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What is advice you would give someone entering their first year of college in engineering ?

I am pursuing a Bachelors in Chemical Engineering and was curious on what someone would recommend to be successful. What are some good resources, or general tips that you wish you received when you were a student?

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Rebecca Louise’s Answer

Hi Dayana! In addition to all of the great answers above around learning how to study properly and finding a good routine, I'd like to give you advice from a personal angle, that I wish I had received going into my first year. If you're experienced is anything like mine? I went from being easily top of my class to being surrounded by a lot of other people who were also the top of their class. This is common and engineering as it is quite a tough but rewarding degree that comes with high entry conditions. I struggled with a lot of imposter syndrome in the first year of university, as it felt like everyone around me was 10 times smarter than me and seemed to be working 10 times more than me even though I was also working very hard. I wish someone had told me to cut myself some slack and remember that I got into my university for a reason, my good grades and discipline and I deserve to be there just as much as everyone else. It can be quite easy to compare yourself to others and you will always find someone who seems to be doing better and more than you. At the end of the day all that matters is you. Comparison is the thief of joy and in most I think it's great to remember that probably everyone is in the same boat as you. A lot of people come across as confident and calm but under the surface might also be struggling or feeling like they are behind. Engineering really is a tough degree and pushed my limits but it also showed me what I'm capable of when I commit to something. It was a very rewarding degree and unlocked doors to a successful career that I'm extremely grateful for. University is however also an amazing time of your life. It can come with its challenges of being away from home for the first time and being an adult. If it all possible to try to enjoy the moments with friends and hobbies while you can as it is a great time in your life when you are likely to be free of a lot of responsibilities and surrounded by like-minded young people. Just believe in yourself! You got this!
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Dennis’s Answer

Hello Dayana, That's a good question for any student - at any time in their career. For you - you chose to attend college to earn a degree. Presumably, you have already decided that an engineering degree might be one of the best opportunities for you to earn a living henceforth. Or, maybe you just like the idea of understanding how the physical world works. Or maybe you just like to solve problems, and you know that is something engineers do very well. Right on all accounts!
You are preparing yourself for what you will be doing for the rest of your life. That should be your incentive. You might change jobs or even change careers, but what you do in your first year of college lays the foundation for everything you do beyond that. More incentive. Don't cut classes. Work with your Advisor to be sure the courses you take fit your goals. There will be some courses you don't like or you don't see the need - maybe some of the humanities or literature classes. Trust me, these will come to bear on your life in some way.
Enjoy this time. Learn as much as you can. Continue exploring ideas and subjects - you might find some new thing that is even more interesting to you.
Good luck, Dayana!
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Alexa’s Answer

Hi there! My best advice is to find a good balance with discipline. You've picked a tough degree, but it's going to be very rewarding. If I could go back, I'd tell myself to figure out the best way I learn right from the start. Whether you work best alone in a library or coffee shop, with friends but separately, or by teaming up with classmates, it's key to know what suits you and plan your time around that.

It took me a while to figure out when I work best and where I focus the most. Once you get this down, you can make a schedule that fits you, saving less productive times for fun and social stuff. Discipline is important, but balance will really help you succeed in your program.

I hope you'll be happy with your choice, just like I am. Finding balance will help you in the future when skills like teamwork, communication, and organization become really important.
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Michael’s Answer

Be prepared to work very hard. The most important things you can do is find a routine in your study habits
If you need to concentrate go to the library etc
Not unusual to go to class for 18-20 hours per week and then do homework and project work and study for exams an additional 20-30 hours per week
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Teklemuz’s Answer

Focus on building a strong foundation in math, physics, chemistry, and programming. Consistent study is key, so try to avoid last-minute cramming. Tackle problems by breaking them into parts: what you know, what you need to find out, which principles apply, and any reasonable assumptions. Use resources like office hours, group study, and tools such as Python or MATLAB for help.

In Chemical Engineering, always check units, assumptions, and if your answers make sense. Use estimation to spot mistakes and reinforce your learning with weekly reviews and mixed problem practice. Explore resources like Felder’s Elementary Principles of Chemical Processes, Khan Academy, MIT OpenCourseWare, and YouTube channels like LearnChemE and The Organic Chemistry Tutor. Engage with AIChE(American Institute of Chemical Engineers) student chapters, workshops, hackathons, and online platforms for practical experience.

Remember, managing your time well through prioritization and timed practice is crucial. Success comes from persistence, learning from mistakes, understanding concepts, and maintaining good energy. Keep going, and you'll achieve your goals!
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Soumendra’s Answer

Maintain a good balance of credits for the year. Choose courses with the fewest prerequisites. Explore areas of experiential learning. Be mindful of your time when selecting courses and learning opportunities.
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