Members of the Class of 2016 are flooding colleges and universities across the nation this week. They often arrive in cars, trucks, and trailers, packed to the brim with all the essentials. Many freshmen arrive to the place they will call home for the next four years with mixed emotions. The new college students are often filled with both excitement and anxiety. Universities often pack the freshmen’s orientation week with activities to keep their minds busy. This year colleges are now securing bus rentals to give new students the opportunity to explore their new world. Many students agree that it is a great way to get to know the area in a safe and secure way and of course save money!
- Back to School Shopping – Colleges are helping stimulate the local economies surrounding the schools by busing freshmen into shopping areas. Many times freshmen are not allowed to bring cars with them so they require transportation to and from grocery and department stores. Although students pack their vehicles with essential items for their life away from home, many times once they check out their new dorm they realize they forgot a thing or two. These shopping excursions are a great way for students to build relationships with their new roommates and get to know the area around their new home.
- Social Outings – Many universities also secure buses for social outings during freshmen orientation. Some colleges offer day trips to nearby Major League Baseball stadiums, museums, zoos, and other national landmarks. Students enjoy these trips because they are given an opportunity to explore places they may have never been. Further, these outings allow students to make new friends and get to know their new roommates better.
- City and Town Tours– Buses are a great way to give students new to the area a tour of their unfamiliar surroundings. Tours offer students an overview of special landmarks and points of interest. Universities with larger campuses can also use tour buses to help teach students how to get around an otherwise overwhelming place.
Schools that obtain bus rentals for freshmen orientation activities are receiving rave reviews from students. The outings are giving students the opportunity to learn more about their new home. Further, the bus outings give freshmen the chance to bond with one another. Students are more likely to overcome homesickness and anxiety when they are preoccupied with fun and entertaining activities. Schools are more successful, and maintain higher retention rates when their students are comfortable and content with their surroundings.
Jesse Dugan is a part of an elite team of writers who have contributed to hundreds of blogs and news sites. Follow him @JesseDugan.
