The beginning of the 2020 academic year this fall is going to look like no other. Students entering college for the first time will experience an introduction to college life they were probably never expecting. But college life has always changed and evolved, and the college experience of fifty years ago is unlike the experience of five years ago, which is different than the experience everyone will have this year.

To show just how much the freshmen experience has changed over the years, and to assure all new students that every year is unique, below are some pictures of students experiencing Western New England for the first time as they entered their first year.

Be sure to check out the Archives’ online exhibition, The Freshmen Experience, to learn even more!