As students are in the middle of an adjustment period, The First 56 holds events to accommodate students who might be feeling uneasy about changes.
The First 56 is an organization that puts together events within the first 56 days of the semester to allow students to get involved on campus and to welcome them.
One event specifically opened to first-year students was Pizza and Popsicles with the President. This event was held at President Christopher Robert's home on Sept. 13 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This event was created as a time for first-year students to meet the Auburn president and grab pizza, popsicles and t-shirts.
Tristan Johnson, freshman in exploratory, said everyone in the room was welcoming at the event.
"...When you walk in, there's the president standing by the golf area. It made it feel less serious. The doors being opened and the overall open space and lighting made it comfortable," Johnson said. "The food and the free t-shirts were nice."
With so much going on in the school year between juggling classes and extracurriculars, it can be hard to make time to stop by different events.
"We're doing everything we can to go to everything they have. I'd rather do everything we can now before we get crazy busy," Johnson said.
Being on Auburn's campus as a freshman can be one of the most exciting times of a student's four or more years. Johnson said the best thing that has happened since being on campus included "Meeting new people and learning about different organizations. Stuff like that can help me really develop what I want to do with my life."
Lilly Grace, freshman in graphic design, also attended Pizza and Popsicles with the President.
"I liked seeing the house and [the president] seems like a cool guy; he was kind," Grace said.
Grace said she is most excited to get into her program to see if she likes it and build relationships with people around her.
Navigating a new place as a freshman or transfer can be challenging at times. Roberts believes that students can best tackle adjusting to changes through attending events and becoming part of the community.
"Getting out there and getting involved, taking advantage of the events that we offer, and come see us," Roberts said of how students can best become part of the Auburn family.
Roberts said his favorite part of Auburn is the community he surrounds himself with.
"I love the Auburn family. I'm most excited for getting my hands dirty and, of course, Auburn athletics," Roberts said.
Being nervous or even a little scared is normal when trying to adapt to a new place with unfamiliar surroundings and people. However, taking advantage of events put on by organizations such as The First 56 is a way to break the ice and find a place on campus.
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