Individuals walk across campus on a dreary afternoon. (Molly McPherson/Emerald)
Following their first academic year at the University of Oregon, freshmen said they’ve gained experience in the beginning stages of college through classes, dorm life and more.
With 5,057 students, UO’s class of 2027 is the second-largest class in the history of the university. The Daily Emerald asked first-year students their opinions on topics including their favorite aspects of UO, dorm life and a look into the future.
What is your favorite aspect of UO?
Jacob Willis, a freshman majoring in pre-business, said that UO gave them the opportunity to network, which they appreciated.
“You’re just making those good connections, and you never know when you’re going to need them,” Willis said.
Inacia Silva-Winterburn, a freshman majoring in public relations, said that the National Association of Black Journalists club allowed them to connect with people who share the same interests as them.
“It’s [NABJ] just been really fun,” Silva-Winterburn said. “It’s been my favorite way to meet people.”
Noah Berkstresser, a freshman majoring in computer science, said that one of their favorite parts of UO is the access to student resources, including tutoring sessions at the Allan Price Science Commons and Research Library, which provides 3D printers.
Mavrik Amos, a freshman majoring in psychology, said that their favorite part of UO is the football games because they attend them as a member of the Oregon Marching Band.
Kyla Brown, a freshman majoring in cinema studies, said that they appreciated the nature and architecture on campus.
“I feel like we have really beautiful buildings, beautiful nature and it’s [campus] really walkable,” Brown said.
Brown said that the walkability of UO campus allows them to “see people you know on the way to class and it’s kind of like a nice community.”
Freshman Isabella Stockwell said that she appreciates how UO is accessible and supportive of students.
“I feel [support] especially like all the emails that we received, of reaching out especially for scholarships or just for advising and things like that,” Stockwell said.
How has your experience been living in the dormitories?
Some of the students said they shared similar experiences of being fined hundreds of dollars for actions they did not commit.
According to UO’s Residence Hall Contract, residents are responsible for paying for any damages that occur within common areas of the residence hall.
The contract also said that residents on an entire floor could be charged collectively if damages in common areas within the hall could not be traced to a specific person or group.
Ava Kinser, a freshman majoring in psychology who lived in a triple bed in Living Learning Center Hall, said that they were charged with nearly $200 worth of vandalism fees because a bathroom was “destroyed” on their floor.
“They [floormates] ripped off the tiles in the bathroom,” Kinser said. “First they [UO] told us it was just gonna be charged to the boys on the floor, but then they went back and they said that they’re actually charging it to the whole floor.”
Amos, who lived on the second floor in New Residence Hall, said that they were charged with fees after residents of the fifth floor vandalized a study room on their floor.
“It’s frustrating,” Amos said. “I can’t do anything about it. People break the study rooms, [and] steal chairs and stuff.”
Silva-Winterburn said that they found it “harder” to make friends because they lived in Barnhart Hall, which is located half a mile away from campus.
“It’s definitely interesting not being around like everyone else in the area,” Silva-Winterburn said. “I also feel like there’s like a community that’s there because we all kind of have to do the walk together.”
Brown said that living in Justice Bean Hall was the “perfect” on-campus spot with “easy access” to nearby halls.
Brown also said that living in a double room made it “uncomfortable at times” to have privacy.
“The actual dorm itself is a little small,” Brown said. “You’re really, really close to your roommate, so there’s not really a lot of privacy. Even in the bathrooms – even though they’re separate. It’s still not much privacy.”
Other students said that living in the dormitories was a good experience for them.
“Honestly, I loved it,” Stockwell, who lived in a triple at Global Scholars Hall with freshman Jonathan Mercado, said. “You’re so close to everyone. It’s just a fun time.”
Stockwell said that she would change how the dorms are not supplied with an air conditioning system because she felt that the dorms would heat up during hot days.
“It’s impossible to sleep, like you just can’t be in the room,” Stockwell said. “Even if you open windows [and] have fans like it’s just nothing.”
Any advice for incoming freshmen?
Mercado said that his advice to UO’s class of 2028 is to come prepared for lectures. Mercado said he felt that classes had no introductions and went straight into the course content.
“If you have the syllabus, read it,” Mercado said. “Prepare yourself a little bit because you kinda just get thrown into it, and that’s what made me have a rough start.”
Willis said that they felt it was important for incoming freshmen to attend their lectures because of the 10-week term system.
“Go to class because you kind of want to just stay on top of things because things could easily pass,” Willis said. “It goes so dang quickly. I feel like I came here two weeks ago.”
Willis also said that students should “cherish” the moments they have with people because “before you know it, it’s going to be senior year and you’re graduating.”
Berkstresser said they think freshmen should not be anxious about living in the dorms.
“Don’t be so nervous about dorms,” Berkstresser said. “Everyone I knew was super worried about it, and everyone I knew was fine.”
Amos said that the “best thing” incoming freshmen who aren’t attending UO with friends can do is join an activity.
“I didn’t have anyone I knew here coming here,” Amos said. “[If] you join an activity, it’s going to be easier to socialize and get people around you to help support you throughout the year.”
What are you looking forward to for the next three years at UO?
Several of the freshmen said that they were looking forward to graduating and exploring more within their degree.
“I’m looking forward to getting deeper into my major,” Willis said. “I want to do a marketing concentration. That’s something that I’ve been interested in for years.”
Others shared that they are excited about moving out of the dormitories.
“I feel like next year we’ll be a little bit more independent and really be able to explore who we are outside of family and friends that we already know,” Brown said.
Silva-Winterburn said they are excited to move out of the dormitories because they will now have their own space and privacy.
Mercado said that he’s looking forward to becoming a more mature person in the next three years at UO.
“I’m looking forward to growing and maturing in a way that I could actually just say ‘Okay, I’m gonna get this done. I’m gonna do this. I’m gonna do that,’ rather than putting it off till the last second,” Mercado said.
