Missing mom’s cooking?

They walked to receive their diploma, they packed their bags and most said goodbye to their loved ones at home; now it is time to do it all over again, only this time a little differently. Some of the adjustments students have had to make over the past couple weeks include meeting new people, eating different food and attending classes that can't even compare to high school.

Some people came to campus knowing quite a few people, but others came knowing possibly only the name of their roommate. Those who came knowing very few agree that it was a change to meet new people and making friends all over again.

Fortunately for Chris Sadzewicz, he had his friend Margaux Huismann, who is currently a sophomore, to show him the ropes and let him in on some of the secrets to getting involved on campus. Joining clubs, attending dorm events and playing for intramurals are great ways to meet people with the same interests.

Trying to make this new home away from home is difficult when you don't have mom's home cooking said freshman Kayla Johnson. Anyone who has a meal plan can only use their meals during transfer hours, which vary depending on the dining establishment.

The reviews from some freshmen were that The Galley has a fantastic breakfast, the pasta bread bowls at The Trattoria are worth going out of the way for and The Cellar has great food, as well.

Lecture halls are something most high school students did not experience before arriving at UWL.

For Emily Hinman, going to a lecture with as many people were in her graduating class was a little odd.  Johnson, whose graduating class was under 100 said, "I feel like I'm just a number [in large lecture halls]." Class times also are something new to people like Sadzewicz, who is used to 85 minute classes.

Students are now on their own to make sure they eat right, do their own laundry, shop for essentials and so on since they may not have had to in high school.

Paige Darnick said the biggest adjustment she has had to make was "probably remembering to do my homework." Sadzewicz does not mind being on his own. In fact he said, "It's so awesome!"

Senior Aaron Breuer remembers being a freshman. "A random drunk guy came in my room, touched my head as I slept on the futon and continued to climb into my bed and sleep for the remainder of the night. He then left in the morning but returned in the afternoon to say sorry."

He advises that all freshmen "go to class, have fun just not too much fun and always walk toward the bluff not the river."