The start of a new semester brings both opportunities and challenges for students at the University of Southern Mississippi, from freshmen navigating their first college experiences to graduate students adapting to advanced coursework.
First-year students often face changes in lifestyle and the need to balance time, work and responsibilities. For freshman Robert Groff, establishing structure has not been difficult.
“I honestly think it’s more easier than my high school experiences, because I’m still expecting for like a bell to ring at the end of every class. So adjusting has been easier for me,” Groff said.
Still, Groff said the transition has not been without challenges, including adjusting to different academic systems and the demands of coursework.
“It’s tedious at times using the new system because at my high school we use something completely different,” he said.
Groff also expressed concerns about grades in some of his core classes.
“I don't have any of my major classes until around my sophomore year, so this is basically just math and English, and I used to struggle with those a little bit during high school, but I think it’ll be easier with the help that the campus offers,” he said.
Adjustments are not limited to freshmen. Graduate student Kade Stevenson said moving from undergraduate to graduate-level work has presented its own set of challenges.
“The biggest adjustment for me from undergrad to grad school is that there is not much of the orientation stuff to kinda get in. Your professors expect [you] to kinda know everything already ’cause of undergrad, and sometimes you might be at a different level,” Stevenson said. “You’re just held to a higher standard, I’ll say.”
Stevenson said he has also questioned whether he belongs in graduate school.
“I'm dealing with the outs of everything right now. Is it going to pan out for me? Should I be here? Especially in my cohort, I might be behind everyone,” he said.
To support students in their transition, USM offers a variety of resources. Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies Karen Kozlowski said academic and wellness services are available to help students adjust.
“We have TRIO-SSS Support Services and academic coaching for anybody who might need a little bit of extra work on student 101 kind of stuff. All of those resources plus the usm.edu/help website, which is a catch-all website for students who need anything, not just academic, but financial and mental health-related issues,” Kozlowski said. “Hopefully, all of your needs can be met here at USM as students start to adjust.”
Groff said he relies on advice from his parents as he continues navigating his first year.
“My mother and father always taught me that if you want to do something, give it 110% and try your best,” he said.
For more information, visit usm.edu/help or contact Student Counseling Services.
