By Ingrid Velasquez-Perez
Trinity Times Correspondent
For junior criminal justice student Maria Erazo Rodriguez, coming to Trinity Washington University has meant encountering people with different backgrounds, opinions and ways of seeing the world.
“Coming to college has brought a new perspective and a new way of thinking,” she told Trinity Times. “I thought I was pretty woke, but you meet people with different opinions and backgrounds, and it expands your way of thinking.”
Rodriguez is among the students who come to Trinity from outside the D.C. area and must adjust to college life away from familiar surroundings and, in many cases, their families. For these students, the transition can bring greater independence, new perspectives and opportunities to build connections in the nation’s capital.
Out-of-state students can take advantage of studying in Washington, D.C., with access to internships, professional networks and cultural institutions that can support their academic and career goals.
Many students are also drawn to Trinity because of its support for Dreamers and undocumented students, including its partnership with TheDream.US, which provides scholarships to eligible students. Trinity currently identifies itself as the only TheDream.US partner university in Washington, D.C.
Trinity offers out-of-state students a range of majors, including nursing, biology and biochemistry, health services, elementary education, social work, psychology, business administration, communication, journalism and media studies, and criminal justice.
Adjusting to a new environment often means managing responsibilities such as budgeting, time management and daily decision-making without the support of family. For Rodriguez, however, the experience has also broadened her perspective.
Being away from home often encourages students to focus more intentionally on their personal growth and goals, as living independently creates space to reflect on priorities and build discipline. Freshman business administration student Wendy Uriostegui said the distance from her home in Georgia has helped her focus on herself.
“I feel at peace here,” Uriostegui told Trinity Times. “I have more time for myself and can focus on my own goals. Back home, I focused more on helping my family.”
Students often experience homesickness as they adjust to college life in a new environment, with distance from family routines and longtime friends making the transition especially difficult during the first semester. Senior sociology student Frida Sanchez said the absence of everyday support is difficult, and she misses important moments spent away from her home in Wisconsin.
“I felt sad when my birthday came up and when I had to stay for Thanksgiving,” Sanchez said.
Students at Trinity Washington University say the campus offers a wide range of activities that help them stay engaged and connected, from student organizations and campus events to service opportunities and academic clubs. These experiences not only enhance the college experience but also help students build meaningful relationships and supportive communities.
Sanchez said getting involved has made a difference.
“Surrounding yourself with genuine friends who care about you and going to club activities or social events, like the Butterfly Network, really helps,” she said.
Many students recommend Trinity Washington University for its supportive environment, accessible faculty and opportunities for involvement on campus. They say its academic programs and location in Washington, D.C., create a valuable experience both inside and outside the classroom, especially for out-of-state students adjusting to a new environment.
Sanchez said the experience is ultimately rewarding.
“There are many opportunities and new things to explore,” she said. “D.C. has a lot of free museums and events. When you come from out of state, it’s hard at first, but you adjust.”