By now, I had started to know my way around the campus. I can now find my dorm, the lecture halls, and even quiet corners where I could sit and think without anyone bothering me. It felt good to finally have a small space that was mine.
The first lecture of the day was ENG101. I found a seat in the middle of the classroom and opened my notebook. The lecturer started speaking, and I tried to follow along,but along the line some of the points gor me confused. I jotted down the ones I could.
"Excuse me," I whispered to the girl beside me.
"Can you explain that part again?"i asked in a polite way.
She leaned over. "He just means your essay should connect ideas. One sentence should flow into the next."she said.
"Oh, okay. Thanks," I whispered back, writing it down quickly. I tried to pay more attention after that, but it was hard to catch everything.
After the lecture, I walked slowly toward the cafeteria. Students walked past me, laughing and talking in groups. I stayed at the side and careful enough not to bump into anyone. I liked watching without being part of the crowd.
At the cafeteria, I spotted an empty seat next to a girl who smiled at me.
"Hi, you're new, right?" she asked.
"Yes," I said softly.
"I'm Clara," she said. "Do you want to sit here?"she added.
"Sure," I said.
We talked quietly about the lecture. She explained some parts I had missed and gave me tips for taking notes. Talking to someone else made everything feel easier and I realized I did not have to do everything alone or at once.
After lunch, I wandered toward the library. I liked the library, it was quiet but not too quiet, and it smelled faintly of old books. I found a corner table, unpacked my notebook, and tried to go over my notes. I reread what I had written in ENG101 and slowly, things were starting to make sense.
While I was studying, two girls sat across from me. They were chatting about the lecture I had attended that morning.
"Did you understand what the lecturer meant?" one asked.
"Not really," the other admitted.
I smiled slightly. I was not the only one struggling.
"Maybe we can figure it out together?" I offered quietly.
They looked at me and nodded. Soon, we were comparing notes and explaining things to each other and it really felt good to help and be helped.
By the time I returned to the dorm, the sky was starting to darken. Talia was on her bed, scrolling on her phone.
"How was your day?" she asked.
"Busy," I said. "ENG101 was confusing, but I think I am starting to understand a little."i added.
"You'll get used to it," she said. "
Just keep following along and ask if you need help. That's the best way to survive the first few weeks."she added.
Later, I went to the lounge. I found a seat near the window and watched students pass by. Some were laughing loudly with friends, others walked alone, focused on their schedules. I smiled quietly to myself. Slowly, I was starting to understand how the campus worked.
A girl sitting across the room noticed me and waved.
"Hi, are you new?" she asked.
"Yes," I said.
"I'm Sarah, and this is Emily," she said. "Do you want to join us?"
I nodded. "Okay."
We talked about a lot of things like, the best places to study,the cafeteria food, and the likes. Just like that I am beginning to have new friends in my space, although I don't want people in my space but for now it is not bad I'm still enjoying it.
I mostly listened but asked a few questions here and there. It makes my confidence grow,little by little.
By the end of the week, I was moving through campus with more confidence. I knew my way to the lecture halls, the library, and my quiet spots. I can now greet people politely, smile when someone says hi, and even laugh quietly when something is funny.
Even though I was feeling more comfortable, I noticed small details that made the campus feel alive. Some students moved differently. They did not need to be noticed, yet everyone noticed them anyway. I did not know who they were yet. For now, I had my corners, my routines, and small victories. That was enough.
***********
It was the next morning, and I got up from the bed slowly because I was still tired from yesterday.
I rubbed my eyes and stretched my body before standing up. For a moment, I just stood there, trying to wake up properly before starting the day.
Across the room, Talia was already awake. She was sitting on her bed and looking at her phone.
"Morning," she said when she noticed I was up.
"Morning," I replied, my voice still a little sleepy.
"You look tired," she said.
"I am," I said. "Yesterday was a lot,"I added.
Talia laughed softly. "You'll get used to it,"she said.
I nodded and went to wash my face. After getting ready, I packed my bag and wore my shoes.
"Are you leaving now?" Talia asked.
"Yes," I said. "I don't want to be late."
"That's good," she replied. "See you later."
I waved at her and left the room.
Outside, the campus was already busy. Students were walking in different directions, some were talking as they walked, while others looked focused as they hurried to their lectures.
I adjusted my bag and started walking along the path. By now, I already knew where I was going. I did not need to stop and look around like I did on my first day.
As I walked, I saw a few familiar faces. Some students nodded at me, and I nodded back.
As I walked further near the courtyard, I noticed Clara sitting on a bench with a notebook.
"Good morning," I said as I walked closer.
She looked up and smiled. "Morning, Lily."
"Are you going to class?" I asked.
"In a few minutes," she said. "I just wanted to check my notes first."she added.
"That's smart," I said.
She closed her notebook and stood up.
"Let's walk together," she said.
"Okay," I replied.
We started walking down the path. Other students passed by us, some laughing and some talking about their classes, everyone doing their thing.
After a moment, Clara looked at me and smiled.
"You look more relaxed today," she said.
I laughed a little. "Maybe because I'm not getting lost anymore,"I added.
She laughed too. "That's a good start."
As we continued walking, I looked around the campus. Everything was starting to feel more familiar.
Little by little, this place was beginning to feel normal. Maybe, with time, it could even start to feel like home.