As August drew to a close and the warmth of summer reluctantly gave way to the approaching autumn breeze, an air of excitement filled the minds of many of my fellow juniors at Duke. The end of summer ushered in a time of reflection and decision making, and for many it marked the anticipation of a transformative semester ahead. Junior Autumn – a semester often synonymous with study abroad adventures, international escapades, and cultural immersion – was fast approaching. But while most of my friends were eagerly packing their bags and setting off on international adventures, I found myself heading back to Durham.
The decision to stay on campus that autumn wasn’t one that was ever fraught with internal struggle. Rather, it was rooted in a deep sense of purpose and personal goals. The allure of studying abroad, with its promise of cultural immersion and worldly adventure, is undeniable. But it was the academic opportunities on campus and the sense of finally feeling at home that appealed most to me. Duke offers a wealth of resources; junior year is an ideal window to capitalise on them. So while many of my friends were charting their courses through foreign lands, I was charting my academic journey within the familiar confines of Duke University.
One of the main reasons I chose to stay at Duke for my junior autumn was the growing sense that this campus had become a home away from home. Over the previous few years, I had gradually made connections, established routines, and cultivated a sense of belonging within the Duke community. As the campus transitioned from a new and unfamiliar place to a comfortable and familiar one, I realised that I didn’t want to leave a place that was just beginning to feel like home.
The concept of ‘home’ isn’t just defined by geography; it’s also about the people, experiences and memories that make a place special. Duke has slowly but surely become that place for me. It is where I have made deep friendships, had transformative learning experiences and created lasting memories. Leaving all that behind, even for one semester, didn’t seem appealing when I was finally starting to feel grounded and connected.
By staying on campus, I’ve reaffirmed my commitment to nurturing the sense of belonging that has blossomed for me within Duke’s hallowed halls. I want to continue to build on the foundations I have laid and explore the opportunities the University has to offer. My decision wasn’t just about choosing to stay; it was about investing in the sense of home that Duke has become.
But while living on campus offers unparalleled and unique benefits, it is not without its moments of stark contrast. The most noticeable of these is the campus itself, which feels markedly different now that most of my peers are gone. The once familiar bustle of students rushing to and from classes has been replaced by an eerie silence, and the absence of familiar faces makes the campus feel strangely deserted.
Another challenge is dealing with the occasional (very occasional) pang of FOMO – the fear of missing out – as I watch my friends’ social media feeds fill up with stunning vistas, cultural experiences and tempting food. Their stories paint a vivid picture of the ideal life abroad, and it’s often hard not to feel a pang of envy.
But as I’ve discovered over the past few weeks, the positives have outweighed the negatives – and by a lot.
Living on campus has given me a perspective and a range of experiences that I could not have anticipated. Most importantly, it has allowed me to deepen my connection with the university itself. As I have immersed myself in my majors and academic projects, I have developed a deep appreciation for the academic resources available to me. Whereas last year I focused mainly on going out and keeping up with my social life, this year has seen a conscious shift in priorities. Staying on campus has allowed me to invest more time and energy in my academic pursuits, which I may not have fully realised had I ventured abroad.
In addition, living on campus has created an opportunity for a sense of community that is often hard to find on a busy campus. This unexpected twist to my college experience has opened doors to unparalleled friendships and connections that I wouldn’t have expected. With most of my peers abroad, I’ve formed closer bonds with the remaining students. The friendships I’ve made this semester with people from all different year groups are a testament to the camaraderie that can flourish when you’re part of a smaller, more close-knit community.
My junior autumn is a journey still in progress. It has been, and will continue to be, a semester of personal growth, academic exploration and building lasting friendships. It has reinforced the idea that there is no one “right” way to experience college, and that the most fulfilling journey is often the one you create for yourself.
