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Adjusting to new living arrangements comes with many challenges, no matter the setting. When I found out last semester that I was going to be spending my sophomore year at Syracuse University on South Campus, I felt immediate disappointment, to say the least.

I was prematurely dreading the bus rides and the uncertainty of being on time to class, as well as becoming completely disconnected from main campus. I already felt the absence of lively student energy as everyone dressed up to go out with their friends.

In talking to many students who’ve lived through South Campus, my anxieties weren’t eased – all I’d ever heard was how inconvenient and isolating it was. Though many promised it’d be a great experience with many unique benefits, such as having your own living space and more independence, I still feel exiled from Main Campus.

But when I was told living on South Campus would gain me my own microcommunity, with many of the students having little gatherings in their apartments, I felt a bit of the weight off my shoulders. This contradicted the narrative that I’d feel totally alone.

I saw the possibility to remedy something I’ve been feeling long before this housing assignment.

Since starting my collegiate journey at SU, I’ve had periods of overwhelming isolation. I know much of this issue stems from my struggle to reach out to the people around me.

I also know I’m not the only one. Around two-thirds of college students report feeling lonely, and simply checking in with an old friend or conversing with a classmate doesn’t always feel like a realistic option.

I lived in Day Hall last year, and my roommate and I often felt like we were missing out.

We would be in our dorm and hear everyone outside in big groups, connected just by living in the same building. We chose not to get to know them, but part of me knows I should’ve tried harder.

I found it hard to connect with the girls on my floor because many were involved in Greek Life, which I wasn’t interested in. It felt difficult to find common ground. Regardless, there were so many groups I could’ve identified with but didn’t branch out to during my first year.

A lot of the clubs and organizations I’m interested in are not ones my friends care about, so I have no choice but to go alone. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. I’m still excited to try out clubs like the beekeeping club, or the chess club. Even though I have no tangible skills or connections in either of these, I know it’s the best way to meet people with unique interests.

There will inevitably be points in college where you feel lonely, but it’s vital that we step out of our comfort zones and try to connect with the people around us.

Because I’m living on South Campus this year, I’ve decided to put in twice the amount of effort with the people around me. SU has initiatives in place to support students like me who sometimes feel left behind – there are hundreds of student-run organizations for so many different opportunities.

I’m going to push myself to try as many of these organizations as I can, especially the ones that I’ve never tried before. A big obstacle many students – including myself – must face is the fear of being seen alone. If there isn’t at least one familiar face, most people opt to stick to what they know.

I urge SU students to grow away from this mindset and show up to things alone. That’s the best way to meet new people and connect with the university on a more genuine level, and being assigned to South Campus was exactly the push I needed.

Helena Sauriat is a sophomore majoring in anthropology. She can be reached at hrsauria@syr.edu.

Published on August 25, 2025 at 9:57 pm