Finding Their Place: Students Adjust to Life at the Mount

For students at Mount St. Joseph University, the transition has meant adjusting to new classes, meeting new people, and finding a place within the campus community. While some students are experiencing college for the first time, others are transfers learning how to make the Mount feel like home.

For Olivia Crawford, a first-year resident, living on campus has been an important part of her transition to college. While she has enjoyed her experience so far, she said adjusting to college life has taken some time.

"College has definitely been an adjustment, but overall, I've really enjoyed my experience," Crawford said.

One of the biggest changes she has noticed is the amount of work needed in her classes. Crawford said her classes have been more demanding than she expected, requiring her to learn how to manage her time and balance her responsibilities.

Outside of the classroom, living on campus has given Crawford opportunities to meet new people and become familiar with the Mount's community.

"I've met and talked to a lot of new people, and everyone has been really welcoming and nice," Crawford said.

Even with the opportunities that come with living on campus, Crawford said she is still getting used to being away from home and finding her place at the university. As she becomes more comfortable, she is looking forward to getting involved on campus and meeting even more people.

For Kyle Havens, beginning at the Mount has meant starting a new chapter as a transfer student. Havens is a Cincinnati native and Moeller High School graduate who transferred from Madonna University in Michigan. He is an exercise science major and currently commutes to campus.

Despite being a transfer student and commuter, Havens said he has quickly found a welcoming community at the Mount.

"Classes are going well and I am enjoying the community around campus," Havens said.

Havens said professors B.C Charles-Liscombe and Thomas Palmer have been especially helpful as he adjusts to his new University. He also enjoys the atmosphere on campus and appreciates that there is always something happening or something to do.

Being a commuter has not kept Havens from becoming involved in campus life. He has found a strong connection by being in the men's basketball team, which he said has been a highlight of his experience so far.

"My new team, Men's Basketball, has also been a blast to be around," Havens said. "Everyone is very focused and we have huge expectations for this upcoming season."

Havens said the Mount reminds him of his earlier university because of its comparable size and sense of community. Even as a commuter, he appreciates being able to connect with people around campus.

"I like being able to have a connection and conversation with anyone on campus," Havens said.

For Havens, one word particularly stands out when describing his experience at the Mount: "Family." "Everyone here supports each other and cares for one another," he said.

Kayla Bennett has also experienced the transition to the Mount as a transfer student. Now a third-year nursing major and resident on campus, Bennett said one of the things she appreciates most about the university is its small, close-knit environment.

Bennett described the Mount as "very small and tight-knit" and said she values the student-to-professor relationships that come with being part of a smaller university.

Bennett also said she appreciates the Mount's mission and the services available to students, particularly when compared with other universities. For her, those resources have contributed to an environment where students can build relationships and receive support throughout their college experience.

Her involvement outside of the classroom has also helped her connect with the university community. Bennett joined the Student Nurses Association, an organization she believes will be beneficial to her nursing major and future career.

In addition, Bennett works at the Learning Commons, where she has had the opportunity to meet faculty members and build connections outside of her classes.

For Bennett, living on campus and becoming involved in the university have provided opportunities to build relationships while continuing her education in nursing.

Although Crawford, Havens and Bennett have different college experiences, they have all found ways to become part of the Mount Community. Crawford is adjusting to her first year while living on campus, Havens has navigated the transition of transferring while commuting, and Bennett has adjusted to transferring while living on campus.

Their experiences show that finding your place at college can happen in many ways. Whether through residence life, athletics, academics, student organizations or campus employment, students at the Mount have opportunities to build relationships and create a sense of belonging.

For students like Havens and Bennett, transferring to a new university does not have to mean starting completely over. At the Mount, a welcoming community, and opportunities to get involved can help make the transition feel a little more like coming home.