Spring Scholars Struggle to Integrate at Tulane

Mardi Gras is the loneliest time for students who start college in the spring semester

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Spring Scholars at Tulane University, who begin their freshman year studying abroad, often have a difficult time integrating into campus life when they arrive on campus in the spring semester. Many struggle to break out of the 'Spring Scholar bubble' and establish deeper connections with their peers, with at least five students from one cohort transferring out. While the Spring Scholar experience teaches valuable real-world skills, the lack of housing with other freshmen and established friend groups makes it challenging for some to fully embrace campus life.

Why it matters

The Spring Scholar program is meant to provide students with a unique educational experience, but the transition back to campus can be isolating and hinder their full integration into the Tulane community. Understanding the challenges faced by Spring Scholars is important for the university to address in order to support these students and ensure their success.

The details

When Spring Scholars arrive on campus in the spring, they often feel like they are starting college all over again. Many struggle to make friends and get involved, with some choosing to stick to the same social circles rather than branching out. The lack of housing with other freshmen is seen as a hindrance, as it makes it harder for Spring Scholars to connect with their peers. Additionally, Spring Scholars are expected to perform at the same level as students who had a full semester to adjust, which can be difficult.

  • Spring Scholars begin their freshman year studying abroad.
  • Mardi Gras is the loneliest time for a Spring Scholar.

The players

Shania Mahmood

A Spring Scholar who wrote about her experience at Tulane.

Sophia Limongelli

A Spring Scholar who said it was hard to get to know people on a deeper level due to established friend groups.

Ella Patti

A Spring Scholar who said the experience abroad taught her valuable real-world skills.

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What they’re saying

“I'm the biggest Spring Scholar advocate, but there are so many established friend groups. It's a friendly campus, but it's hard to get to know people on a deeper level”

— Sophia Limongelli (The Tulane Hullabaloo)

“Going abroad taught me a lot about myself — if I messed up a flight or hotel reservation, I could do it without my parents. It taught me real world skills from different people.”

— Ella Patti, Spring Scholar (The Tulane Hullabaloo)

What’s next

Expanding mentorship between spring and fall admits, offering more programming before Spring Scholars arrive and clearer communication about social and academic integration could ease the shift back to campus for Spring Scholars.

The takeaway

The Spring Scholar program provides valuable experiences, but the transition back to campus can be isolating for some students. Tulane University needs to find ways to better support Spring Scholars and help them fully integrate into campus life.