OPINION: I went grocery shopping this weekend and had fun

For freshmen college students, tasks as simple as buying groceries or doing laundry becomes exciting. ORACLE PHOTO / AUDREY KOCZANSKI

I confidently strolled around each aisle in the USF on campus Publix this weekend alongside my roommate. Except this time, there were no parents in sight.

Instead, there were dozens of college students scattered across the grocery store.

This could seem like a mundane task, one that I’ve done plenty of times before starting college. Except this time it feels special, in a different way— I get to pick out the items I want by myself to place in my own cart.

It is one of the many tasks I now get to complete on my own as a new freshman.

First-time college students are entering a transition into a world where we get to make our own choices, get our own food, do our own laundry, and wash our own dishes.

It is the stage in life where we get to cosplay as adults. This feeling of newfound independence has sparked motivation in me to complete tasks I usually would rely on someone else to do.

Although move-in day can be quite the stressful task, the first two weeks I’ve spent at USF have been more enjoyable than the four years I spent in high school.

It has given me a freedom unlike anything I’ve ever been exposed to before.

It even influences the clothes I get to wear. Since the beginning of time dating back to Kindergarten, my academic experience has consisted of wearing a uniform.

I’ve had to bear the same decision of choosing between a gray polo or a burgundy polo for the past thirteen years.

But now, college has become my own personal fashion show. I get to choose a new outfit every day that is actually able to represent my style.

The Tampa sun, although incredibly stifling at times, has not stopped me from wearing my long polka dot pants or vintage 2000’s jacket.

I have come across many warnings of the phenomenon referred to as “freshmen 15,” where a review of 32 studies have shown that 60% of first year college students gain an average of 7.5 pounds, according to Healthline.

Yet in reality, it has felt more like freshmen having to walk 15,000 steps a day while trying to avoid getting hit by a dozen electric scooters.

Although I have walked more these first days than in my entire summer, I am giddy at the thought of leaving my dorm room at any time to take a stroll through campus.

There is always a reason to be out exploring. Whether it be to people watch or to find the best study spots like the Marshall Center, Judy Genshaft Honors college, or a simple bench under the trees outside Argos Flip Kitchen.

Even studying has become less of a burden and more of an excuse to find a relaxing spot to finish my assignments.

Ariella Hester, a freshman psychology major, said the transition from high to college has been an enlightening experience.

“The ability to create my own schedule around my classes has created a sense of independence which is completely different from being a high school student who had to get approval on their whereabouts,” Hester said. “I am able to build my own study times whenever and wherever I please.”

Although the independence of college can feel liberating, the transition can still be quite abrupt and requires time to adapt.

The sensation of nostalgia or homesickness are feelings that can quickly become overwhelming.

In fact, during the first ten weeks of college, a study by the National Institutes of Health reported that 94% of students experienced feelings of homesickness, according to the National Library of Medicine.

It is hard saying goodbye to the loved ones who drove you to campus to move in— because this time it isn’t for a college tour or orientation day. This time it’s to stay.

All of a sudden, there isn’t a parent or best friend guiding you in ways you may have been used to.

However, there are many resources on campus that can help support you throughout these changes.

If you’re living on campus, residential assistants are there to help support your needs, whether it is a situation arising in your room or simply needing to talk to someone. You can also visit USF’s counseling centers if you need mental health resources.

With academic concerns, visiting your professor’s office hours or booking an appointment with your academic advisor can help you become more confident in the classes chosen for your schedule.

Change can be scary, but it can also be incredibly exciting.

Starting a new life in a university with over 50,000 students is one of the biggest opportunities to grow and gain fulfilling experiences you will carry on forever.

In the end, the best part is that we don’t have to do it alone— there are thousands of other freshmen navigating this same journey alongside you.

Tags: