What I Wish I Knew As A College Freshman, From A Senior
As a senior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, I’ve had the chance to experience nearly every aspect of college. From the excitement (and nerves) of freshman year to the reflections that come with nearing graduation, I’ve been through almost all of it.
Looking back, there are so many things I wish I had known when I first stepped foot on campus as a freshman. Of course, I probably would’ve wanted to figure it out for myself, but a heads-up could have been nice.
If you’re a freshman (or even a sophomore), my hope for these tips is to make your college experience at least a little bit easier, more enjoyable, and a lot more fulfilling. From managing academics to navigating social life, these lessons are based on my own experience and the advice I’ve picked up along the way.
Academics
Find a study routine that works for YOU. In most cases, college work is much different than high school. It’s okay if it takes a little bit of trial and error to figure out when, where, and how you study best.
Get to know your professors. I know everybody says this, but it really is helpful as you look for opportunities in the professional world. In my experience, I have found this most useful in my junior and senior years with the professors in my classes for my major.
Update your calendar religiously. My calendar/planner of choice is Google Calendar. As soon as I receive a new assignment, project, or exam date, it immediately goes into my Google Calendar so it never slips my radar.
Don’t be afraid to seek academic support. Some classes, especially the gen-eds that you couldn’t care less about, are tricky. Use tutoring resources and academic advisors when help is needed. It’s not embarrassing and almost everybody does this at some point in their college career.
Self-Care & Mental Health
Prioritize self-care and alone time. College can be stressful and overwhelmingly busy. Make time for yourself whether that’s doing a hobby you love or simply laying in bed watching TikToks for an hour.
Take care of your mental health. Don’t hesitate to get counseling or talk to someone if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Chances are, professionals on your campus have heard similar cases of what you’re going through and are there to help. And if nothing else, it’s a good place to get it off your mind and talk it out loud.
Sleep is so incredibly important. Getting as little sleep as possible may seem like a badge of honor, but (and I say this with love) I promise you it’s nothing to brag about. It’s much better to have a healthy sleep schedule and allow your body to rest and recover so you can be at your best.
Learn to say no. This is probably the piece of advice that I’d stress the most. You can’t do everything, and you don’t have to do everything. Set boundaries and focus on what truly matters to you and what you value. And always know that you don’t owe anyone an explanation. You can want to stay in on a Friday night without an excuse.
Social Life
Don’t let FOMO take over. It might seem like everyone is out having fun while you’re working on assignments or staying in for a night of self-care, but don’t let the fear of missing out control your decisions. It’s important to recognize that your time and energy are the most valuable thing, so it’s okay to skip a night out to focus on school or just rest. You’ll find your balance and what works best for you.
Make at least 1 friend in every class. Even if you don’t talk to them outside of class or after the semester ends, having someone to talk with about lectures or group projects can make a big difference. You never know when you’ll need to ask for notes from a missed class or clarification about an assignment.
Quality over quantity in friendships. With a whole new pool of people to explore, it’s easy to get caught up in trying to know everyone or be a part of every social circle, but focus on building deeper relationships with a few people who share your interests and values. These are the friends that will last you through all 4 years of college and beyond graduation.
Embrace your own social preference. College isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience when it comes to socializing. Some people thrive in big social settings, while others prefer smaller events. Don’t feel pressured to follow the crowd if it doesn’t align with your energy.
Career Prep & Professional Development
Start building your resume early. You may not know what you want to do early in your college career but find internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs to explore your interests. No experience is a bad experience and will only help you as you become an upperclassman. You only have a limited number of summers, so make them count and seek out experience during them.
Beef up your LinkedIn. Even if you’re not searching for a job yet, it’s a great way to showcase your high school and college accolades as they come. It also won’t hurt to start building your professional network. Find somebody in a slightly higher position than you and mimic what they're doing.
Don’t be afraid to change your path. If you find something you’re passionate about, now is the time to switch your major or career goals before you’re in your junior or senior fall semester. You might have to take more classes than intended, but it will be worth it when you walk across the stage with a degree you’re passionate about.
Use career services and attend networking events. This is something I didn’t do until recently, but take advantage of on-campus resources and events to meet potential employers and professionals in your field.
General
Be patient with yourself. College is a time of growth and change. You won’t have everything figured out right away, and that's okay. Everyone else is in the same boat as you whether they show it and admit it or not.
Be organized. Stay on top of your assignments and studying. Once things start to pile up, it’s hard to get out of it.
Learn from your mistakes. Challenges and setbacks are inevitable. Use them as opportunities to learn and grow.
Enjoy it all. College is a unique experience that not everyone gets to experience, so make sure to have fun, enjoy new experiences, and create memories you’ll want to tell your future kids.
Try to make the most out of every moment,
🌟Taylor
