Recent grad Julia McAleavey shares guidance through this advice column for incoming students. A student with well-rounded experience, Julia earned a bachelor’s in advertising. She transferred to Rowan her sophomore year, after another school wasn’t a great fit. While at Rowan she started as an exploratory studies major, unsure of what to major in. She’s lived both on campus and off campus, held student worker jobs and internships, and participated in clubs and sports.
There are a lot of things about starting college that can be absolutely terrifying. One of those things is worrying about finding friends. I’ve got some good news for you: you are not the only person anxious about this. Every college first year or new transfer is worried about not making any friends. Here are some ways to help you come out of your comfort zone and break that fear of never finding friends.
Get out of your room.
When first moving in, you might not know what to really do with yourself besides sit in your room and watch television. Or, if you commute, you might just drive to campus and back home after class. I know this is a crazy time for you and it’s so easy to get stuck inside, but do not do this! Friends are not just going to magically appear at your door. Sure, you might have been friends with your roommate already, but you both need other friends so you do not get sick of living with each other.
A good start would be to go to the events that your resident assistant sets up at the beginning of the semester, or make a point to go to the September organization fair, where there are tons of tables of people representing their clubs and organizations. This way, you get out of your room (or car), and get to know some of the people.
Go to first-year student events.
At the beginning of the semester, there will be some events to attend for new students to get to know each other. Rowan After Hours (RAH) has a lot of fun, late-night events to get students to interact with one another. They might sound lame at first, but don’t let that keep you from going. You might even meet your best friends there. Plus, there is usually free food of some kind, and it’s hard to say no to that, right?
Two words: Get. Involved.
This is HUGE! Many first year and new transfers go into college not wanting to get involved because they are afraid they will fall behind on school work or won’t fit in. Yes, it is true you are at Rowan for a degree, but getting involved in something will help you to make friends and professional connections. I joined the Swim Club and it introduced me to my best friends.
There are a lot of activity fairs at the beginning of each semester to share information about different clubs and organizations. Look out for these dates so you can find the perfect fit for you.
I’m going to be completely honest with you — college can sometimes feel like a lonely place. You might feel sad and overwhelmed and might even just want to go home. But once you find a great group of friends everything will fall into place.
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Julia McAleavey, advertising graduate
Could you please tell us about your favorite moment with a faculty member or a favorite experience in one of your classes? 
What is one activity, club, sport or hobby that you did in high school that you’d like to continue with at Rowan? 
Why did you choose Rowan?
am looking forward to all the new people I will meet in my first year at Rowan. I hope to form friendships that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
What is one activity, club, sport or hobby that you did in high school that you’d like to continue with at Rowan?
What did you most enjoy your freshman year at Rowan? I enjoyed meeting new people and making new friends. Also experiencing living on my own for the first time and doing it with everyone who is also in it for the first time. 
What advice do you have for future freshmen looking at colleges right now? My advice would be to trust your gut and listen to others. No matter if you’re stuck between two schools, different majors, etc… Ask for other opinions, take it in and then listen to yourself.
How/why did you choose your major?
What did you most enjoy your freshman year at Rowan? I think the one thing I enjoyed most about my freshman year was getting to know the people I have become close with and finding my place on campus. I am surround by such a great community of people at Rowan and they have made me feel so welcomed and loved. 
What clubs or activities are you involved in on campus? I am a theatre arts major so I help out with the shows a lot and maybe next season I’ll be in one who knows! So I really enjoy doing that, but this semester I rushed for a Sorority and got a bid for Alpha Sigma Tau. Being a part of 
Why did you choose a university that is out-of-state or out-of-country for you?
I would tell a fellow student interested in Management and Human Resources Management that they’re choosing a worthwhile field because there are no limits to what you can do. Majoring in Management equips you to work in every type of professional setting. I chose this field for the never-ending opportunities. Every industry has a business side, so there are no restrictions on the fields you can work in. I also find myself learning real-life lessons that are beneficial outside of business, that I may not learn in a different major. I often find myself in these instances during my law and finance classes. 
What is one activity, club, sport or hobby that you did in high school that you’d like to continue with at Rowan?
What is one activity, club, sport or hobby that you did in high school that you’d like to continue with at Rowan? 
Why did you choose a university close to home? 
What advice do you have for incoming freshmen or transfers? 
Tell us about one club, organization, or group of friends that make you feel like Rowan is home. 
What is one thing about Rowan that was a happy surprise for you?
freshman and sophomore year, and became a member of the 
On Campus Employment: 
How did you manage the transition to Rowan as a freshman in college?
I also look forward to the fall season of the Equestrian Team as our spring season was cut short. Traveling to other universities and gaining points towards zones, regionals, and then nationals is incredibly exciting, and hard work! The hours we put in on top of our studies to fine tune our riding and participate in team activities is well worth it. Outside of Rowan, I look forward to representing my school, state, and nonprofit platform as Miss USA Petite New Jersey!
My Nonna is a caretaker. She was a stay-at-home mom and raised her kids while taking care of the house and catered to her husband. She ran a traditional Italian household. I learned how to cook, how to clean and how to be the best person I can be through my Nonna. 
What would you share with a future student interested in your major?
I felt like I was working with a visionary in my field when I attended [one of my professor’s] office hours. I felt like I was able to talk to her and build a great relationship. Exchanging conversations back and forth made me realize that she truly cares for students and is willing to help her students succeed. Over the semester, I told her that I was planning on furthering my education by going to medical school and becoming a pediatrician. 
Please tell us about your favorite moment with a faculty member or a favorite experience in one of your classes? 
spent one-on-one time with my professors. It gave me the chance to ask questions that I didn’t feel comfortable asking in class. I’ve had some pretty amazing professors!
Shout outs:
Rowan?
NJ (Cape May County) who majored in 
Today we feature Justin Roldan, a graduating 
Could you share a moment you’ve experienced in which you have felt that Rowan is a welcoming environment for you? 
Please tell us about your favorite moment with a faculty member or a favorite experience in one of your classes? The faculty at Rowan University is incredible. One of the greatest people I have had the pleasure of knowing at Rowan is 
What are your career aspirations and how did the people or programs at Rowan help to support you with those aspirations? After finishing this degree, I plan to continue my graduate studies at Rowan. I will be pursuing a master’s in S.T.E.M. Education starting next spring. My goal is to become a high school chemistry teacher. The people and programs at Rowan have been crucial to helping with these goals and aspirations. From being an e-board member, a learning assistant for the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, working as an undergraduate research assistant, and to every class, club and event in between. Rowan has afforded me so many incredible opportunities to pursue my passions. There is nowhere in the world I would rather continue my education!
What are your career aspirations and how did the people or programs at Rowan help to support you with those aspirations? I have dreamed of becoming a veterinarian since I was a child, and next year, I will be able to pursue that dream at Cornell University! I think the programs at Rowan have definitely helped me pursue this dream because they’ve given me endless opportunities both within my field and in extracurriculars. The programs at Rowan have allowed me to hone my skills in the sciences but also remain well-rounded by staying involved in clubs and music! 
experience in one of your classes? There are so many favorite experiences I’ve had at Rowan. Some of my favorite memories and moments are from my Physical Education classes! My group of classmates are so competitive and every class was so much fun!
memory was becoming acquainted with all peers from 
What advice would you give to incoming freshmen or transfers about making the most out of their college experience while choosing a university close to home? Stay grounded by doing your best academically. Social life will come no matter what. But if you are doing poorly in class it will affect all aspects of your life as a Prof.
What was your favorite or most meaningful personal moment at Rowan?
Working my three field placements during my time at Rowan University has assisted me in my professional development. I was able to move up to a managerial position within my agency and entered a program that I never thought I would if it wasn’t for my field placement. Working as a vocational specialist with adults with mental health has been an amazing experience. Watching my clients grow and become integrated into the community is so rewarding, I am thankfully to have been given this opportunity.
County) who double majored in el
My career aspirations are to become an elementary school teacher (preferably second grade) and go back to school to receive my master’s in education. I hope to get involved as much as possible within the school community and eventually become a dean of students at an elementary school. 
What did you most enjoy your freshman year at Rowan? What I enjoyed most about my freshman year was meeting my awesome friends and exploring my major.
from Camden County College. 
Tell us about your favorite moment with a faculty member or favorite experience in one of your classes. 
Tell us about your favorite moment with a faculty member or a favorite experience in one of your classes?
my professional career this month working for International SOS. I will work for them in government services for at least a year and then attend law school. I would like to specifically and emphatically thank Dr. Dworkin and the 
Tell us about your favorite moment with a faculty member or a favorite experience in one of your classes. 
Jodi Lynn Heady, a graduating senior concentrating in literacy studies under 
Favorite Memory: My favorite moment at Rowan was working at Rowan University 
: My career aspiration is to teach and shape young minds and get them ready for the years ahead of them. The College of Education supported me throughout my journey. They have provided wonderful classes with great professors. 
mechanical engineering. Matthew lives with his three engineering roommates (above) for all four years at Rowan
ent: A number of favorite moments come to mind so with that in mind I’d like to take this time to thank the entire mathematics department in Robinson Hall for always being there and willing to answer any questions that I had about my math courses!
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I’d like to thank my parents and my brother Jared for supporting me and pushing me to achieve my goals and aspirations at Rowan. I have had many amazing professors and got to know some fantastic administrators. 
ealth and physical education
County) who majored in 