Ohio State welcomes largest fall freshman class as school year begins

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Tuesday was the first day of class for students attending the Ohio State University. 

OSU President Ted Carter said the university is welcoming its largest freshman class this fall semester. With that being said, tens of thousands of students are back in the area. Tuesday was a beautiful day to be outside, the oval was busy all morning as students walked to and from their classes. Groups of people were even seen relaxing on the lawn, catching up with friends.

For many students, this is their first time living on their own and the first time living in a major city. For the most part, everyone we spoke with is excited to be on campus, but others say it’s going to take some time to get back into the swing of things. 

“I'm trying to, you know, calm the nerves. I know I'm trying to tell myself that there's not really anything to be afraid of. But, you know, it's kind of stressful getting back into classes and that type of thing,” said Reese Hiller Freund, a junior studying Exercise Science Education. 

This is also a chance to make new friends. NBC4 spoke with two first year grad students who met for the first time Tuesday. They both did undergrad elsewhere but are looking forward to what OSU has to offer. 

“My first year here at Ohio State, I hope to just kind of get really connected within the athletic department. Networking is a really important part of sports management, so I'm hoping to get connected with this huge athletic department,” said Katie Castelli, graduate school, in the Kinesiology program. 

“I want to make a lot of connections, but specifically like in hockey. So right now I had my interview and I'll have a part time job with the Columbus Blue Jackets. So within like Columbus and Ohio State is kind of like to build those connections and propel that forward,” said Abbey Redding, graduate school, in the Kinesiology program.

When we asked everyone what they were most looking forward to this semester, a majority of them said they can’t wait for Buckeye football to return with the opening game coming a week from this Saturday. As for goals, students say they want to stay on top of their class work while also making countless memories.