What It’s Like ... My First Semester at Rollins

Having attended a small school in Virginia for high school, Ava Bartolomucci ’28 was certain she wanted a small, personalized college experience where she could explore new interests, forge meaningful relationships, and discover the opportunities of a new location in a safe and welcoming community. Hear from Bartolomucci in her own words as she reflects on her first semester at Rollins and how she’s more excited than ever to embark on the best four years of her life.

Home Sweet Home

“Leaving home, I was nervous about feeling out of place, but the tight-knit community and super-supportive professors have made the transition way easier than I expected. I love living in Strong Hall and have met so many friends through my res hall. It didn’t take long before Rollins started feeling like home.”

Kinetic Classes

“My first semester I took Intro to Communications, Voice & Speech, and Critical Media 100. I liked my communications class so much that I’m thinking about majoring in it. I love the small class sizes at Rollins. It’s easy to raise my hand and ask questions without feeling lost in a huge lecture hall.”

Roadmap to Success

“I loved my Rollins College Conference class—it’s a great way to start your Rollins experience. It’s a seminar class you take your first semester, and the professor is your first advisor. My class was Only in Florida with English professor Emily Russell. It was a great bonding experience with other first-years, and Professor Russell provided such an engaging and comfortable learning environment.”

Staying Active

“Every week, there’s Pilates and Zumba at the Alfond Sports Center, and I love going with my friends. It’s such a fun way to take a break from homework and just let loose. And with everything being so close on campus, it’s easy to drop in before or after class.”

Never Alone

“People really care at Rollins. In addition to the professors, there’s so much support available, including accessibility, the Wellness Center, student outreach services, and more. If I have any questions, people are always there to help—everyone from my peer mentors and faculty advisor to staff members and my RA.”

Trying New Things

“I joined Rollins Players, which is a theater social group, and participated in the Expressions dance concert. It was such a blast—I made a lot of friends. I also did crew for the Bike America play, helping out backstage and getting a behind-the-scenes look at how the theater department works.”

Part of a Community

“SPARC Day during Welcome Week brings together all new students for a day of service in the community. My group went to a Title I school and painted walls, cleaned and organized classrooms, and sorted items for the teachers. It was one of my favorite parts of the week. I loved helping people while bonding with my RCC classmates and Professor Russell.”

Campus Cravings

“The Tex-Mex cafe has become one of my go-to campus dining spots. Even when I’m in a rush, mobile ordering makes it super easy. But hands-down, my favorite thing is the orange chicken from the main dining hall. My friends and I legit flood the dining team’s suggestion inbox asking for more, and they’re awesome about taking feedback from students.”

Disney Days & Hometown Hangs

“I love going to Disney on the weekends—it’s only about 30 minutes away. I also love grabbing coffee at one of the local cafes on Park Avenue with friends, checking out the shops, and trying out new restaurants. It’s the perfect way to vibe with new people and explore the area.”