Welcome to Hillel: Finding My Place at College
“Welcome to Hillel” is a series of letters from current students welcoming first-year students to Hillel communities. Katie Comrov, a third-year student at the University of Illinois studying advertising and business, shares the way that her early days on campus were deeply impacted by her introduction to Hillel. Read Katie’s welcome:
When I think back to the first few days of my college experience at the University of Illinois, I remember feeling a mix of excitement and fear. I was stepping onto campus with so many unknowns swirling in my mind: Would I make friends? Would I feel at home here? Would I find people who understood me, my background, and the values I grew up with? The truth is, starting college can feel overwhelming. You’re suddenly surrounded by thousands of people, all trying to figure out who they are and where they belong. For me, Hillel was the community that gave me an anchor to navigate those unknowns.
Walking into my first Hillel event felt like a breath of fresh air. I didn’t know many people then, but what I found there was warmth, inclusivity, and a sense of belonging I hadn’t realized I was missing until that moment. Everyone was so open, welcoming, and genuinely happy to see new faces. It didn’t matter if you came alone or with a group of friends; people made room for you, both at the table and in the conversation. That small act of hospitality meant the world to me as a nervous first-year student.
I also remember attending my first Shabbat dinner. It was loud, joyful, and full of energy, with students laughing, sharing stories, and passing challah around the table. I instantly felt connected to something bigger than myself. It wasn’t only about the ritual or the meal; it was about being part of a community that celebrated tradition while also creating new memories together. For the first time since arriving on campus, I felt truly at home.
Getting involved with Hillel changed my entire college experience. It gave me friends who have become like family, mentors who have guided me, and opportunities I never imagined when I first walked in the door. Through Hillel, I found leadership roles that pushed me out of my comfort zone, programs that helped me grow spiritually and personally, and countless moments of joy that reminded me why community matters.
For any first-year student reading this: I know how easy it is to get caught up in the whirlwind of college life: classes, clubs, and the pressure to figure everything out. But I want to encourage you to make space for Hillel. Even if you just stop by for a Shabbat dinner, a coffee, or a holiday celebration, you’ll discover a network of people who will support you through the ups and downs of your college journey.
Looking back, I can’t imagine college without Hillel. It has given me a sense of grounding and belonging during a time when everything else felt new and uncertain. My advice to you is simple: give yourself the chance to step into this community. You don’t have to have it all figured out. Just come with an open mind, and you’ll find people ready to welcome you.
If you’re searching for a place where Jewish life thrives, where tradition meets friendship, and where you can grow into the best version of yourself, Hillel is waiting for you.