Students share first impressions on food, making friends, being on their own

Hundreds of students are back on the Minnesota State University, Mankato campus, and the mall and halls are filled with eager students. 

Many freshmen are moving into a whole new environment and getting into the groove of their new schedules. 

“I’m in Julia Sears this year and I like how nice the building is and how clean the rooms are,” Gretchen Brugger said. “My favorite meal so far has been the chicken quesadilla from the grill downstairs.”

With most freshmen living on campus for their first year, it gives them the opportunity to live on their own for the first time. 

“Something I’m excited for is getting to experience living on my own without my parents,” Genger Smith said.

Living on campus next to other students is a way many freshmen are able to make new friends. 

“It’s only been the first couple days since I moved in but I’ve already met a lot of new people on campus and in the dorms,” Greyson Mckinney said.

Going to the MNSU student events is a great way to get involved and meet new people while on campus. 

“I went to the Bullpen this weekend and they had free bowling and other games we could play and they had music and I was able to meet new people,” Ethan White said. 

Elise Swenson went to Galactic Bingo on Saturday and said, “There were a lot of people who went to Bingo and I got to socialize and meet new people that were at my table.”

Katie Stewart agreed about Bingo. 

“Bingo was definitely the most fun I’ve had so far while on campus,” she said.

Although the dorms and student events are great for making new connections, getting to know the people in your class is another way students have gotten more involved.

“Since classes on Monday I already met a lot of other people just in class,” said Peri Orstadius.

“I really like being back in person for my classes this year and so far it has been very similar to my high school classes,” said Brady Weinberger. 

Allison Chaffee talked about how college and high school compared. 

“I was surprised how similar it was to high school and the type of classes they have,” she said.

“I really like my professor so far and it wasn’t as intimidating as I thought it would be,” Austin Hiles said.

College is where most students either pursue their major or go to figure out their major. 

“This year for me I just want to plan my life and see what I’m interested in,” said Brady Davis.

Claire Schuh, who is pursuing aviation, shared why she chose MNSU. 

“I’ve been interested in aviation for a couple years so when college rolled around I was looking for flight schools and I really liked the campus here,” she said.

Paige Walker talked about her aspirations for this school year. “This year I want to find a good group of girls and also just find out what I’m passionate about,” she said.

Throughout the school year MNSU will be hosting many student events and sporting events so make sure you don’t miss anything and check out the event calendar located on the MNSU website.