It’s hard to believe that today it’s been over a week since the fall semester started. For some that time has probably flown by thanks to on-campus activities, class assignments, and commitments galore. For others, the week has probably dragged on for some of those exact same reasons. But while many of us have settled into some of our old routines, how have some of our freshmen been adjusting to life at their new home on the Hilltop?

“Classes so far have been great,” says Sara Kendrick, a first-year student from Highland Park, said. “I’ve really enjoyed the discussions we’ve been having in my English class and how comfortable I already feel talking about various ideas with my classmates. Intro to Electrical

Engineering is becoming my favorite class. I like how enthusiastic Dr. Christensen is during his lectures. It really

keeps you on your toes.”

Others have found the beginning of class to be less exciting. “It’s definitely called ‘syllabus week’ for a reason,” says Daniel Trujillo, a student from California, said. However, Trujillo still seems to be enjoying things so far: “I’ve made a lot of friends and have finally started to get into the schedule of college (hopefully). I think most importantly I’m really starting to feel at home at SMU. I’m definitely looking forward to the next four years!”

Jarrod Millhorn of Irving shares the same sentiment: “It’s only been a week here and I already feel at home. The professors have been amazing, the people are all friendly, and I’m looking forward to what the next four years have to bring.”

Life on campus also comes with a unique set of challenges too.

Mehdi Hami, a freshman from Garland, gives his take: “I really need to watch what I eat because I currently eat four meals a day. Thank God for Mac’s Place!” Hami has also enjoyed a lot of the resources that the campus has to offer:

“One of my favorite parts of the campus is the gym. It has absolutely anything for everyone.”

Freshmen have also discovered how many opportunities abound on SMU’s campus, especially for first years. “I’ve decided to branch out and do things I haven’t tried before,” says Sara Kendrick said. “I went to the Ballroom Dance Club on Saturday and did the Waltz and Cha-cha for the first time.

I liked it so much I’m planning on joining the team. I’ve also been exploring the different exercise classes at Dedman.

Zumba was surprisingly entertaining and fun (again…never done that before). I’ve also explored a few different clubs and am trying to decide which ones I want to stick with, which is more difficult than I expected,” Kendrick continued.

“Overall the first week was pretty crazy but very exciting. I’m still trying to figure out how to balance everything. I can’t wait to explore everything else SMU has to offer!”

Indeed, it looks like freshmen so far have been making the most of their experience, and it will be equally as rewarding to see their contributions to the SMU community over the course of the next few years.

Brandon Bub is a sophomore majoring in English and edits The Daily Campus opinion column. He can be reached for comment at [email protected]