The Class of 2029 begin their Elon journey with Move-In Day on Aug. 22. Four current Elon students offer their words of wisdom to the incoming class.
As the Class of 2029 arrives on campus and begins their four years at Elon, current Elon students offer their advice to the incoming class.
Elon University will welcome more than 1,500 new students for the 2025-26 academic year, with the Class of 2029 moving to campus on Friday, Aug. 22.
Jack Bull ’27
Major: Human Service Studies
Minor: Sociology
Hometown: Columbia, South Carolina
Campus Involvement: Elon College Fellows, New Student Programs and the Climbing Club
What did you wish you knew as a first-year student?
I wish I knew that college life isn’t static. My first year, even my first semester, was dramatically different than the rest of my time here. It always gets better, as long as you’re willing to put yourself out there.
What advice do you have for the incoming Elon Class of 2029?
Lay down roots, don’t try and do too much too quickly. It is far better to establish yourself in a few clubs or groups before you branch out. It is so easy to get overwhelmed if you try to do too much.
What is your favorite thing about Elon?
My favorite part about being at Elon is how much of a community there is here. You can always find something to do, some people to hang out with. There are so many community spaces where you can go and hang out, try new hobbies, or play a new sport.
Andrea Camo Conde ’26
Major: International and Global Studies
Minors: Communications, Middle East Studies, and Food Studies
Hometown: Richmond, Virginia
Campus Involvement: Arabic Language Organization, Residence Life, Latinx-Hispanic Union
What did you wish you knew as a first-year student?
I wish I had known not to be afraid to do things by myself early on. There are so many clubs and events that I have missed out on participating in because I thought it would be odd to go alone. I have now learned that doing things independently rocks because who cares if you’re by yourself. You’re at least getting to do the things that interest you, and you can do them freely!
What advice do you have for the incoming Elon Class of 2029?
Take advantage of everything Elon has to offer. There are so many interesting guest speakers, dining events, performances, etc. that happen during the semester that are free and unique.
What is your favorite thing about Elon?
My favorite thing about Elon is the campus. I love being able to walk around, clear my head, and just enjoy the nature and beautiful buildings.
I wish I knew that college life isn’t static. My first year, even my first semester, was dramatically different than the rest of my time here. It always gets better, as long as you’re willing to put yourself out there.
Jack Bull ’27
Evan Smith ’26
Major: History and Cinema & Television Arts
Minor: Middle East Studies
Hometown: Waco, Texas
Campus Involvement: Residence Life, Club Racquetball, Anthropology and Sociology Club, Elon Student Television, The HAHA, Phi Alpha Theta
What did you wish you knew as a first-year student?
I wish I knew how open all the faculty are to talking to students and engaging with them outside of class. I knew that I wanted to do mentored undergraduate research before I even arrived, but it took me three or four semesters to get involved because I was worried about approaching professors to ask about it.
What advice do you have for the incoming Elon Class of 2029?
Use your time to explore potential interests and hobbies while trying to get academic credit. Never again will you have access to the resources that you have while you are here, so if you think that you might be interested in something, take a class, join a club, or find some way to try it out.
What is your favorite thing about Elon?
My favorite part about Elon is the work that I have been able to do while here. I have worked on a lot of different projects with several different professors in several different fields. I have gotten the opportunity to be involved in film projects and in other organizations to explore things that I would not have been able to do at another school.
Ellen Allen ’26
Major: Mathematics with teaching licensure
Minor: French
Hometown: Frederick, Maryland
Campus Involvement: Teaching Fellows, New Student Programs, Kappa Delta Sorority, Elon 1010
What did you wish you knew as a first-year student?
I wish I was more familiar with the typical transition period. I remember feeling like I was surrounded by peers who knew what they were doing and felt at peace while I was still unsteady. Going into my sophomore year, I found the W-Curve to be an interesting study on culture shock, particularly as a first-year college student! Reading it in hindsight, I resonated a lot with the feelings I had throughout my first semester.
What advice do you have for the incoming Elon Class of 2029?
Give yourself grace! Everyone copes with the transition differently, and I promise that you are not alone in whatever you are feeling. Find community, join organizations, but don’t expect to meet your best friend in the first few weeks of classes. Everything takes time!
What is your favorite part about Elon?
My favorite part of Elon is the community of people who are so supportive and involved! The friends I have made through various opportunities have always been uplifting and given me a great outlet to be myself and grow.