With the fall semester in the books, I, alongside many other first-years, entered the spring semester feeling much more established than in August. Abby Sturim is a first-year who spent her fall semester on campus. She felt similarly about entering the spring semester saying, “Coming back this semester, I already established a groove and know how to reach out to classmates.”
However, for the 27 first-years, who spent their first semester on the London first-year experience (FYE) program and only arrived on campus a couple weeks ago, this sentiment does not resonate with them. Sadie Bromberg ‘25 was amongst these students. For her, transitioning to campus from London has had its ups and downs. “Although coming to campus I felt like an outsider, I do have an established support system, and I know people,” Bromberg remarks. This support system includes her London classmates and her advisor that all returned to campus together. In addition, one of the perks is that the London experience is one everyone wants to know about. “It’s a great talking point,” Bromberg says with a chuckle.
Being with a tight knit group as Bromberg was, meant that her Scribner Seminar professor played a vital role in her support system during her first semester in London. “Unlike on campus, this was their only role,” referring to her advisor, “And I feel like I have a really good relationship with my Scribner Seminar professor and advisor now.” In contrast, being on campus meant that Sturim had a wider range of people to reach out to for support. She found her Sociology professor to be helpful in transitioning, as well as her peer mentor.
Despite experiencing the first semester of college across the world from each other, both Bromberg and Sturim experienced the anticipation and anxiety of transitioning to a new school environment. “The first week kind of felt like a fever dream,” Bromberg recalls. “Everyone just showed up in London; we were all super jetlagged, and no one knew anyone because of COVID.” Abby found that with so many new people, “it was overwhelming socially.” But these feelings did not last long as they quickly found their place amongst the rest of their respective first-year classmates, whether in London or Saratoga.
Bromberg’s home for the fall semester was organized through the education organization, IES Abroad. They were housed in the international section, living with students all over the world. Rooms consisted of bunk beds and shared bathrooms. All classes were in one classroom with different professors for each class. A course called Understanding Britain, covering the history of British government and culture, was the one extra requirement. Meanwhile, Sturim adjusted to dorm life at Skidmore: “I’ve definitely had a strange experience with my roommates, but it works. It teaches you how to live with people.”
Once adjusted to their living situations and academic life, the two students created wonderful memories in London and Saratoga. “Some of my favorite things were ones we got to do as a whole group,” Bromberg explains. Getting to see London performances, taking advantage of the free art museums, and taking field trips to places such as Dover Castle were some of Sadie’s favorite experiences. For Sturim back in Saratoga, she was quick to say that some of her favorite memories were created at dinners. “Everyone would come together and talk about their day. It was one of the only times I really got to see friends during the week,” Sturim shared.
In their interviews with Skidmore News, Sturim and Bromberg were both asked: “If you were to redo your semester, would you do the same thing?” Luckily, both Sturim and Bromberg answered yes, a testament to their positive experiences! For Sturim, going to London was not something she had considered. “I was worried about meeting new people, and coming back after everyone already had their friends.” Instead, she formed connections on campus, and thrived in the community here. In Bromberg’s case, London seemed like a unique and interesting opportunity. “It was a really awesome opportunity. London is also a great place to study abroad if you’re not ready to be in a place where you don’t speak the main language.”
Evidently, whether it was their first semester in London or Saratoga, many memorable experiences were created for both Bromberg and Sturim. For Sturim, she really enjoyed taking advantage of Saratoga Springs and all that it had to offer. “One of my favorite memories was going downtown, eating Ben and Jerry’s, and then bowling until 1 am,” Sturim recalls. In general, Sturim speaks highly of Skidmore’s friendly environment and how this made it much easier to get to know people. While Bromberg didn’t get the chance to explore this area, she did get a chance to immerse herself in a new culture. Despite the obvious differences between their experiences, Bromberg and Sturim both experienced the transition to a new school, experienced the first-year seminar class, and found a whole new group of friends. Choosing where to study in your first semester of college clearly depends on the type of experience you are in search of, and both Bromberg and Sadie concur that their individual choices were the best one for them.