Ryan – My name is Ryan Kelly, I am a junior here at UNE, graduating in 2025, and my major is Aquaculture. I am hoping that incoming freshmen will take away the importance of balancing classes and their personal lives. It can be hard to want to go to class when all your friends are hanging out at the dorm, however it is important to take that leap and just go to class because it will end up paying off in the end. Another thing I am hoping students will learn from this and my experiences here at UNE is the importance of finding the right group of friends. It is important to surround yourself with positive people who have good intentions. Freshman year I came to this school only knowing one person and I was very homesick and just not in a good mental space; however I started hanging around with a couple of nice guys and we eventually became really good friends and now we all room together and I couldn’t ask for a better arrangement. Friends are important because they may be able to help you solve a homework problem you’re stuck on, or just be there to support you through the tough endeavors of college. The last thing I would like incoming freshmen to take away from this is the importance of joining clubs or getting involved in some of the labs for work study or as an intern. Doing these simple things can lead to you getting possible future job opportunities or at the very least help you make some friends that have the same interests as you. Overall, freshman year will most likely be one of the hardest years for a student, the dorms are small, there’s limited parking passes so you may not be able to bring your car, and if you can overcome freshman year, the rest of your time here will only get better.
Izzie – My name is Isabelle (Izzie) Trombley and I am a sophomore at the University of New England, meaning I am in the class of 2026. I have not declared a major yet, and am still exploring my options through the variety of course offerings here at UNE. In my free time, I enjoy playing tennis and video games, reading, and attending sporting events on campus with friends. I would like any incoming students who are stressing about declaring a major to know that your indecision is completely normal, and it’s okay to not declare your first year! What is important, however, is branching out to different disciplines in terms of classes, and joining clubs. Going to events and meeting new people is very important, because college is a big change, and no one wants to be alone during this time. Making friends and meeting new kinds of people is an important part of your transition to college. My hope is that this guide will provide you with some information that I wish I had before I came to UNE. The kind of information you can learn from current students at UNE is arguably even more important than anything you can learn on their website or during a tour. Afterall, experience is the best teacher.
Kit – Hi, my name is Kit Orologio and I’m a sophomore here at UNE, graduating in 2026. I’m majoring in Aquaculture and Aquarium Sciences with a minor in writing. When I was an incoming freshman, there was a lot I wish I had been told in the beginning. I’m hoping this guide will be genuinely helpful in navigating your first year in college. It’s a major transition, both academically and in life, and it’s easy to feel alone (especially if you’re away from home). I would like this guide to give first-year students a look into what college life actually looks like and how you can succeed. I hope that this will provide a freshman with the basic knowledge and skills to transition into dorm life and classes smoothly. I wish I was able to advocate for myself and take advantage of the countless opportunities I had as a first-year student, so I would like to pass on what I’ve learned to try and show that your first year of college doesn’t have to be miserable. It’s whatever you make it to be, and you have to make the decision whether you want to be a successful student and person or not.
Bernie – My name is Bernie Mulcahy, and I am a junior at the University of New England where I study and play football. In my free time I enjoy hanging out with friends, watching sports, and just relaxing in general. When I was a freshman beginning my journey at UNE, there were a lot of things I wish I had known. Some of these things being specific, and other things being broad, like finding friends you like to be around. Making good friends will make your time at UNE a lot more enjoyable. At first, you do not really know anyone, no one really knows anyone, but as time goes on, you will start talking to new people and making friends. Another thing that will make your time at UNE more enjoyable is if you do a good job balancing everything you do. This is really important, especially if you play sports. You have to balance your work so that you can do all your homework, hang out with friends, have some alone time, do some work around your dorm or house, and go to practice. I hope this handbook helps you through your first year of college. Welcome to your first year at UNE!
