Purple pride is a serious matter at Western University. As science students, we feel privileged to experience one of the most spirited frosh weeks across Canada. Not only does O-Week help us make fun memories on which we’ll continue to reflect throughout our time at Western, but it also allows for developing new friendships that enliven our overall undergraduate experience. This is, of course, assuming that you’re not one of many introverts (or even extroverts alike), pressured by your peers to engage in activities that aren’t necessarily in your comfort zone.

All of the partying and drinking can be very overwhelming. While some give up on trying to “enjoy” their frosh year altogether, many students conform by changing their attitudes and behaviours in a desperate attempt to fit in. However, there is a duality to this idea:  High school and university are intrinsically distinct from each other, both academically and socially. While university can be demanding in terms of how you approach academics, the changes do not necessarily need to impact how you spend your free time and enjoy yourself.

A full personality conversion is not part of the “undergraduate experience,” nor should it be. It is okay to spend a Friday night studying in your dorm while your roommates head to the club. Conversely, it is okay to party on Friday nights because you have done all your studying during the week. It is okay to not be friends with all of your floormates. It is okay to not do so well on your first midterm. It is okay to be happy doing what you love.

University should not define an individual, academically or socially. Instead, an individual should create their own undergraduate experience, rather than relying on pre-existing societal norms.

First year is full of countless opportunities to showcase the willingness to find oneself through clubs, academic events and even partying. There is no right or wrong answer regarding what you love doing.

At Western, we’re lucky to have a diverse student population. No one needs to change to fit in. If a group of people define “fun” differently from you, do not change the definition for yourself. Instead, find people with similar interests and hobbies. What you do for leisure should help you unwind and relax, not stress you out even further.