Kaela

Starting college is a blend of excitement, nerves, and endless possibilities. Students from various class years reflect on their journeys, from the anticipation before their first day of class to the close of their first quarter. Hear their advice as their stories highlight the community, opportunities, and personal growth that await every new Bronco.

Freshman Perspective: Michael ’29

Returning to California after ten years away, Michael felt both nervous and excited to be back in a place that was familiar yet new. Leaving behind the routines and surroundings he had known for so long, he was eager to explore the opportunities and challenges that college life would bring. Orientation played a crucial role in helping him navigate this transition, providing a clear understanding of SCU’s mission and core curriculum, which in turn gave him confidence as he began his journey as a college student.

One of the most memorable aspects of his first quarter was engaging with the wide range of perspectives and experiences on campus. Santa Clara University supports this vibrant community through numerous clubs, programs, and events that are open to all students, providing opportunities for meaningful connection and personal growth.

Meeting people from many different backgrounds and perspectives allowed Michael to broaden his understanding of the campus community, gain new insights, and form connections that went beyond the classroom. These experiences made his first quarter not only educational but also deeply meaningful and exciting, shaping his perspective on what it means to be part of a vibrant and inclusive university community.

Michael’s advice for incoming students
“Join clubs you are genuinely passionate about. They give you a space to explore your interests and can help you find lifelong friends.”

Sophomore Insight: Sophia ’28

Sophia came to SCU ready to explore beyond the boundaries of her high school athletic schedule. College gave her the freedom to discover new interests outside of sports, from cooking to participating in campus activities.

Welcome Weekend made the campus feel approachable and welcoming for her as an out-of-state student. Ambassadors guided students to their classes, while events like the women’s soccer game and Broncos After Dark, a fun event featuring DJ sets, games, a photobooth, and plenty of other activities for all SCU students, helped her connect with fellow students before classes even began.

One of the biggest lessons Sophia learned was managing her own time. With SCU’s fast-paced quarter system, she quickly realized that thriving meant balancing freedom with responsibility and taking charge of her day-to-day schedule while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Sophia’s advice for incoming students
“Do not stay in your dorm your first quarter. Study in the library or SCDI, eat lunch in Benson, and attend campus events. That is how you meet people.”
Sophia also relied on phone calls with her parents to help navigate the transition. Celebrating her accomplishments and sharing her challenges made a big difference in feeling connected and supported at SCU. 

First-Gen Journey: Elvis '27

Becoming a LEAD Scholar has been the highlight of Elvis’s first days at SCU. The LEAD program supports first-gen students from their transition into SCU through community-building experiences like LEAD Week, seminars, and peer mentoring. It then helps them thrive through ongoing advising, leadership opportunities, and funding, and ultimately prepares them for life after graduation with vocational exploration and alumni engagement. 

As a first-generation college student, Elvis values having a supportive network of peers and mentors who understand the challenges and opportunities that come with navigating college. He enjoys seeing familiar faces from LEAD around campus and appreciates how genuinely welcoming, tight knit, and community oriented the program is.

A key source of support for Elvis has been Shauntè, his LEAD 101 instructor. Her guidance and encouragement throughout the quarter helped him feel confident and supported as he adjusted to life at SCU. He knows he can reach out to her whenever he has questions or needs guidance.

Being first generation is something Elvis takes pride in. Each step of his educational journey, from community college to SCU, has been an important accomplishment for him and his family, and he stays motivated by recognizing the significance of his progress and the opportunities ahead.

Elvis's advice for future first-gen and transfer students
“Get involved and take advantage of supportive programs like LEAD. Building connections and exploring campus resources can make your transition smoother and help you feel at home." 

Transfer Experience: Lauren ’26

Transitioning from community college, Lauren found SCU’s pace and physical campus both exciting and overwhelming. Lauren built meaningful connections through events hosted by The Transfer Student Union, which allowed her to meet peers with similar experiences and gain valuable networking opportunities.

Getting involved on campus and participating in housing community events helped her feel a strong sense of belonging. She was pleasantly surprised by how open, friendly, and collaborative the SCU community is. Through these experiences, she not only met new friends but also discovered opportunities to explore her interests, develop leadership skills, and connect with the broader campus community. 

Even with the fast-moving quarter system, the supportive environment from her friends, professors, and campus resources helped her thrive. SCU resources served as a strong support system, helping her acclimate to Santa Clara’s campus and community and making the transition as a transfer student much easier.

Lauren’s advice for future transfers
“Get involved! Campus life transforms your experience. Meet people, explore resources, and connect with professors. Asking them how to prepare for classes can make a huge difference.”

Senior Wisdom: Mayukha ’26

Looking back on her first day, Mayuka remembers feeling uncertain about making friends. Meeting so many new people so quickly during move-in day was overwhelming, but it pushed her out of her comfort zone and sparked excitement for the journey ahead over the next four years. Now, as an upperclassman, that nervous energy has transformed into confidence. The start of a new year feels familiar, manageable, and full of opportunities.

One of her most important lessons was learning to surround herself with people who uplift and support her. In SCU’s tight-knit community, friendships take time to develop, and it’s perfectly okay to prioritize your own well-being by setting boundaries and saying “no” to certain commitments.

Mayuka experienced the most growth when she actively put herself out there by joining clubs and participating in extracurricular activities. Students at SCU genuinely want to connect, and getting involved opened many doors for her. From the Into the Wild backpacking trip to joining the Intandesh Club, studying abroad, and engaging in small classes, she built meaningful relationships that continue to enrich her college experience.

Mayuka’s advice for Broncos

“Put yourself out there and be yourself. Attend events, join clubs, and embrace opportunities. Friendships and life-changing experiences come when you take the first step.”