The class of 2029 reflects on their first year at UMD

Keon Smith
Students walking on McKeldin Mall (Princess Tatsi/The Black Explosion).

With the academic year coming to an end, Black first year students at the University of Maryland talked about adapting to change, discussed events and shared advice for other incoming students. 

During a student’s first year of college there are many things to figure out and navigate such as, where classes are located, how to find campus resources and what dining hall is the best.

The university hosts many events specifically for new students such as Scholars Under the Lights, Honors Ice Cream Socials, game nights and Terp Bingo.

For Black students there are clubs like Black Student Union and African Student Association that help these students find community, friends and mentorship. BSU and ASA are both student-led organizations on campus dedicated to representing the interests and needs of Black undergraduate students.

“The events hosted by the Black Student Union have helped me a lot when it came to making new friends, a lot of the friends I have now I met at FreshCon, and many events hosted by the Black Student Union,” said Jasmine Ferrell, a freshman in the letters and science program.

FreshCon is an annual event at the start of the school year hosted by the Students Success Leadership Council. New students can meet new people, get a feel of the campus and find new clubs.

After arriving on campus, every student adapts differently, some quicker than others.

“I feel like for me since I came from a predominantly white high school, it was almost a status quo coming here to UMD,” Ferrell said. “I came from that background [so] it was easier for me to adapt.” 

For freshman biology major, Bator Wade, the transition to college was the opposite.

“Coming from a predominantly Black community, it’s definitely been a different experience being on campus, but in a positive way. I’ve really appreciated being exposed to more diversity and different perspectives,” Wade said.

He advised future freshmen to embrace the transition.

“Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone while still staying true to yourself. I do understand how different it can feel at first, but embracing the diversity around you can really help you grow,” Wade said. “Find your community early, whether that’s student organizations, friends, or mentors, because having that support system makes a huge difference.”