June 9, 2026
For first-year Legal Studies major Ozan Isik, choosing St. John’s University marked the start of a fresh chapter in his life. Eager to immerse himself in college life, he arrived on the Queens, NY, campus ready to push beyond his comfort zone. Now, as the Rockaway Beach, NY, native prepares to complete his first year, he reflects on the experiences that shaped his transition—and shares a few of the strategies behind his success.
“I live on campus in Donovan Hall,” he said. “I really wanted to live here to experience the residence hall lifestyle and see what it would be like to live without any family by my side. School is my top priority, but I always find time to stay connected to my family via phone calls or texts.”
Like many first-year students, Ozan attended the University’s annual Fall Activities Fair, which showcases more than 180 student clubs and organizations on campus. “I realized that if I could break out of my shell a bit more and get involved, life at St. John’s wouldn’t be just about classes—but a mix of school and fun,” he explained.
Ozan joined the Badminton Club; played violin in SJU Chamber Music; and participated in intramural volleyball, basketball, and softball. He also secured a student worker position in the Sports Medicine department.
“It’s crucial in college to step outside your comfort zone. It definitely made a huge difference for me because I am trying new things and meeting great people that I like being around,” he added. “All of these experiences have truly made my first year at St. John’s enjoyable and have allowed me to explore different realms of college life.”
For many first-year students, learning how to manage their time can be one of the biggest adjustments. Ozan found that developing consistent routines early on has been helpful.
“I stick to a schedule of waking up at the same time on specific days, and create a calendar to remind myself of everything I have going on each month,” he explained. “Having a routine and calendar has made my life so much easier and less stressful. It helps me maintain a timeframe where I have plenty of time for schoolwork, my job, and extracurriculars.”
Behind those practical strategies, Ozan credits a strong support system at home for helping him stay grounded and confident throughout his first year. “My mom has the biggest role in my success this year because she always gives me the right advice and helps me work out problems,” he said. “She has supported me and never stopped believing in me, which is why I am so thankful to have her in my life.”
As he looks ahead to his sophomore year, his goals are simple: Maintain good grades, build more friendships, and stay involved in campus life.
He added, “I’m also going to try not to stress out as much over things I cannot control. My main expectation is always to continue trying my best and never give up on things I know I am capable of doing.”