Although AACC doesn’t have dorms, students here can still make it feel like home.  

Coming to college for the first time can be an overwhelming adjustment, but making yourself at home is easier than you think.  

Student Government Association President Jacob Smith said he entered AACC curious and looking for things to do other than go to class and go home. 

He said SGA gives him “a voice on campus,” and it allows him to “see really cool changes” that students make at the college.  

“The Nest,” AACC’s website for all student clubs, “is the easiest way to see events and student organizations that are up to date and active,” student engagement Program Coordinator Leslie Cook said.  

Joining a club can inspire what Dean of Student Engagement Tiffany Boykin described as a “magical” college experience, through which students can “learn about themselves.” 

“We’re not a residential, traditional college setting, but that’s no excuse as to why we can’t provide really fabulous and engaging programming that our students can participate in,” said Boykin. 

Assistant Director of Advising Bonnie Lasher-Kimmel said students should seek time management assistance from an adviser, so they can start off their school year with a comfortable balance between academic and social life.   

Lasher-Kimmel recommends that students prepare their schedules with the expectation that they will need two to three hours of studying a week for every hour they spend in class. 

But how can you possibly have room for a social life between work and school? 

Aside from student clubs, AACC offers learning communities, which connect two back-to-back courses, of a similar theme, so that the same group of students will be in two classes together. 

Lasher-Kimmel said this helps students become closer, because the class sizes are smaller and the professors go more in-depth with class discussions. 

Boykin said she recommends that students tag AACC alumni on Instagram and share photos, experiences and advice with each other. 

Incoming Riverhawks, don’t be afraid. Ask for help, because nobody expects you to fly alone. Join a club, or say “hi” to the person next to you. 

Come by the Campus Current newsroom in HUM 206 any time; the door is always open. That’s where I found my home, and I couldn’t have wished for a better experience at AACC.