2 answers
Nadia
Student
Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
1
Question
Asked
432 views
What advice do you have for an incoming college freshman so that the first semester/year does not seem so overwhelming #Spring25?
What advice do you have for an incoming college freshman so that the first semester/year does not seem so overwhelming? #Spring25
Login to comment
2 answers
Gus S
Consultant
79
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Gus’s Answer
My advice is that every other first year will be in the same spot as you. Sometimes things will be scary and overwhelming, but understanding that all others are in the same position as you can make things seem a bit easier. Lean in and enjoy this next chapter!
Thanks for the help.
Nadia
Katie Cooper
Auditor
4
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Katie’s Answer
You are preparing well, Nadia, great question! College is an exciting yet challenging time since there is so much change happening all at once. My best advice would be to get plugged in and to learn how you best study and excel in your classes.
I attended college away from home, and none of my friends from high school went to that school either. To get plugged into campus life, I started attending Church (like I would have at home!) and joined an extracurricular club related to what I wanted to study. It was through these activities that I met one of my best friends (to this day!) and even my husband (haha). I had pretty bad homesickness, so getting involved kept my mind off of that and gave me new friends and people with whom to connect. My biggest tip here is not to overcommit to too many things. Try a few groups/organizations out and see what you like. There are so many things to be involved in, but you know yourself and know what you can commit to, while also keeping up with your grades.
Grades are also really important. My freshman year was when I had my first exposure to college classes and professors, and they were different from my high school teachers and classes. I took the time to invest in my classes, to figure out how I best studied, and to get comfortable with my professors and going to office hours for help. Setting yourself up with a strong GPA that first year is huge, and I would take the studying skills you have learned in high school with you as you prepare for your freshman year. You'll never regret that good GPA in the beginning, especially as you continue in your classes and they get more difficult.
You're going to do great! Best of luck!
I attended college away from home, and none of my friends from high school went to that school either. To get plugged into campus life, I started attending Church (like I would have at home!) and joined an extracurricular club related to what I wanted to study. It was through these activities that I met one of my best friends (to this day!) and even my husband (haha). I had pretty bad homesickness, so getting involved kept my mind off of that and gave me new friends and people with whom to connect. My biggest tip here is not to overcommit to too many things. Try a few groups/organizations out and see what you like. There are so many things to be involved in, but you know yourself and know what you can commit to, while also keeping up with your grades.
Grades are also really important. My freshman year was when I had my first exposure to college classes and professors, and they were different from my high school teachers and classes. I took the time to invest in my classes, to figure out how I best studied, and to get comfortable with my professors and going to office hours for help. Setting yourself up with a strong GPA that first year is huge, and I would take the studying skills you have learned in high school with you as you prepare for your freshman year. You'll never regret that good GPA in the beginning, especially as you continue in your classes and they get more difficult.
You're going to do great! Best of luck!