Twenty-four of the 25 have returned to UB for their sophomore year. All in all, freshman year was a success, they say.

"I can't picture myself without the people I've met," said Michelle Glatt. "(Freshman year) was great-the friends I made are responsible for that."

The best thing about freshman year was the friendships.

"At the top of the list of best things is all the friends that I made. Nothing can compare to that," said Maggie Zak.

Friends aren't just people to hang out with. They are important to adjusting to life on campus.

Enjoyed freshman year

"Although it was a rough start the first few days, it got easier as time went on, and before I knew it, I was having a wonderful time," said Chris Fedorczak. "The best thing that happened was making so many friends, and keeping those friends. I've hung out with them several times over this summer."

Independence also was high on the list. But the responsibility that goes along with living away from home is a double-edged sword, they said.

Not all were prepared for the level of self-motivation that college studies require. "I didn't do anything that was expected of me. It was a waste of a year," said Susan Baebler, who did not return to UB this year and is studying at Adelphi University. "UB was a great place. I loved it a little too much. I do hope to return."

While others also struggled at times, they were able to overcome the obstacles they encountered.

"The worst thing was having to fend for myself," said Yvelisse Ortiz. "It was hard being broke and hungry and not having Mom and Dad to help me." But, she added, "it was good, because I learned a lot of things. I gained a lot of knowledge through books (and) also by experiencing things that happen in the 'real world'." Best of all, she said, was being accepted into the School of Nursing.

"I think one of the best things that happened to me as a freshman was gaining independence," said Erin Cala. But that independence comes at a price, she admits. "One of the worst things that happened to me as a freshman was having to become fully responsible." But if she had it to do over, the Jamestown native said she might have preferred to begin college somewhere else. "I would have chosen a smaller school farther from home, maybe someplace warmer," Cala added.

While a couple of members of the Class of 2000 agreed they might have preferred a smaller school, the majority found that UB's size and the wealth of activities it offers were exactly what they were looking for.

"I love UB and had a great experience my first year. I met a lot of interesting people and experienced a lot. It was a good year for me," said Susan Deacon of Auburn. "UB offers everything I need and want. The large size of the school is perfect. And UB is far enough away from home, but also close enough that it is easy to go home when I want."

Huge amount of resources

UB's size is one of its greatest assets, agreed Gabe Santos-White. "A university like UB is large enough to have a huge amount of resources that are there for the taking.

UB's size provides access to lots of different people, too. "UB is so diverse that you have to take advantage of the friendships you would find nowhere else," said Kaya Gerberich.

A year ago, some of the Class of 2000 were concerned about keeping up with their studies. But their first year proved to many that they were up to the task.

"The best thing that happened to me this year was getting a 4.0. It was so unexpected, but what a great feeling it was to receive it," said Elana Steinhaus. "I was very pleased with the way this year went. I love being part of the UB environment and I wouldn't trade this year-full of experiences-for the world."

Sense of direction acquired

One of the best things about her freshman year, Deacon said, was "the sense of direction I've acquired. Going into my freshman year I was a little apprehensive about what I wanted to do and my major. Now I'm more sure than ever what I want."

Complaints-they have a few, but, overall, any problems they encountered were as unique as each student.

"Living in the dorms was ugly," said Jennifer Abbata, who recommends, "get a single room. There's a lot less problems."

Roommates were both the best and the worst thing that happened, said Erica Smith. One was "a pain," she said, while another became "a really good friend." New students, she said, should remember that "if some people are rude or mean, ignore them and meet others."

It's important for freshmen to keep in mind why they're here, said Neene Owate. "Incoming freshmen must remember that no matter what, they must stay focused and remember why they wanted to go to college."

Michelle Glatt had just two words of advice for freshmen: "Bring earplugs." Others chose two different words: Get involved.

"If you're intimidated at first, it's OK, it happens to everyone. Get involved with campus activities," said Fedorczak. "I was and I loved it."

Take advantage of what UB has to offer, both its academics and extracurricular activities, the new sophomores advise.

"The best thing to happen to me as a freshman was taking UB 101," said Jason Toto. "My teacher aided me in meeting a lot of people who I wouldn't have otherwise met. That, in turn, got me included in a variety of school activities. I would advise all incoming freshmen to get involved with everything from residence halls to projects within classes, and to get to know their professors and their TAs."

And a final word from the Class of 2000 to the freshmen who may be finding their first semester at UB a little unnerving: Courage.

Talk to people-they've been through what you're going through, said Eric Ip. "Don't be shy....Trusting is a big part of college," he said.

And remember one important thing: "College is what you make of it," said Sara Wozniak