. Leaving was not an option unless I wanted to fall behind in school.
There were times when both my roommates were gone, and I was alone in a dorm all by myself. I know students who actually dropped out of college specifically for that reason. Luckily for me, I was able to make friends and joined a few student organizations, including The Daily Iowan, to keep myself active.
My adviser was also a big help. I remember returning from winter break and being in his office around two times a week. And when I wasn’t in there, I was emailing him with questions about courses.
That’s something the UI has that I am extremely grateful for. In my experience, the people who are here to help you on campus really do care about you. And I encourage other out-of-state students who are feeling homesick to reach out to these resources for help.
I truly believe that is what helped me adjust to Iowa life, and with this support group of friends, advisers, and newspaper colleagues, I believe that the rest of my time at Iowa will go as smoothly as the first year has gone.