My First-semester           experience

My journey at IUPUI began with the excitement and nerves of the application process. Upon admission, I eagerly embraced the orientation day as my first official step into college life. The day was jam-packed with activities that gave me the opportunity to visit campus, meet with my advisor, and register for classes. What stood out to me was the realization of the extensive prerequisites required for my program. This encouraged me to enroll in summer classes in order to gain a head start. As a result, my first semester felt more like a continuation, providing me with a preview of the academic obstacles that were ahead.

 One significant learning experience occurred during the orientation day campus tour and during Bridge Week. It was first difficult to navigate among the library and other buildings, each with its own name. I confronted the physical challenges of a larger campus as I walked from one lesson to the next. This event taught me the value of time management and smart route planning. It became clear that efficient campus navigation required not only finding courses but also incorporating clever tactics to maximize my time between lectures.

 Another valuable experience came from the connections made during orientation. Meeting new people with similar college life aspirations and worries created a supporting network. Discussing our academic aims and concerns helped to reduce some of the stress associated with the university move. The sharing of ideas and experiences produced a sense of community, promoting the idea that the college experience is not solitary. Through these connections, I learnt the importance of establishing a support system, and this understanding has proven useful in conquering the semester's hurdles.

My IUPUI journey has been a mix of enthusiasm, challenges, and personal growth, from application to the current semester. The orientation day experiences, and bridge week especially the campus tour and the contacts made,  and meeting with advisors were crucial in defining my first college experience. These interactions taught me the value of effective navigation, time management, and a supportive group. As I continue my academic adventure at IUPUI, I keep these lessons in mind, knowing that they will help me succeed in future semesters.