Another fall semester at Ursinus means another batch of new first-year students getting to know the college. Students’ first impressions vary, but those whom I interviewed have mainly positive opinions about the college so far. Two first-years I interviewed had lower expectations of what their experience at Ursinus would be, and have been pleasantly surprised by their first month at the school.
The first student, Londyn Scott, said, “I kind of thought it would be lifeless and dead with such a small population. I didn’t think there would be much of a social scene. I didn’t think there would be as much academic diversity as here, either; there would be so many different classes, majors, and professors.” When I asked him how his experience here has differed from that thus far, he stated, “My professors are great; they’re passionate about what they do, and they’re very skilled at it.” He then went on to say, “I love the environment the most. The activities that are held, and the people who are here, too. Even the academic culture.”
One might think Ursinus’ small student population would lead to a lack of social activity when, most of the time, that is not the case. Parties over the weekends are typically present and open to all students. Additionally, sports, clubs, and other student and college-run activities are enough to keep most students busy.
Another student I interviewed, Aidan Blackwell, shared his qualms about the sports programs before arriving at Ursinus. “I didn’t think the athletics would be good, specifically track,” he noted. “I think the track program here is actually quite good, and so are the other sports. I do not regret my decision to participate in track here.” I was sure to ask both students about any negatives to the college that they would want to share.
Although he noted earlier that there is a larger social scene than he initially thought, Scott added, “I still think there could be more people. It can sometimes get a little high school clique-ish with the social groups. I wish there were some more clubs and things to do, but that comes with a small school, that happens.” Blackwell, meanwhile, commented on something I believe every Ursinus student can agree on as a negative: “That’s the wifi. You can quote me on that one. People will agree with me.”