August 30, 2021 was a momentous day for the class of 2024. After being away for nine months and a completing a year of Zoom University, the sophomore class was finally reunited. Although none of us experienced the trek to Science Hill from Old Campus or had to wait in line for the package receiving center, the sophomore class is most definitely not the first-year class 2.0.
While the class of 2025 got to experience move-in with the help of eager residential college movers and had the first-year dinner, we sophomores received something even better: we experienced the immense joy of meeting friends we’ve only seen through a computer screen in person for the first time and hugging those we haven’t seen in nearly a year.
I’ll admit that in fall 2020 New Haven and Yale were very different from their current state of liveliness. However, after nine months away, I realized that Yale has not changed that much. In honor of my nine-month hiatus away from the beautiful Timothy Dwight Courtyard and my amazing friends, here are nine things I’ve realized about Yale since returning to campus.
Fall 2020 at Yale with friends
1. At Yale, students are constantly eager to meet each other. Whether it be through virtual lunch dates or a grabbing a meal with friends at the Commons, mealtimes are often synonymous with socialization.
2. There is no I in team. At Yale, students thrive on collaboration. Weekly P-set groups and study groups are all the rage in residential college common rooms and libraries. Besides extracurriculars, they are also a great way to meet people, especially if you are in a large lecture.
3. We have the best dining hall staff. From serving to-go boxes to buffet style meals, the folks working in the residential college dining halls are some of the nicest and most accommodating people I’ve ever met. Make sure to say ‘hello’ whenever you see them!
4. Exploring New Haven is one of the best things about being at Yale. While many upperclassmen have already found their holy-grail study spots, there is an abundance of restaurants to try and outdoor adventures to embark on. Since the city is so walkable, an adventure is never far away.
5. From remote workshops to residential college teas, a day doesn’t go by without events to attend. Check your emails to make sure you don’t miss events at the Cultural Centers and other campus spots hosted by student organizations.
6. Yale students are some of the friendliest and most interesting people I know. From varying backgrounds and with different interests, I’ve meet some of my closest friends here and had the most amazing late-night talks.
7. Support is readily available. Whether it be mental health, academic help, or even technical assistance, Yale has you covered. Besides those, specific resources for first-years and members of campus affinity groups also provide valuable support.
8. There is an abundance of food. No matter how the food is packaged, from plastic to-go boxes during my freshman year to buffet style dining meals, you will never go hungry at Yale. Food trucks and restaurants are within walking distance of all the residential colleges and better yet, residential college butteries are now open for delicious late-night snacks.
9. Timothy Dwight College is by far the best residential college. Well, not really. What I mean by this is that your residential college is one of the best parts about Yale. From the butteries to the Head of Colleges and Deans, Yale’s residential colleges provide a home and family you will be able to come back to after a long day of classes.
Timothy Dwight’s beautiful ginkgo tree
