The fall 2016 semester is drawing to a close, and the class of 2020 is one finals week away from having survived their first semester as a college student.
Freshmen undoubtedly have many thoughts and comments on the transition to college life. It can be difficult to assess a university’s strengths and weaknesses on a tour when the school and its representatives bombard prospective students with positive statistics and promises. But for kinesiology freshman Paige Roussel, these promises delivered.
“I didn’t expect the counselors and Center for Academic Success to be as helpful as they are,” Roussel said. “They have helped me when I was struggling in chemistry and they actually care about my well-being.”
For students living on-campus, praise was high. Mass communication freshman Easton Vinson was a big fan of living in a dorm.
“I really liked being close to all my classes,” Vinson said. “It’s a little expensive, but it’s worth it if you want the full college experience.”
Parking on campus has long been a source of frustration for students. With construction of Spruce Hall underway, parking for commuters has become even more scarce. Kinesiology freshman Jamal Holland voiced his concern.
“As a commuter, the parking was God awful,” Holland said.
Vinson added, “I think it’s stupid that they’re taking away a whole parking lot just to build a new dorm.”
Despite this common complaint, many freshmen have raved about their experience at the University. Every university strives to have students from many different regions and cultures. Mass communication freshman Mya Lloyd noticed.
“LSU’s diversity compared to those of other universities is what I really enjoy,” Lloyd said. “[High] schools can be diverse, but there is not really a culture that brings the students together like LSU.”
The class of 2020 arrives on campus during a year of transition for the University. Due to financial limitations, the University is undergoing a change by trying to educate students in a more cost-effective but equally efficient way. The Office of Academic Affairs initiated Flagship 2020 at the beginnig of 2011, and is working hard to achieve its goals.
“As the flagship institution of the state, the vision of Louisiana State University is to be a leading research-extensive university, challenging undergraduate and graduate students to achieve the highest levels of intellectual and personal development,” the mission statement says.
Through budget cuts, a catastrophic flood, and the loss of its tiger mascot, the University has seen a difficult year. The Class of 2020 remains optimistic and committed to being tigers for life.
“I have been through many ups and downs, but I wouldn’t want to go through this transition anywhere else,” Lloyd said.