February 27, 2026 by

I remember the mixed emotions I felt as a high school senior. I was mostly excited to go to college. I had decided to double major in keyboard pedagogy and professional writing and information design, and I was thrilled for the opportunity to study both fields.  

The thought of gaining independence and living somewhere new also exhilarated me. However, apprehension crept beneath that excitement for the same reasons: What if I couldn’t handle it? What if my classes were too hard? What if I couldn’t make any friends? And what if I had    all those problems at once and became so homesick that I could barely continue at Cedarville?  

I’m so glad that the Lord alleviated those fears soon after I arrived on campus. By the end of my first week of college, it felt natural to be at Cedarville University. Before my freshman year ended, I considered Cedarville to be my second home.  

Here are three things that made Cedarville feel like home so quickly: 

The Loving Student Body  

I’m shy and dread talking to people I don’t know. Because of that, I worried that I would never make friends at college and would be constantly lonely.  

When I got to campus, however, I was relieved to find that I didn’t have to initiate conversations with students — they sought me out before I could even think about making friends. Although I can be hard t

o get to know because I’m quiet, many people intentionally included me in their conversations and social activities. In fact, I soon found that I had the opposite problem to loneliness: finding times to be by myself!  

As a Cedarville student, you already have so much in common with your classmates. You are brothers and sisters in Christ who are preparing for your futures and interested in academics. With those similarities, it’s easy to enjoy social activities with people you’ve just met.  

During my freshman year, I quickly got comfortable with the other piano majors, even the upperclassmen. We ate dinner together once a week, attended a conference, enjoyed an orchestra concert, and went hiking.  

No matter what your major is or who is in your dorm, you will likely find people who are eager to hang out with you if you are open to it. 

The Encouraging Professors  

I was a little scared of tackling college academics, and in addition to the coursework, I was afraid of the professors — I feared that they would be unreasonable with their expectations or unforgiving if I didn’t understand a concept.  

That fear turned out to be completely wrong! The professors I have had during my first year and a half at Cedarville have been exceptionally kind.  

Many of them opened each class by taking prayer requests. Last semester, one of my professors even frequently asked me about a prayer request I had and whether it was being answered. His concern for my request reflects the heart of all the faculty at Cedarville. Each one reflects a life modeled after Christ. 

They want to encourage you and help you succeed in both school and your personal life. I have loved my professors’ mentorship, and having them as role models for my spiritual and professional life helped me quickly get comfortable with my classes. 

If you have trouble with anything — vague assignment instructions, difficult subject material, etc. — the professors are available through office hours, where you can meet with them to talk about anything you’re concerned about.  

Many of my professors also check their emails outside of the school day and are quick to respond. Any time I have visited or emailed my professors, they have been patient and excited to help me.  

Do not be afraid to ask for help!

 

The Campus Itself  

I love being on Cedarville’s campus; it is beautiful during every season of the year. I especially enjoy the lake and the gorgeous sunsets — since there are no hills, you can see so much of the sky.  

The classrooms and buildings are also well-kept. As a professional writing and information design major, I get to have several classes in the new Scharnberg Business and Communication Center, and the quality of its classrooms, furniture, and architecture continue to impress me.  

It’s typical for freshmen to worry about getting lost, but I have never had this problem. Most of the buildings are positioned around the lake, so they are easy to find. And if you do get lost, there are plenty of people around who are eager to help you get where you’re going. 

The dining on campus is also excellent. I enjoy eating in The Commons (especially the ice cream!), but if I don’t like what the dining hall is serving or just want something different, we have a Chick-fil-A, Panda Express, and other options to choose from that accept your meal plan as payment.  

The meal plans even come with spending money that you can use for snacks at any of the dining venues. I use most of mine on Chick-fil-A milkshakes!  

Welcome Home 

Maybe you’re wondering whether you belong at a school in the middle of Ohio cornfields. Maybe you don’t think you can overcome homesickness as you leave home for the first time. 

Regardless of how you feel about the college transition, rest assured: the Cedarville community — students, professors, and the campus itself — is ready to welcome you home with open arms. 

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