The Johnnies Blog
Finding Your People in College: A Q&A with a First-Year, First-Gen Student
A first-generation student shares how stepping outside her comfort zone helped her find community and confidence at St. John’s University.
First-Year Mentorship Success at St. John’s: Laura’s Story
Between navigating new classes, building friendships, and adjusting to life away from home, starting college can feel exciting and overwhelming. That’s why St. John’s University created first-year mentoring opportunities such as E.P.I.C. (Establish Relationships, Promote Possibilities, Impact Direction, Confirm Next Steps)—pairing first-year students with experienced peers who can offer guidance, encouragement, and a sense of belonging.
College Room Essentials: A First-Year Packing Guide
Your first year of college is an exciting time to make new friends, create unforgettable memories, and experience newfound independence. If you are going to live on campus, knowing what to bring is essential before you can fully enjoy all the fun! As a rising senior who has experienced residence life over the past few years, I would like to share some of my college residence room essentials to help you better prepare.
St. John's First-Year Students Share: ‘Why Do You Want to Be a Nurse?’
If you’re interested in positively impacting people’s lives, nursing could be the perfect career path for you! In this Q&A session, we speak to St. John's first-year nursing students Lauren Chan, Beverly Dekyem, and Natalia Dookharan. They share their personal experiences, on why they chose a nursing career path and their reasons for enrolling in the Bachelor of Science program in Nursing at St. John’s University. Read on for some inspiration!
What is Living in a College Residence Room Like?
I’m Madison, a junior at St. John’s University, and I have been living on the Queens, NY, campus since my first year. I have experienced living with roommates, coexisting in small spaces, doing laundry in a residence building, and so much more. In this blog, I share the reality of living in a residence room to prepare you for your college move-in day.
Navigating Freshman Year: A Letter to First-Year College Students
In this letter, I share insights into navigating freshman year, from discovering my niche through campus involvement to transforming roommates into lifelong friends.
My Advice to a College Freshman: Embrace Growth, Keep Moving
Choosing to go to college is a challenging decision, especially if you are like me. During my first few years of high school, I thought I knew what I wanted to pursue, but eventually, I needed clarification about my future aspirations. I did not want to continue my education after high school, but at the same time, I was still determining what I wanted to do.
All I knew was that I needed a new start. In this blog, I share my experiences and insights to help you navigate this exciting, yet challenging, journey.
Handling Homesickness at College: Tips and Strategies
Starting college is exciting, but it's also completely normal to feel homesick as you adjust to your new life on campus. While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution or magic remedy to homesickness, there are some practical steps and strategies you can use to improve your outlook and make your college experience more enjoyable.
How to Make Friends in College: 5 Practical Tips
Are you feeling anxious about making new friends as you prepare to start your first year of college? Don't worry—we have you covered! Our guide on college socializing can help you master the art of making friends during your first year. These new friends will be an essential part of your college experience, so putting effort into meeting new people is important. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to connect with others on campus; it doesn't have to be daunting.
5 Essential St. John’s Resources for First-Year Students
No one should have to navigate their college journey alone. Luckily, St. John’s University offers abundant campus resources to assist all students. In this blog, we share a few campus resources that can help you achieve success and guide you throughout your college journey.