A/N: Before beginning, I would first just like to briefly explain my choice of title, which might seem excessively simple at first. One definition of experience is: "To undergo an emotional reaction", which I feel perfectly describes what I mean for Zexion to do across the plot of this story. Additionally, people always say college is about the experience – living on your own for the first time ever, meeting completely different people, etc. Thus, this word clicked and shall be the title of this fic.

Disclaimer: I own nothing but the bizarre ideas in my head.

It was my first day. I wasn't really nervous during the several hour drive to campus, or as my parents helped me move all of my excess things into my dorm. I wasn't even sad as my mother hugged me goodbye and walked out the door, leaving me so completely alone. After all, it was my choice to go to a college this far from home. I could easily have commuted to a state university and lived with the comforts of my own house; but no. The education I was going to receive here, at this private university, would dwarf any a state school could provide. Thus, I had put my foot down and made this decision to a teary-eyed Mom. Not to mention, I was here on a full scholarship.

My dorm was small and dark, reminiscent of a prison cell, but at least I had managed to snag a single. That was more my mother's doing, but I had no objections. Apparently, she convinced the Residence Life staff that I was too socially inept to handle a roommate, and they were willing to accommodate my problem.

I pulled the shade of my window open to reveal an incredibly gorgeous view of the ocean; my backyard. The entire campus was situated along a huge stretch of beach. I may not be a beach person, but I could still appreciate the beauty of this view.

I looked over to the digital alarm clock on my desk: 12:30. In half an hour I was expected to meet my New Student Section outside for a picnic and what was considered "Re-Orientation", to make sure we were settling alright. NSS was a once-a-week-class of about ten Freshman, led by a professor who was also our Academic Advisor. It was meant to help us get to know each other and answer any questions we might have from week to week. I wasn't so into the idea of being forced to be social. I was at college to learn, not to make friends.

I picked up one of my large textbooks regarding "An Introduction to Physics," climbed onto my bed, and opened to the first chapter. I quickly became engrossed in the book, and the next time I even thought to glance at the time it was 5 of 1. Shit. I jumped up, threw the book aside, and ran out of my dorm.

The hallway was crowded with late-arrivals carrying massive televisions and mini-fridges into any one of many open doors. None of the boys I passed looked particularly interesting, but they all did smell particularly bad. Damn my oversensitive nose. Walking through this long hallway of adolescent boys, without my stomach churning, was going to take some getting used to.

I hurried down a flight of stairs and out of the large building, onto the sunny campus of Xehanort University. XU was named, like most colleges, after its founder. Once an all-boys academy, it had become coed about a decade ago and now also housed a small percentage of young women. This private institution was incredibly small in comparison to others, with a student body population of only about 1300.

The campus, fortunately for me, was not too huge, so it did not take long to reach the huge Willow tree under which sat my New Student Section. I did look to be the last arrival, however, and quickly sat down in the circle that the Freshmen and our advisor had formed.

"Nice of you to join us, Zexion," my grey-haired advisor, Professor Xemnas, said as I sat down. "Where were we? Ah yes, we were just about to introduce ourselves. Name, major, and any interests that you might have, please. Let's go around the circle, starting with you," he pointed at a silver-haired boy next to me.

"Hey, I'm Riku, Biology major. Interests, well, I'm an actor, and I like most sports," Riku said about himself, obviously comfortable speaking in front of a large group. He leaned back on his hands and looked over expectantly at me.

I would have preferred to become invisible on the spot than to talk about myself. I hid the best I could behind my slate hair, and then quietly answered, "Zexion, Physics and Biology double major. And, um, I like to…read."

After surviving my own introduction, everyone in the circle had their turn. Blonde-haired Roxas was Undecided and liked fencing. The brunette next to him, Sora, introduced himself as Roxas' twin, and was an Education major involved with Theater. Also in my section were two seemingly inseparable friends from home, Kairi and Namine, as well as soft-spoken Olette, confident Hayner, and a slightly awkward boy by the name of Pence. Though I may have trouble interacting with others and making friends, I pride myself on being able to read into people's personalities upon first meeting them.

"Good, now that we all know each other, does anyone have any questions about XU?" Professor Xemnas questioned. "Don't be shy, release that darkness from your souls."

He was an incredibly bizarre professor; Philosophy, apparently. At that last statement, Kairi and Namine snickered loudly and even I had to clench my jaw to prevent myself from smirking.

"What is there to do around here?" Riku asked from my side.

"There are many clubs you can join, and the Student Life Building has a movie theater, as well as a game room. Don't forget, you can always take a bus into town as well, where there are many things to do. That's right, keep yourself occupied with light. There is no need to ever be bored by darkness at this college," the professor answered, moving his arms animatedly, as if for an epic effect.

After that, every one of the students knew it would probably be best to keep quiet, rather than allow Xemnas to go off on a tangent of light and darkness.

"Well, if that is all, feel free to help yourself to some food," he said and pointed to the basket of food in the middle.

Everyone, except me, jumped at the food. I stood back and waited until everyone had helped themselves to the sandwich wraps, bags of chips, cookies, and fruit, then grabbed a ham and cheese sandwich. I sat back down in the same spot.

"So, you're a Biology major too?" Riku asked, and it took me a few seconds to realize he was speaking to me.

I nodded, and took a small bite of my sandwich. I didn't really feel the need to talk.

"Do you want to go into medicine? I do, I think I'm going to go to med-school after this," he continued speaking. I guess I was going to have to talk this time.

"No. I want to be a physicist somewhere. I just figured Biology would be fun on the side."

His eyes were wide for a moment, and then he gave a small chuckle. "Oh, so you're kind of a nerd then."

I tightened my lips in offense, but then just shrugged. "I like to learn."

"Well, I guess it's good you have style then, or how would you ever make friends?" He asked rhetorically.

It took me a few moments to realize that it was a compliment. I never did put much effort into my punk hairstyle or clothing (at the moment, a fitted graphic t-shirt, black board shorts, and converse all-stars), it was just who I was. This was also one of the first times I had ever been complimented on my appearance, so I was a bit wary at first, but then responded, "Thanks." Surprisingly, I could already tell that Riku was one person I'd consider being friends with.

"How weird is our advisor?" Riku laughed, looking over at the man who was chatting excitedly to Sora and Roxas.

"I guess it's a Philosophy thing…but what about his clothes?" He was wearing a one-piece, floor length black cloak with a hood and zippers all over the place. It should be mentioned that we were in a very warm climate, such that even in the shade of the tree the temperature was well into the 80s.

"I guess there'll be a ton of weird people here," Riku added.

I nodded. After all, we were at college.

About half an hour later we were allowed to leave, and Riku invited me, along with Sora and Roxas who both turned out to be well-spoken boys as well, to head over to the Student Life Building to check out the game room.

Maybe I was going to get the full college experience, complete with making friends, after all.

A/N: Please review and tell me what you think! I want to know if people believe that this story could have potential. I have some decent ideas for the plot, which will be ultimately Zemyx. Demyx will be introduced in the next chapter if I decide to continue. It's my first time trying to work with Zexion, who isn't the easiest character to get a grasp on, but I'm trying with little things here and there to characterize him properly. Maybe once I play Re: Chain of Memories I'll understand him better.

Also, this college is somewhat based off of the one I currently attend. If you can figure out which one, kudos to you. Many of Zexion's experiences shall be based heavily off my own. Exciting, right?