8 answers
Sione
Student
Dumfries, Virginia
1
Question
Asked
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What is some advice you would have for college freshmen?
Anything college related that you had to learn the hard way. Or would learning it the hard way better my experience and person?
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8 answers
Nicole Slaughter
Director of Operations
3
Answers
El Paso, Texas
Updated
Nicole’s Answer
College is a time that you get to "practice" being an adult in a safe environment. This is your time to grow and explore . One thing I wish I knew when I was starting in college is to TAKE THE RISK! Do it all! Try it all! Get out of your comfort zone. College is not just an education, it is an experience. Focus on more than academics to get the most out of it. Join clubs, volunteer, get out your dorm room and take it all in.
NATARAJAN RAMACHANDRAN
IT Profession
1
Answer
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Updated
NATARAJAN’s Answer
I encourage college students to stay dedicated to their studies and keep moving ahead to build a bright future.
Chiquria Willis
Loan Processor - Rocket Mortgage
94
Answers
Dearborn Heights, Michigan
Updated
Chiquria’s Answer
That’s a fantastic question! It shows you’re already thinking about college with a level of self-awareness that many students take years to achieve. Balancing learning from experience and accepting advice can save you from unnecessary stress. Here are some practical tips and life lessons that many wish they knew earlier:
🎒 College Advice: What I Wish I Knew Sooner
1. Treat College Like a Job (With Flexibility)
Be punctual and treat assignments seriously. But remember, it’s okay to change paths if something doesn’t feel right. Switching majors or directions is common and often a smart move, not a failure.
2. Go to Office Hours—Even When You're Doing Fine
Office hours aren’t just for when you’re struggling. They’re a chance to build relationships. Professors can connect you to internships, recommendations, and research opportunities.
3. Join One Thing That Has Nothing to Do With Your Major
Whether it’s a club, sport, or art group, try something creative or fun. These activities boost mental health, make you well-rounded, and can lead to unexpected career paths.
4. Beware the Busy Trap
Don’t overload your schedule just to feel accomplished. Focus on activities and classes that energize you and hold meaning. Burnout is real, so learn time management before it overwhelms you.
5. Say Yes More in Year One, Say No More in Later Years
As a freshman, explore new things: join random events, take unusual electives, attend info sessions. Later, start saying “no” to protect your time and align with your goals.
6. GSIs/TAs Are Secret Weapons
In large classes, graduate student instructors or teaching assistants often lead discussions and grade your work. Get to know them—they usually have more time to help and can explain things in a relatable way.
7. Start a Lifelong Habit of Self-Reflection
Journaling, meditating, or simply checking in with yourself can keep you grounded. You’re growing quickly—emotionally and mentally. Self-reflection helps you make sense of it all.
8. Be Cool to Everyone—you never know where they’ll end up
Today’s classmate could be your future business partner, coworker, or even boss. Plus, kindness builds a strong network, and communities love to support those who support them.
9. Learning From Mistakes Is the Experience
Some lessons are best learned the hard way—missing a deadline teaches what no planner app can. Reflect on these moments and use them as learning opportunities, not setbacks.
10. You Are Not Behind
College isn’t a race. Everyone’s timeline is different, and comparing yourself to others can make you feel inadequate. Progress is progress—there’s no “correct speed.”
If you’re ever unsure about trying something new or playing it safe, choose curiosity. It will teach you not just what you want to do, but who you are—and that’s the most valuable thing you’ll take with you after graduation.
🎒 College Advice: What I Wish I Knew Sooner
1. Treat College Like a Job (With Flexibility)
Be punctual and treat assignments seriously. But remember, it’s okay to change paths if something doesn’t feel right. Switching majors or directions is common and often a smart move, not a failure.
2. Go to Office Hours—Even When You're Doing Fine
Office hours aren’t just for when you’re struggling. They’re a chance to build relationships. Professors can connect you to internships, recommendations, and research opportunities.
3. Join One Thing That Has Nothing to Do With Your Major
Whether it’s a club, sport, or art group, try something creative or fun. These activities boost mental health, make you well-rounded, and can lead to unexpected career paths.
4. Beware the Busy Trap
Don’t overload your schedule just to feel accomplished. Focus on activities and classes that energize you and hold meaning. Burnout is real, so learn time management before it overwhelms you.
5. Say Yes More in Year One, Say No More in Later Years
As a freshman, explore new things: join random events, take unusual electives, attend info sessions. Later, start saying “no” to protect your time and align with your goals.
6. GSIs/TAs Are Secret Weapons
In large classes, graduate student instructors or teaching assistants often lead discussions and grade your work. Get to know them—they usually have more time to help and can explain things in a relatable way.
7. Start a Lifelong Habit of Self-Reflection
Journaling, meditating, or simply checking in with yourself can keep you grounded. You’re growing quickly—emotionally and mentally. Self-reflection helps you make sense of it all.
8. Be Cool to Everyone—you never know where they’ll end up
Today’s classmate could be your future business partner, coworker, or even boss. Plus, kindness builds a strong network, and communities love to support those who support them.
9. Learning From Mistakes Is the Experience
Some lessons are best learned the hard way—missing a deadline teaches what no planner app can. Reflect on these moments and use them as learning opportunities, not setbacks.
10. You Are Not Behind
College isn’t a race. Everyone’s timeline is different, and comparing yourself to others can make you feel inadequate. Progress is progress—there’s no “correct speed.”
If you’re ever unsure about trying something new or playing it safe, choose curiosity. It will teach you not just what you want to do, but who you are—and that’s the most valuable thing you’ll take with you after graduation.
Jason White
Lead Product Manager- Network Security
155
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Jason’s Answer
Hey Sione,
Great question.
1. Your degree plan is your responsibility. You should print out your degree plan and manually check courses off the list as you take them. When it's time to meet with your advisor for the next semester you should walk in with your degree plan knowing what courses you NEED to take and have your schedule already planned out. That way they just have to check off. I can't tell you how many times I've known people to rely on their advisor to pick their courses and have them taking unnecessary courses. let that be your responsibility.
2. If you get below a B on an exam you need to be in office hours and at tutoring IMMEDIATELY. Everyone thinks they will do better next time and when they have a similar result because they didn't speak to their professor nor seek a tutor they are on the verge of having to either drop the course (which is a waste of that money you paid for the course) or ride it out to the end and hope they scrape by while risking a bad grade on their transcript and potentially wasting their money. Get the tutor and speak to your professor. You're paying for them BOTH. so use the.
3. Have fun. While yes college is very much an academic experience it's also a social one. You're paying for the events on campus through various fees, the sporting events, the fine arts plays, etc. attend those things and be willing to try something new. you might just find something you like that you never would have thought you would.
Great question.
1. Your degree plan is your responsibility. You should print out your degree plan and manually check courses off the list as you take them. When it's time to meet with your advisor for the next semester you should walk in with your degree plan knowing what courses you NEED to take and have your schedule already planned out. That way they just have to check off. I can't tell you how many times I've known people to rely on their advisor to pick their courses and have them taking unnecessary courses. let that be your responsibility.
2. If you get below a B on an exam you need to be in office hours and at tutoring IMMEDIATELY. Everyone thinks they will do better next time and when they have a similar result because they didn't speak to their professor nor seek a tutor they are on the verge of having to either drop the course (which is a waste of that money you paid for the course) or ride it out to the end and hope they scrape by while risking a bad grade on their transcript and potentially wasting their money. Get the tutor and speak to your professor. You're paying for them BOTH. so use the.
3. Have fun. While yes college is very much an academic experience it's also a social one. You're paying for the events on campus through various fees, the sporting events, the fine arts plays, etc. attend those things and be willing to try something new. you might just find something you like that you never would have thought you would.
Ankita Pimple
Currently Student pursuing MS in Management Information System
43
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Ankita’s Answer
Starting college might seem tough at first, but remember, a few simple steps can really help. Don't stress about being perfect—focus on learning and making steady progress. If you find things hard, ask for help right away. Professors, tutors, and advisors are ready to support you, but they need to know you need help. Try to meet new people and build your network—friends, mentors, and classmates can open doors to new opportunities. Managing your time is super important, so try not to leave everything until the last minute. And most importantly, take care of yourself—getting enough sleep, eating well, and taking breaks will keep you balanced and ready to do your best.
Kelly Commiskey
Management
2
Answers
Cary, North Carolina
Updated
Kelly’s Answer
Hey Sione,
Great job asking such a smart question! My friends and I have put together some helpful advice just for you.
1. In college, you're in charge of your own success. It's important to do your homework and attend classes. Push yourself and don't rely on others to remind you about your responsibilities.
2. Mistakes happen, and that's okay. You're in a safe place to learn from them. How you recover from mistakes is just as important as your successes. This mindset will help you in your career too.
3. Create good study habits. Stay organized and keep up with your syllabus because the semester will fly by.
4. Make use of your professors and school advisors. They often have valuable connections in the professional world and can guide you in your classes and future career.
5. Join clubs related to your interests or major. It's a great way to develop skills, meet people, and build a network. Your network will play a big role in your career.
6. Start looking for internships early in the school year, around August to October. Internships can lead to great job opportunities after college.
Enjoy your college years, Sione. It's a wonderful time to discover who you are, hone your skills, and get ready for the future. There's nothing quite like it!
Great job asking such a smart question! My friends and I have put together some helpful advice just for you.
1. In college, you're in charge of your own success. It's important to do your homework and attend classes. Push yourself and don't rely on others to remind you about your responsibilities.
2. Mistakes happen, and that's okay. You're in a safe place to learn from them. How you recover from mistakes is just as important as your successes. This mindset will help you in your career too.
3. Create good study habits. Stay organized and keep up with your syllabus because the semester will fly by.
4. Make use of your professors and school advisors. They often have valuable connections in the professional world and can guide you in your classes and future career.
5. Join clubs related to your interests or major. It's a great way to develop skills, meet people, and build a network. Your network will play a big role in your career.
6. Start looking for internships early in the school year, around August to October. Internships can lead to great job opportunities after college.
Enjoy your college years, Sione. It's a wonderful time to discover who you are, hone your skills, and get ready for the future. There's nothing quite like it!
Alejandra Wendolyne Arellano Hernández
Customer Management
1
Answer
Updated
Alejandra Wendolyne’s Answer
while you are studying try to get some work experience, some part time job related to your career.
Dino Ubalde
Educator/Psychologist/Life Coach
225
Answers
Tracy, California
Updated
Dino’s Answer
Hello Sione, thank you for reaching out to us. We're excited to support you in finding clarity during your college journey. You've asked a great question! Whether you're in high school or college, the key to success lies in strong study habits, a drive to achieve, and a passion for learning. These are your natural tools for success in college.
One thing you'll notice in college is a greater sense of independence. In earlier years, teachers or advisors often remind you of tasks, but in college, your program chair or designated advisor will guide you, though this varies by school. Each institution has its own culture, which can shape your perspective and experience. Embrace it, as it reflects the kind of graduates they aim to produce.
College is a time of growth, preparing you for future careers. Each program has specific outcomes, and meeting them is key to graduating on time. To get a head start, visit your chosen college's website to understand their mission, vision, and program outcomes. This will guide you throughout your college life.
Enjoy these years and keep your career goals in sight. Good luck!
One thing you'll notice in college is a greater sense of independence. In earlier years, teachers or advisors often remind you of tasks, but in college, your program chair or designated advisor will guide you, though this varies by school. Each institution has its own culture, which can shape your perspective and experience. Embrace it, as it reflects the kind of graduates they aim to produce.
College is a time of growth, preparing you for future careers. Each program has specific outcomes, and meeting them is key to graduating on time. To get a head start, visit your chosen college's website to understand their mission, vision, and program outcomes. This will guide you throughout your college life.
Enjoy these years and keep your career goals in sight. Good luck!