To the Class of 2028,
There are a few different ways we could start this letter—
You did it!
You made it!
Welcome to the University of Chicago!
Actually, welcome to The Beginning of The Rest of Your Life!
—but, after going over our options, we believe the best way that we can start this letter is by making a small request: breathe.
We get it, and we’ve been there. You’ve said your goodbyes to your parents and loved ones, you’ve gotten unpacked (except for that one suitcase, which you always say you’ll get to tomorrow, until suddenly it’s the end of spring quarter and you don’t even remember what’s inside), and you’re ready to make new friends—and, of course, to join seven RSOs, to become house president, and to be at the top of your class before classes even start. All in one week.
You’d think you were on The Amazing Race (or, more appropriately, UChicago Survivor).
Trying to do O-Week “correctly” is like trying to drink water out of a fire hydrant. Is there even a correct way to go about doing it all? We mean, there are definitely wrong ways. Seriously, don’t skip out on the free merch (have you seen the Bookstore prices?), be nice to your RAs and RHs, and please don’t bring up your SAT score as a conversation starter.
First-years, this is the time to calm down. We know the hard work is only just starting, and we aren’t saying you should throw away your ambition, drive, and motivation along with your move-in boxes. Instead, use these things with caution and care, and be thoughtful about where and how you want to dedicate your energy. Sure, we could tell you to “stay true to yourself,” but this O-Week, stay true to reality—there are only 24 hours in a day, and your four years here are remarkably short.
What do you want to remember about how you spent your time here?
Who do you hope you’ll be in four years?
Perhaps it sounds like we’re giving you mixed signals. After all, if you want to be the world’s youngest pediatric oncologist while also taking Booth classes on the side while also writing for the Chicago Maroon (we’d love to have you!), shouldn’t you get started right now?
What we mean is: UChicago attracts complete nerds. There’s no getting around it. But what sets UChicago students apart, and what makes this campus so special to be a part of, is the palpable care and genuine excitement that everyone has for what they do. In every lecture room, dining hall, and dorm corridor, there is some sort of thrilling and ridiculous conversation being had, from the beauty contained in mathematical equations to the nature of human connection to Hegel (because let’s face it, just like it’s always five o’clock somewhere, there’s always some UChicago student somewhere talking about Hegel).
Dedicate yourself to these conversations. Make deep connections and pursue your genuine passions with everything you have, while also finding the time to explore new ones.
Your O-Week friend group might not last, but don’t fear change. You also won’t be the same person in six months as who you are today, holding this issue in your hands, absorbing your first few days of your very first year. In the meantime, surround yourself with people you feel proud to be friends with. Make space in your life for those who you feel inspired by, who will stay up with you in the study lounges to finish that final P-set question, and who will save you a seat in the dining hall because house meals are just that much better when you’re there. And if your friends don’t want to go to something with you, go anyway—learn to be comfortable with your own company.
On the academic side of things, go to office hours. Most of your TAs will be fellow undergraduates, and they’ve been in your shoes. Asking questions doesn’t mean you’re “behind” or that you aren’t capable of understanding the material—remember, you’re a student for a reason.
And as a student living in Hyde Park, don’t take where we are for granted. Explore the South Side. Respect and appreciate the beauty and rich history of the community you’re now a part of. We love it here, and you’ll come to learn all of its quirks and hidden gems only by getting out there and exploring.
To our second-, third-, and fourth-years, it’s good to see your familiar faces around campus. We already know the drill—it’s impossible to get used to the quarter system (cue the weekly exclamation, “It’s what week already?!”), ear plugs should be purchased in preparation for the quarterly finals week fire alarm, and snow days don’t exist in a Chicago winter (sorry). But still, UChicago isn’t the kind of place that gets old. We’re excited to have you all back, and whether you’re still battling the Core or planning out your next chapter beyond Hyde Park, we wish you all nothing but the best this upcoming year.
Even with all of this being said, the four of us alone couldn’t even scratch the surface of all of the advice, dos-and-don’ts, and insider information that you’ll need to make the most of UChicago. This is why the O-Issue exists—to offer each of you a glimpse into what makes UChicago, well, “so UChicago” (don’t worry, you’ll get what we mean by the end of the quarter). We are so incredibly proud of the reporters, editors, and designers behind this issue, just as they are behind each and every issue of the Chicago Maroon, UChicago’s independent student newspaper. To our over 100-person staff, we appreciate each of you (and we really do mean each of you!) more than you know, and we can’t wait to see you back in the office.
Finally, while we take our jobs pretty seriously (here’s to a quarter of not sleeping on the Quad), we’re first and foremost your fellow classmates. We’re excited to meet you, to get to know you, and to cheer you on as you change this campus for the better—in fact, we’ll be the first to write about it when you do.
If you’re in need of your friendly campus newspaper, send us an email. We’d tell you to stop by our office, but even some upperclassmen would be hard pressed to tell you where Ida Noyes is.
Congratulations again, and welcome home.
Eva McCord and Kayla Rubenstein, co-editors-in-chief
Anushree Vashist, managing editor
Zachary Leiter, deputy managing editor
