Some came with friends and classmates, yet others came unaccompanied. Some arrived by traveling the roads, yet others flew the friendly skies.

Alexandra Hipworth critiques her school paper in her dorm for a newspaper editing assignment. (Eva Hibnick photo)

   However the SJI students arrived at the University of Florida, they arrived with different expectations of campus life. After living it for a week, they realized that what was expected was not always reality.
   Leaving parents home and venturing to UF for a week was music to many students' ears. Students expected to be able to attend class regularly and have the independence to explore the campus otherwise. However, many didn't realize that the independence was there but the transportation wasn't.
   "I didn't think so much walking would be involved, but it's okay because I like being here on my own," said Max Wolson, a sophomore at Michael Krop High School.
   Others appreciated being away from home but agreed that a car would be more efficient.
   "I knew the campus was big, but I wasn't expecting so much walking," said Sandra VanGorden, a senior at Kolbe Cathedral High School. "A car would be great."
   Transportation was not the only challenge students faced. Newcomers agreed that upon arriving at UF, they expected rude roommates, community bathrooms and endless noise in the halls. Many were fortunate to experience dorm life firsthand and do away with most of their negative viewpoints of living with three strangers. Students met one another and many became friends.
   "I figured that the dorms wouldn't be the best, but that's how dorms are," said Nicole Hennegar, a senior at Bayside High School. "I wasn't expecting the kitchen and everything, so it was nice to have that. I also met people. It wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be."
   Some students were too accustomed to their home life and didn't adjust well to dorm life. "Disgusting", "dirty" and "gross" were among the words used when to describe the dorms.
   "I don't like dorms, period. They are not for me," said Colleen Chen, a senior at North Cobb High School.
   For the few students who also attended SJI last year, living in the dorms again was not as difficult. They agreed that this year they had a better grasp of reality living on campus. Unlike last year, this year they came with extra shoes, more snacks and more spending money.
   "I came ready this year," said Jennifer Wagoner, a senior at Astronaut High School. "I brought comfortable shoes, tons of food and my ATM card. I really like it here when I have the right stuff."
   Although some students had not attended SJI previously, they were familiar with the campus. They had been to UF for a scheduled campus tour, sporting event or to visit a friend.
   "I came here in March to visit and have always wanted to come back," said Megan Potter, a senior at American Heritage High School. "I love it up here."
   Whether students came expecting the worst or more than they got in reality, they've all altered their viewpoints slightly about living on campus.
  Spending a week in a college environment has given each student an opportunity to experience life as most will live it within one or two years.