Class of 2026 midyears reflect on their transition to Brandeis Follow theJustice!

Aman Qutab ’24, an Orientation Leader who joined the team for this year’s midyear orientation, described the preparation process as covering “every possible resource” on campus. According to Qutab, the Brandeis Counseling Center and the Hiatt Career Center were some of many resources that OLs learned more about to convey their importance to incoming students.

Qutab’s favorite part of the experience was meeting her orientation group. OLs and midyears spoke via WhatsApp and other communication networks before arrival, so they were able to become familiar with one another before the process began. Although the midyear orientation was shorter than the one for the fall semester, students were still able to make friends in their OL groups.

As midyears continue to adjust, Qutab recommends that they continue to get involved in clubs and events and advises to look out specifically for the intercultural clubs and events, which are some of her personal favorites.

Brandeis midyears are not alone in their adjustment. Among the many resources are midyear Ambassadors — midyears from previous years who plan events and answer questions for the incoming class. According to the “New Students” page of the Brandeis website, the “Orientation Team will ‘pass the baton’ to the Ambassadors.” With the conclusion of orientation, midyear Ambassadors are able to speak on their own experiences of adjusting to life on campus for the current midyear class. Information on each of the midyear Ambassadors can be found in every midyear’s email, or in the “New Student Orientation” section of the Brandeis website.

Midyears should look out for more events open to all students, as this is a way for them to connect with their entire class. The involvement fair on Jan. 22 gave midyears the opportunity to see what clubs Brandeis has to offer and possibly start their own if they feel something is missing. Events hosted by clubs can be seen around campus, and on Campus Groups.

Don’t be afraid to reach out to any new students around campus. They could possibly be a midyear or just someone you’ve never seen before. Either way, new friends never hurt.

—Editor’s note: Matthew Norris was recently elected as the Student Union’s midyear senator.