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What was the most daunting thing about going into a University as a first year freshman??
Hello! My name's Jacob, and I'll soon be attending University here in Texas at the University of Texas at San Antonio. I'm nervous about attending as I know that the experience will be a whole more different than high school, which is why I wanted to ask those who've already had to experience this about what intimidated them about going into University.
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Minghao’s Answer
Hey Jacob! That’s a great question—and totally normal to feel nervous. For many students, the most daunting part of starting university is the sudden independence. You're managing your own time, workload, and decisions—often for the first time. It can be overwhelming not having teachers constantly reminding you of deadlines or parents helping you stay on track. Another big one is social pressure—worrying about making new friends, fitting in, or navigating a new environment. But the good news? Everyone else is feeling the same way, even if they don’t show it. Give yourself grace, stay open to new experiences, and you'll find your rhythm faster than you think. You've got this!
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Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Jacob !
So sorry to know that you have some fear about starting college but this happens for some students sometimes and it's great that you're in touch with how you feel. There's one thing I can advise to do now that may help you overcome any anxious feelings you may have. Visit your guidance counselor or school social worker and tell them exactly why you are apprehensive about the transition to college. This can be helped through one on one, in person conversation. Also, take not just one orientation but two orientations and get acclimated to the campus, see the students, get the feel of it. It's only going to seem mysterious until you try to go right into the environment before you start college. Go to all the buildings and mingle in your Major Department. You will see it's not all that bad, rather exciting an uplifting meeting all new people. It can be very refreshing for you !
Hearing other people's experiences will not help you because your time at college will be unique to you, but I'll tell you mine anyway. I absolutely loved college and was impatient, wanting to start very soon, but had to wait as I moved from the East Coast to the West Coast and had a gap semester. I was so eager to get started. Maybe it was smooth for me because in high school, I worked at a job as well as did volunteer teenage peer counseling in the community. I was always around adults and professionals. I am also very friendly and always find it easy to strike up a conversation no matter who it is.
The new social setting for me was a golden treasure. I left a small town and moved to a substantial sized city and making friends and professional contacts was so simple that I didn't even realize it was happening. This large town also had constant cultural and entertainment activities happening so there was a lot to do all the time. I was so happy that college was not like high school.
Are you worried about the work load ? Don't. You can be in control of that by pacing your courses each semester, mixing the high demand with low demand courses. You'll manage. You can even schedule courses an hour apart to give yourself an hour in between classes so it doesn't seem so bunched up and that can give you time to think about what you've just learned in the previous class. Maybe start with only 4 courses in your first semester just to see how everything feels. Then take 5 courses your next semester. You'll know how to arrange things.
So definitely talk this issue out with your guidance counselor or high school social worker and work on the things you're concerned about. Take a couple of college campus orientations and check out the entire campus and speak with people, especially staff and students at your major department. This is sure to show you that the change you'll be making will be interesting, fun and worth every minute of it !
Best wishes in all you do !
So sorry to know that you have some fear about starting college but this happens for some students sometimes and it's great that you're in touch with how you feel. There's one thing I can advise to do now that may help you overcome any anxious feelings you may have. Visit your guidance counselor or school social worker and tell them exactly why you are apprehensive about the transition to college. This can be helped through one on one, in person conversation. Also, take not just one orientation but two orientations and get acclimated to the campus, see the students, get the feel of it. It's only going to seem mysterious until you try to go right into the environment before you start college. Go to all the buildings and mingle in your Major Department. You will see it's not all that bad, rather exciting an uplifting meeting all new people. It can be very refreshing for you !
Hearing other people's experiences will not help you because your time at college will be unique to you, but I'll tell you mine anyway. I absolutely loved college and was impatient, wanting to start very soon, but had to wait as I moved from the East Coast to the West Coast and had a gap semester. I was so eager to get started. Maybe it was smooth for me because in high school, I worked at a job as well as did volunteer teenage peer counseling in the community. I was always around adults and professionals. I am also very friendly and always find it easy to strike up a conversation no matter who it is.
The new social setting for me was a golden treasure. I left a small town and moved to a substantial sized city and making friends and professional contacts was so simple that I didn't even realize it was happening. This large town also had constant cultural and entertainment activities happening so there was a lot to do all the time. I was so happy that college was not like high school.
Are you worried about the work load ? Don't. You can be in control of that by pacing your courses each semester, mixing the high demand with low demand courses. You'll manage. You can even schedule courses an hour apart to give yourself an hour in between classes so it doesn't seem so bunched up and that can give you time to think about what you've just learned in the previous class. Maybe start with only 4 courses in your first semester just to see how everything feels. Then take 5 courses your next semester. You'll know how to arrange things.
So definitely talk this issue out with your guidance counselor or high school social worker and work on the things you're concerned about. Take a couple of college campus orientations and check out the entire campus and speak with people, especially staff and students at your major department. This is sure to show you that the change you'll be making will be interesting, fun and worth every minute of it !
Best wishes in all you do !
Updated
Laura’s Answer
Hi Jacob. Congratulations on getting into the University of Texas at San Antonio! 1. One thing I noticed about going to a state university was that it was much more diverse than my hometown. That can be quite shocking if you're used to growing up around people who mostly look, act, and believe the same as you. However, I found that the diversity to be one of the most rewarding elements of my college experience. I got to meet all kinds of people, and it broadened my own perspectives on the world. 2. Being away at college is often the first time a young person is entirely on their own. On the one hand, you have no one to answer to. But, similarly, no one to keep you focused on your priorities. You will have to do this for yourself. And, if you're lucky, you will find a group of friends who have your best interest at heart, who can act as your support system. 3. Don't feel pressured to declare a major right away, even if you think you're certain. Take lots of diverse classes and keep an open mind. Best of luck.
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Lauren’s Answer
Hi!
It’s okay to be nervous. I’m sure other people are feeling the same way. When I first started college, I was nervous, so you’re not alone. I would talk to a guidance counselor or a therapist about it so you can feel more at ease.
Good luck on your first day!
It’s okay to be nervous. I’m sure other people are feeling the same way. When I first started college, I was nervous, so you’re not alone. I would talk to a guidance counselor or a therapist about it so you can feel more at ease.
Good luck on your first day!
Updated
Ce’s Answer
Hey, Jacob! Welcome to our college family! Feeling a bit nervous as a freshman is completely normal—everyone starts out that way. Did you know that surveys say 75% of freshmen wonder, "Can I do it?" in their first two months? But don't worry, 90% of them soon find their groove. You're already on the right track by thinking ahead about the challenges. Remember, there's a great support system here for you, from academic help to counseling, ready whenever you need it. Can't wait to hear about your first favorite spot on campus!