Freshmen coming together for summer program at Manhattan University. @MANHATTANUADMISSIONS INSTAGRAM
Isaiah Minaz, Staff Writer
Manhattan University (MU) welcomed one of its largest freshman classes in recent years this fall, as a new group of students arrived on campus with diverse expectations, goals and experiences.
For many freshmen, the first weeks of the semester have meant adjusting to a new academic environment, meeting new people and navigating the independence of college life. While some students are living on campus for the first time, others are experiencing MU as commuters.
Salma Rodriguez, a freshman civil engineering major from the Fordham area of the Bronx, entered MU without expectations but said she was surprised by what she learned about the university’s engineering programs.
“I knew they were good, but as they talk about it more, I definitely feel more confident that I’ll graduate and achieve success later on,” Rodriguez said.
While adjusting academically has not been particularly difficult for Rodriguez, the financial responsibility of attending college has changed how she views her education.
“The only thing that does feel a little surreal to me is that I’m paying for my tuition, so I kind of do need to get the best grades and opportunities out of MU,” Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez currently commutes from New Jersey and said the length of her commute has made her consider living on campus in the future.
“It’s definitely a journey,” Rodriguez said. “So, I am thinking about dorming next semester.”
For other freshmen, the transition from high school to college has been most noticeable in the classroom. Catherine Glasser, a freshman engineering major from Long Island, said college coursework requires an adjustment from her previous classes.
“I feel like the biggest adjustment is probably the coursework and the classes because I feel like my high school classes were way easier than what I’m doing now,” Glasser said.
Natalie Foster, an undecided freshman from Westchester, shared a similar experience, explaining that professors expect students to take more responsibility for their work.
“The teachers expect you to do everything, and in high school they help you out a lot more,” Foster said.
That adjustment has not been the only surprise for some freshmen. CC Cahill, a freshman communications major from Pennsylvania, came to MU hoping to participate in a film production program.
“My expectation of MU was that they were going to have a film production program because that’s why I came here,” Cahill said.
Despite her disappointment over not having the necessary prerequisites, Cahill said she is looking forward to meeting new people, enjoying her first year and completing her coursework. Living on campus has also given her an opportunity to get to know her roommates and adjust to campus life.
For Rahma Ahmed, a freshman political science major from Manhattan, commuting has offered a different college experience. Ahmed said the commute is manageable because she lives about an hour from campus. Looking ahead, she hopes to become more involved in the university community and make the most of her first year.
“I’m looking forward to joining the clubs and then getting more education, but also making super fun memories and, again, making new friends,” Ahmed said.