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For many returning students at Syracuse University, the start of the semester feels like slipping back into a well-worn jacket. We already know the best places to grab a quick bite at Schine Student Center or Dunkin’, the fastest way to cut through the Hall of Languages lawn on a windy morning and which dining hall lines move the quickest.

It’s muscle memory to lower our voices as we ascend through Bird Library, and we can recognize familiar faces as we walk along Marshall Street or settle into our regular seats at the JMA Wireless Dome.

In some ways, it’s comforting to know the chaos and uncertainty of being a first-year are long behind us.

But here’s the catch: comfort can be the enemy of growth.

Too often, returning students fall into routines that make campus life feel stable, but it also becomes predictable and stagnant. We hang out with the same friend groups, register for the classes that feel safest and shy from new clubs on campus. Without realizing it, we miss out on the kind of opportunities that make SU such a unique place to spend four years.

That’s why this semester is the perfect time to reflect on how we can use what we already know about SU to push ourselves into something new.

Trying a new club or organization is an easy first step. Maybe you’ve walked past the tables at the Involvement Fair every semester, promising yourself you’ll sign up next time. But there’s more value to joining a new group than adding another meeting to your week – it gives you a chance to meet people outside your usual circle, hear perspectives you might never otherwise encounter and try things you’d never imagined.

SU has everything from cultural groups (Chinese Students and Scholars Association, Black Student Union, Caribbean Student Association) to club sports (Boxing, Equestrian Fencing, Golf, Sailing, Baseball) to publications like WAER or CitrusTV. These spaces often become some of the most rewarding parts of student life.

On-campus jobs are another way to break out of the routine. It’s convenient to work somewhere you already know, but a job at the Barnes Center at The Arch could integrate events that support wellness across campus into your daily life. At Bird Library, you’ll constantly cross paths with students and faculty from every discipline. These positions aren’t just about the paycheck; they’re about gaining skills in communication, teamwork and leadership — the kinds of skills that make you stand out after graduation.

For those who have the time, volunteering within the city of Syracuse can be a fulfilling pastime. Organizations like Habitat for Humanity and Rosamond Gifford Zoo are always looking for more helping hands. Giving back to the community we so mindlessly take from is a great way to build new connections and help those who’ve helped you, all while getting a change of scenery.

Don’t underestimate the power of electives, either. It’s easy to focus only on your major’s requirements, but SU has a catalog full of classes that can open unexpected doors. A Newhouse student might discover a passion for political theory in Maxwell. An engineering major might find creative problem-solving in a studio art class at VPA. Even a one-credit class, like a fitness course at the Barnes Center, can shift your perspective and routine in meaningful ways.

What makes returning students unique is that we already have the foundation: we know how to dress for a February blizzard, how to navigate the maze of Link Hall and where to find the best late-night food on Marshall Street. That familiarity should give us the confidence to take risks, not the excuse to stay comfortable.

SU is full of opportunities that won’t always be there after graduation — whether it’s storming the field after a huge win in the Dome, studying abroad through SU Abroad or starting a multimillion-dollar business through Orange Tank.

Comfort zones are easy, but they rarely lead to the best stories, the strongest friendships or the most meaningful growth.

So as the semester unfolds, don’t just slip back into old routines but find new opportunities instead. The best version of your SU experience might still be waiting for you, hidden behind what feels familiar and safe.

Autumn Clarke is a sophomore majoring in broadcast and digital journalism. She can be reached at auclarke@syr.edu.

Published on August 24, 2025 at 10:51 pm