The fall semester of the first year of college is the start of a new era of life. Along with this new beginning comes new friends, new opportunities, and new experiences. To my surprise, it took me less than a week to find people I still consider close friends today, as I head toward the end of my spring semester.
In no particular order, here are some of my favorite memories from my first semester at college.
1. Boba in Towson
During the first week of classes, a friend of mine and I went on a rainy night drive to Towson, a suburb about 20 minutes away, and grabbed some boba. This friend, Dua, was a peer leader for my Pre-Orientation experience. This is an optional program offered by Hopkins for first-years to move in three days before the rest of the class and explore Baltimore in small groups. My program, Baltimore Community Bound, works with the Center for Social Concern (CSC) and takes a group of about 30 students around Baltimore to learn about and interact with the greater Baltimore community. Dua is two years older than me, but I’ve bonded with her more than anyone else at Hopkins so far. This boba run was the first of many to come, and each time we always share so many laughs and make lots of lasting memories.
2. Decorating for my roommate’s birthday
My roommate Gwen’s birthday was in early October. I love surprising the people close to me, so taking the time to shop and set up for her special day was something I thoroughly enjoyed doing. A neighbor and I used Baltimore’s bus system to get to Towson for the mall and Target. Together, we shopped for room essentials, fun clothes, and my roommate’s gifts. Celebrating birthdays as a first-year student can be hard because it is the first time away from home for many. I’ve noticed putting in effort to make people feel loved goes much farther than expected and often finds its way back to me in a welcome cycle.
3. Studying outside
As a Boston native, I definitely took advantage of Baltimore’s warmer weather. Late into the fall semester, I would still spend many of my afternoons studying outdoors. I loved soaking in the sunshine while reviewing information for my classes or doing homework. It was also always a plus to look up and notice friends walking by on their way to or from classes! Almost every time I set my stuff up outside, I end up being joined by my friends for an impromptu study session. It was a great way for me to get some fresh air throughout my day while also offering the opportunity for social interaction during my study breaks.
4. Racing in my first collegiate swim meet
Competing at my first collegiate swim meet was definitely worth remembering! As a competitive swimmer for many years, it was interesting to continue the sport in a new environment. It was just as fun and high-energy as I had remembered, but it was also an adjustment to racing graduate students and other more experienced athletes. I love this team so much and I am grateful to be able to race with them. As one of the smaller club athletics teams on campus, I have been able to find many of my closest friends in the pool. We practice three times a week and often have other fun activities for team bonding, such as a team potluck and karaoke night.
5. Watching the women’s soccer Centennial Conference final
Early in November, the Women’s Soccer Team at Hopkins played in the Centennial Conference Championship Game. Gwen plays for Hopkins, so I brought a few buddies along to support her and the team on their way to their 17th championship title. I love finding ways to support my roommate, and going to her soccer games became a regular weekend activity for me in the fall. The games gave me an opportunity to embrace our school spirit and hang out with friends while being present for my roommate. Watching the team cheer after a win and celebrating with those in the stands will always make me smile when I think back on it.
6. Going to Miracle on 34th Street
Early in December, my training class from A Place to Talk (APTT), a peer-listening service on campus, went on a little outing to Miracle on 34th Street. It was such a perfect night to walk around and look at the houses that were fully decorated with holiday lights. We stopped by The Charmery, a local ice cream shop in Hampden about a 10-minute walk from campus, to purchase hot chocolate before heading a few blocks over for the decorations. Not only was Miracle a beautiful way to spend the evening, but I was able to enjoy it with people I adored. APTT has given me the safest, most welcoming space on campus, and I am so grateful for every minute I am able to spend with fellow APTTers.
7. Attending Lighting of the Quads
In December, the university hosts an event called Lighting of the Quads each year. One of our quads on campus is beautifully decorated with string lights on trees, holiday themed tents, and adorable little blow-up figures. I attended the event with a number of my friends. It was quite an adrenaline rush; almost the entire school was in attendance. There was music, free food, and a fireworks show. I remember stocking up on free goodies from the stalls run by a variety of groups on campus and taking breaks from the chilly air in nearby buildings. Afterwards, a few of us went to Hampden for dinner at an Asian and Ethiopian-inspired restaurant called Ekiben. It was such a welcome reprise from studies, and I loved enjoying a night of activities with my friends.
8. Going on one more boba run
Before taking my last final and heading home for winter break, Dua and I went back to get boba one more time. This was a really nice way to close the semester—sharing our favorite drinks on a night much like the first night we shared early in the semester. We always blast music in the car, and it is the perfect way to start a silly conversation while driving through the streets of Baltimore.
My fall semester ended up being so much more than I had expected in so many ways. I made friends closer than I would have ever guessed, and I could not imagine Hopkins without any of them. I created so many lasting memories with each of them and I cannot wait to share many more laughs and moments with the people in a place a now call home.
