The transition from high school senior to college freshman is often perceived as overwhelming and scary. However, some students tend to feel right at home immediately. To find out what that transition is really like, I spoke with Abbie Torrente, a PHHS Class of 2025 alumna, who recently completed her first semester at the University of Richmond.
The First Week
Every freshman’s first week of college is different, from freshman orientation to when classes officially begin. For Abbie, this experience was a mix of high energy and learning how to navigate a new environment.
“The first week is exciting, yet also an adjustment because everything is new,” she explained. “The people you are surrounded by, the environment, the living space, and the structure of your day.”
In The Classroom
The transition from a small classroom to a college lecture hall is another major shift that many students from Hills experience. However, not all classes take place in a lecture hall. For Abbie, each class she took during her first semester took place in a classroom.
“At first, I thought I would experience at least one of my classes in a lecture hall. Surprisingly, all my classes took place in classrooms of a similar size to those at Pascack Hills. Through this, I learned that the smaller classes allow students to ask more questions and connect with their professors,” she said.
This type of environment is beneficial for students who enjoy more teacher attention while learning.
Adjusting to a New Routine
One of the biggest changes Abbie noticed wasn’t just the work, but how she spent her time beyond the classroom. Unlike high school, where the school day is scheduled from start to finish, college offers a lot more freedom, responsibility, and independence.
Abbie explained, “College days are much different than a normal high school day. Each day, your schedule can be different, and you often have free time between classes to meet up with friends, go to the gym, or study.”
Abbie chronicles that each day your schedule can be different. from a 9 a.m class to a 12 p.m class; though, these come with their pros and cons.
“Personally, I find 9 AM classes motivate me to be productive and make the most out of my day.” Abbie adds, “But a 12 PM class allows me to sleep in and have a slower, more relaxed start to my day.”
Variety of Classes
Not every school wants each student to pick a major immediately. In fact, the University of Richmond encourages students to begin undecided, which is beneficial, as it allows students to try many different kinds of classes.
In Abbie’s experience, she said, “My school encourages freshmen to sample different courses to help us discover what our interests are and what we ultimately want to major in. For instance, this semester I took a history class that was solely focused on the Salem Witch Trials, and next semester I will be taking a leadership class.”
Advice for the Class of 2026
As current Pascack Hills seniors prepare for their own graduation, I asked Abbie to give the class of 2026 some advice. Having just navigated the transition herself, she knows exactly what they are going through.
“When entering your first few weeks, come into college with an open mind. Be open to trying new things and meeting new people. While college gives you more freedom, good habits help you stay on track without becoming overwhelmed,” she remarked.
Abbie spent a lot of her time back at home catching her breath and reuniting with friends and family, but as winter break approaches its end, Abbie can’t wait to dive into her second semester at the University of Richmond.
