We asked several Kansas University freshmen to write “letters home” telling their families what they’ve learned in their first weeks on campus. Here’s what they said.

Brooklyn Kiosow

Dear Mom and Dad,

Brooklyn Kiosow

The first week of college has been an extreme eye-opener to what being an adult is like. I no longer had anyone to hold my hand as I made my way to my first day of class. I no longer had the friends that promised in middle school we would definitely be together our first year of college. But most importantly, I no longer needed those things.

Although making new friends is something I’ve never personally been good at, KU made it so simple. Living in the dorms my first year was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Everyone on the fourth floor of Hashinger opened their arms to the awkward, shy girl (me) who doesn’t even know exactly where she is going in life but maybe loves writing a little too much.

Also, I don’t know if I told you but I already switched my major two weeks in. I have a feeling I’ll be doing a lot of that, so I’m sorry in advance.

I hope my cats are doing well. Don’t let dad give them away, mom. I miss you and will see you both soon!

Love,

Brooklyn

Nick Couzin

Dear Mom and Dad,

Nick Couzin

Just remember that me being 10 hours from home is a good thing for all of us. I think going into college not knowing anyone was awesome because I’m a very outgoing person. I already have double the amount of friends I had in high school. I have friends from my dorm, classes and my major. They’re from all over, too: Minnesota, Colorado, California, Florida and I even found friends that live near us back in Chicago.

Don’t worry; I’m studying all the time. I’m up doing homework into the early hours of most mornings and get very little sleep. The roommate and I get along well and the food is great! I have adopted a Netflix addiction and usually watch in between classes. Right now I’m watching “Breaking Bad.”

As far as Journalism goes, I’ve had many great opportunities. I was on the sideline for last Saturday’s football game and did one of the cameras for the soccer game. I have been able to balance social time and work very well. I save the partying for the weekend like I promised.

My classes are great and professors are so much cooler than high school teachers. Plus, I get a nice leg workout going up these hills. I start my job on Sunday refereeing Flag Football and am starting to make money!

I hope everything is well back home. I’ll see you in November for Thanksgiving.

Love, your son,

Nick

Maegan Bull

Maegan Bull

Dear Mom and Dad,

The first month of college at KU has just started to sink in. It still feels magical to walk the campus and to think that I am now a college student at a big university. I can’t begin to describe all the different kinds of people I’ve met or the new foods I’ve tried making since living on my own. Let’s just say, I’ve burned a few dishes.

The campus is beautiful; especially with the fall season coming soon. It has just started to get a little chilly up here – everyone is wearing their Jayhawk hoodies now, so it’s a constant sea of crimson and blue. I can’t wait until the leaves change. The trees are going to look stunning.

Looking forward to when you come visit me! Give my love to Sugar.

Love you both,

Maegan

Angelica “Angie” Baldelomar

Dear Mom and Dad,

Things here in Kansas — and in the United States in general — are extremely different from Bolivia. First off, the university campus is so huge. The first week, I even got lost, but now I know the campus quite well. International orientation was tons of fun. I met a lot of people from around the world.

Classes began three weeks ago and I was nervous the first day, but everything went fine. I really like the courses I am taking. They are challenging, but interesting. I have a fair amount of homework every day, which keeps me busy. In spite of that, I had the chance to go out and visit some places like the sunflower field. I also had American barbecue; it is a delicious dish!

I am really enjoying my time here. Sometimes, I feel overwhelmed because everything is different. I guess it will take me a bit more time to completely get used to this place. Anyway, I am enjoying it day by day, taking the most out of it. I definitely do not regret coming here. I am a proud Jayhawk now.

I miss all of you back home so much. I will try to write more frequently.

Lots of love,

Angie

Christian Hardy

Christian Hardy

Dear Mom and Dad,

Sorry, but I can’t start off this letter by saying I miss you; I’d be lying. I’ve been living in Lawrence for three weeks and it already feels like a place I belong. It’s still weird to say I’m “living” somewhere other than Derby though.

I’m not used to missing Derby football games every Friday night. I’m not used to sharing a bathroom with someone who isn’t my sister. I’m not used to never having Dad’s tacos. I’m not used to waking up in a twin bed and the unnatural shock my feet get when they hit the ground. I’m not used to waiting for an elevator so I can leave my living space. Maybe I do miss you?

But Lawrence is home. I know you’ve seen what I’ve written with the University Daily Kansan, and it’s probably my favorite part about being in Lawrence thus far. I’m getting to do what I love every day, and I get the privilege of seeing my name in print and distributed to thousands of students and faculty almost every day. That’s exciting.

Classes are a breeze, save for calculus, which is already giving me some trouble. It just means I have to buckle down and study harder. Meanwhile, I’ve also already started to develop a love for my other major, computer studies. I didn’t come to Lawrence thinking I would enjoy coding so much.

There are so many opportunities here, and though I’ve jumped on my opportunity with the Kansan, there are so many others that I haven’t. It’ll probably change as I get more accustomed to this new place I call home.

I’ll be back soon,

Christian

Mackenzie “Mack” Williams

Mackenzie “Mack” Williams

Dear family back home,

Wow, I made it to college. Better yet, I made it through my first three weeks of college. I know you’ve always had a lot of faith in me, but sometimes I felt this time would never come. The hardest part has been adjusting from going to a high school with well under 700 students, to a college with over 30,000. That’s a big change for someone who has known every thing about everyone and their grandfather since kindergarten. The big moment where I realized, “Hey I’m a big girl now, in college,” was when I did seven hours in a row of homework. Yes, seven whole hours.

I love my dorm and my roommate a lot. We put in months of effort to make our room just like home, featured with recliners, Netflix and lots of coffee. One weird thing: I love my classes — most of them at least. The bad thing about a 900 person class is the constant, and I mean constant, sniffling and coughing. It’s driving me nutso. I can also feel those “KU calves” everyone talks about. I am walking about 3.26 miles every day, and yes I believe that this will prevent me from gaining the freshman 15. I have explored what people call “Frat Parties” and let me tell you, too many people. The first home football game was awesome. There is a lot of spirit and a lot of drunk people. I have become friends with new people and talked to random students during passing, so that’s a big accomplishment already.

Mom and Dad, this isn’t what you probably want to hear, but what I miss most about home is my cat. I miss my cuddle buddy, now I just have to cuddle with myself and there’s nothing enjoyable about that. Don’t get me wrong, I miss you guys too. I promise to make you all proud and someday graduate as a Jayhawk, though in how many years, I am leaving unspecified.

I can already tell this is going to be the experience of a lifetime (in a good way) and I can’t wait to see what Lawrence brings to my life.

Love,

Mack

Emily Marie Horton

Emily Marie Horton

Dear Mom and Dad,

College is absolutely incredible. Actually, incredible doesn’t even give college or the thrill of finally being on your own any valued justice. It’s not even the thrill of being independent, but it’s the thrill of jumping into your final years of development before life and life’s challenges and limitations take place. College is a world full of millions of opportunities to truly find yourself, flourish and make a difference. I have this new confidence that the longer I’m here at KU, I can conquer the universe.

I feel so free, like limitations don’t even exist. Don’t worry, Dad, I haven’t met a boy that has swept me off my feet yet. And Mom, you were so right about packing extra pants and sweaters, because it’s already getting chilly down here.

My roommate is such a dream; going potluck did me well. I don’t take the bus ever because it’s always so crowded, so I walk everywhere. I think my legs are getting their own individual six packs, so you should be proud.

I miss our daily life talks and hugs in the kitchen, Mom. And Dad, I miss sitting down and watching our show together every Tuesday and Thursday. It’s different not really considering home my “home,” because it’s not anymore. It’s just a temporary home. Back in Tulsa. I’m so happy I get to call University of Kansas my home, now. Thank you for the opportunity you have given me to come here.

Give the dogs a big hug for me. I’m excited to see you guys in a couple of months! I promise that I am taking good care of myself; not just with food, but with making wise decisions. You have raised me well and built a desire within me to dream and go as far as I can with my goals. Nothing can stop me. I feel so lucky to have parents like you guys. I love you.

Your Daughter,

Emily