18 answers
Asked
1184 views
What are some good advice for a college freshman?
Hello! I'm a rising freshman (chem major) at Johns Hopkins in 2026. What are some advice or tips to get through the first semester?
Anything from course selection to club activities to study habits would be helpful. Thank you so much!
Login to comment
18 answers
Updated
J’s Answer
My biggest advice is to have regular meetings and discussions with you Advisors. You want to be sure you are intentional with class load and your degree plan. Degree plans can change, even while you are in the middle of it, so be sure you are not wasting additional time or money on classes that do not help move you towards your goal.
Updated
Jason’s Answer
What are your plans after finishing your undergraduate degree? Are you considering pharmacy or medical school?
Consider joining student organizations that align with your goals.
- Do they invite professionals you can connect with?
- Do they help you learn more and build a support network in college? (Think study groups, positive habits, and matching your interests.)
Does your college help you achieve your long-term goals? Is there an office that can assist with your CV or resume? Do they understand your goals?
Building relationships with these people is very important. They have great connections, and if they know you and your goals, they can help you get noticed by the right people.
These strategies were incredibly valuable during my college years. They don't require much time beyond your studies and offer great returns. Good luck!
Consider joining student organizations that align with your goals.
- Do they invite professionals you can connect with?
- Do they help you learn more and build a support network in college? (Think study groups, positive habits, and matching your interests.)
Does your college help you achieve your long-term goals? Is there an office that can assist with your CV or resume? Do they understand your goals?
Building relationships with these people is very important. They have great connections, and if they know you and your goals, they can help you get noticed by the right people.
These strategies were incredibly valuable during my college years. They don't require much time beyond your studies and offer great returns. Good luck!
Updated
Emily’s Answer
Hi Solah! Congratulations on Johns Hopkins, that’s an amazing accomplishment. As someone in a psychology program at a similar university, one of the biggest things I’ve learned is that you don’t have to do everything your first semester. It can be tempting to overload your schedule with difficult classes and lots of clubs, but it’s okay to give yourself time to adjust to college. I’d recommend taking a balanced course load, going to office hours early (even if you don’t think you need help yet), and finding a study routine that works for you before exams start. Since you’re a chemistry major, staying on top of the material each week is much easier than trying to catch up later. I’d also encourage you to join a few clubs that genuinely interest you rather than signing up for everything at the activities fair. Those are great ways to meet people and build a community. Finally, don’t compare yourself to everyone around you. At a place like Johns Hopkins, you’ll be surrounded by talented students, but remember that you were admitted for a reason too. Focus on your own growth, ask for help when you need it, and enjoy the experience. Best of luck with your first semester!
Gina Cabrera,
I am an executive concierge at PwC. I am also a mother of two boys.
20
Answers
Hernando, Florida
Updated
Gina’s Answer
Congratulations on starting at Johns Hopkins! Being a chemistry major can be tough, especially in your first semester, but it's okay not to have everything figured out right away.
Don't overload yourself at first. Take time to get used to college classes, living away from home, and managing your schedule. Talk to your academic advisor before picking classes to ensure your schedule is balanced, avoiding too many hard science and math courses at once.
Start building good study habits early. Chemistry is easier if you keep up with the material. Review your notes often, practice problems, visit office hours, and ask questions if you're confused. Don’t wait until right before an exam to seek help.
Join clubs and activities, but you don't need to participate in everything immediately. Try a few things that interest you, then stick with one or two you really enjoy. College is about learning, making friends, and finding out what you like outside the classroom.
Remember to take care of yourself. Eat well, get enough sleep, call home, make good friends, and be kind to yourself when things don't go perfectly. One tough exam or class doesn't define your place there or your future success.
Your first semester is about learning how to be a college student. Ask for help, use the resources around you, and enjoy this new chapter. You'll learn a lot about chemistry and yourself too.
Don't overload yourself at first. Take time to get used to college classes, living away from home, and managing your schedule. Talk to your academic advisor before picking classes to ensure your schedule is balanced, avoiding too many hard science and math courses at once.
Start building good study habits early. Chemistry is easier if you keep up with the material. Review your notes often, practice problems, visit office hours, and ask questions if you're confused. Don’t wait until right before an exam to seek help.
Join clubs and activities, but you don't need to participate in everything immediately. Try a few things that interest you, then stick with one or two you really enjoy. College is about learning, making friends, and finding out what you like outside the classroom.
Remember to take care of yourself. Eat well, get enough sleep, call home, make good friends, and be kind to yourself when things don't go perfectly. One tough exam or class doesn't define your place there or your future success.
Your first semester is about learning how to be a college student. Ask for help, use the resources around you, and enjoy this new chapter. You'll learn a lot about chemistry and yourself too.
Kelly Fry, MBA, PMP
Customer Success Executive - Post Sales Strategic Advisor for Technology Platform
17
Answers
Wenatchee, Washington
Updated
Kelly’s Answer
Here are some actionable tips for your first year:
1. Make a schedule that includes both study and fun times, and stick to it. Ask an advisor or a trusted friend to help keep you on track.
2. Set up a dedicated study area. If your room isn't ideal, try finding a quiet spot in the library where you can focus.
3. Connect with peers who share your interests. Joining a study group can make your workload feel lighter.
4. Be careful not to rely too much on AI. Doing the work yourself is how you truly learn.
5. Balance work with fun. College is about learning and making memories, so enjoy the experience.
1. Make a schedule that includes both study and fun times, and stick to it. Ask an advisor or a trusted friend to help keep you on track.
2. Set up a dedicated study area. If your room isn't ideal, try finding a quiet spot in the library where you can focus.
3. Connect with peers who share your interests. Joining a study group can make your workload feel lighter.
4. Be careful not to rely too much on AI. Doing the work yourself is how you truly learn.
5. Balance work with fun. College is about learning and making memories, so enjoy the experience.
Updated
Abraham’s Answer
Hey Solah! First off, congratulations on getting into Johns Hopkins—that's a huge accomplishment.
My biggest piece of advice is to stay on top of your degree roadmap. Your advisor usually has your courses structured for a reason, so pay close attention to that plan. Focus on completing your core classes early because they'll help you officially commit to your major by your junior year. Also, make sure you know which prerequisite courses are required before you can take your upper-level classes—you don't want to delay graduation because you missed one.
Besides academics, don't overload yourself your first semester. Join one or two clubs you're genuinely interested in, go to office hours even when you're not struggling, and build good study habits from day one. College goes by faster than you think, so stay organized, ask for help when you need it, and enjoy the experience. Good luck—you've got this!
My biggest piece of advice is to stay on top of your degree roadmap. Your advisor usually has your courses structured for a reason, so pay close attention to that plan. Focus on completing your core classes early because they'll help you officially commit to your major by your junior year. Also, make sure you know which prerequisite courses are required before you can take your upper-level classes—you don't want to delay graduation because you missed one.
Besides academics, don't overload yourself your first semester. Join one or two clubs you're genuinely interested in, go to office hours even when you're not struggling, and build good study habits from day one. College goes by faster than you think, so stay organized, ask for help when you need it, and enjoy the experience. Good luck—you've got this!
Updated
Donovan’s Answer
Congratulations on Johns Hopkins and on starting as a chemistry major! The first semester can feel exciting and overwhelming at the same time, so my biggest advice is to focus on building good habits rather than trying to do everything at once.
A few things that really help:
- Don’t overload your schedule. It’s tempting to take the hardest courses immediately, but give yourself time to adjust to college-level work and the pace of Hopkins.
- Go to office hours early. Even if you don’t have questions, introducing yourself to professors and TAs can make a huge difference, especially in chemistry.
- Study consistently. Instead of cramming before exams, review notes after each class and do practice problems regularly. Chemistry is a subject where repetition matters.
- Find a study group. Working through problem sets with classmates can help you understand concepts more deeply and make the transition less isolating.
- Get involved, but not in everything. Try a few clubs during the first month, then commit to the ones you genuinely enjoy. Quality is better than quantity.
- Take care of yourself. Sleep, exercise, and eating well are not optional. Many freshmen underestimate how much these affect grades and stress levels.
- Ask for help early. If a class starts becoming difficult, use tutoring resources, professors, TAs, and classmates right away rather than waiting until the first exam.
Most importantly, remember that everyone else is adjusting too. You don’t need to have your entire college career figured out during the first semester. Focus on learning, meeting people, and developing routines that you can maintain for the next four years.
Good luck at Johns Hopkins—you’ve already accomplished something impressive by getting there!
A few things that really help:
- Don’t overload your schedule. It’s tempting to take the hardest courses immediately, but give yourself time to adjust to college-level work and the pace of Hopkins.
- Go to office hours early. Even if you don’t have questions, introducing yourself to professors and TAs can make a huge difference, especially in chemistry.
- Study consistently. Instead of cramming before exams, review notes after each class and do practice problems regularly. Chemistry is a subject where repetition matters.
- Find a study group. Working through problem sets with classmates can help you understand concepts more deeply and make the transition less isolating.
- Get involved, but not in everything. Try a few clubs during the first month, then commit to the ones you genuinely enjoy. Quality is better than quantity.
- Take care of yourself. Sleep, exercise, and eating well are not optional. Many freshmen underestimate how much these affect grades and stress levels.
- Ask for help early. If a class starts becoming difficult, use tutoring resources, professors, TAs, and classmates right away rather than waiting until the first exam.
Most importantly, remember that everyone else is adjusting too. You don’t need to have your entire college career figured out during the first semester. Focus on learning, meeting people, and developing routines that you can maintain for the next four years.
Good luck at Johns Hopkins—you’ve already accomplished something impressive by getting there!
Updated
Israel’s Answer
Here are some tips for your first year:
Don't overload your first semester. Give yourself time to adjust to the pace and expectations of college life.
Get to know your university and the different activities and opportunities it offers. Explore clubs, events, research programs, and campus resources to find what interests you.
Make friends in your classes (this one is the most important!). Building a strong network of classmates can help you academically, provide support throughout your college journey, and even open doors to internships and job opportunities later in your career.
Treat studying like a job. Set a regular schedule, stay organized, and be consistent with your coursework instead of cramming before exams.
Remember that everyone is adjusting during their first year. Be open to new experiences, step outside your comfort zone, and enjoy the journey.
Don't overload your first semester. Give yourself time to adjust to the pace and expectations of college life.
Get to know your university and the different activities and opportunities it offers. Explore clubs, events, research programs, and campus resources to find what interests you.
Make friends in your classes (this one is the most important!). Building a strong network of classmates can help you academically, provide support throughout your college journey, and even open doors to internships and job opportunities later in your career.
Treat studying like a job. Set a regular schedule, stay organized, and be consistent with your coursework instead of cramming before exams.
Remember that everyone is adjusting during their first year. Be open to new experiences, step outside your comfort zone, and enjoy the journey.
Updated
Jacques’s Answer
You are entering this new chapter of your life filled with ideas about what college should be, carrying expectations, ambitions, and perhaps a small amount of anxiety about the road ahead. Do not view your education as a grueling marathon you must survive, nor as a mere stepping stone toward a title or degree. Chemistry is simply the study of how elements interact and transform, and college is your opportunity to apply that same observation to your own mind and life. Build your study habits not out of a stressful drive to outpace others, but out of absolute involvement with the subject matter sitting in front of you. When you attend classes, explore student organizations, or engage with your peers, bring complete presence to every interaction without getting lost in comparison or social friction. If you keep your internal system stable, maintain a clear, uncluttered mind, and approach each day with curiosity rather than pressure, your academic capability will naturally flourish, and your college years will unfold with immense grace and balance.
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hello Solah. Your first semester is a time to adjust, learn, and build good habits, so don't feel like you have to do everything at once. As a chemistry major, your classes may be challenging, so avoid overloading yourself during your first semester. You need to focus on understanding the material rather than just memorizing it, and don't hesitate to attend your professors' office hours if you need help.
You should also develop good study habits early. Review your notes regularly, start assignments ahead of time, and avoid leaving everything until the last minute. Consistency is much more effective than cramming before exams.
You can get involved in a few clubs or student organizations, especially those related to chemistry, research, or your personal interests. This is a great way to meet new people, build friendships, and explore career opportunities. However, don't take on too many activities at once. It's better to be actively involved in a few than to spread yourself too thin.
You should also develop good study habits early. Review your notes regularly, start assignments ahead of time, and avoid leaving everything until the last minute. Consistency is much more effective than cramming before exams.
You can get involved in a few clubs or student organizations, especially those related to chemistry, research, or your personal interests. This is a great way to meet new people, build friendships, and explore career opportunities. However, don't take on too many activities at once. It's better to be actively involved in a few than to spread yourself too thin.
Updated
sarvestha’s Answer
Have fun and take the chance to try new things. Make friends, ask questions, and use your time wisely. If you need help, don't be shy about asking for it. Remember, learning and growing are more important than just getting good grades. College is a journey of personal growth as well as academic success.
pick your passion and also practice is often
Go all out there
Experiment
Experience
sarvestha recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Maddie’s Answer
Hi Solah! Huge congrats on getting into Johns Hopkins!
Your first semester is such an exciting adventure. Try joining different clubs and activities to find what you love. It's a fantastic way to meet lots of new people and make friends, which is super important.
This is also the perfect time to discover the study habits that suit you best. Some students like studying in their dorms, while others find the library or student center better. Some work well alone, while others thrive in study groups. Figuring out what works for you early on will really help in the future!
And don't hesitate to introduce yourself to your professors and visit their office hours. It might seem scary, but most professors love when students make that extra effort.
Above all, remember to have fun! It might feel overwhelming at first, but you'll quickly find your rhythm and balance.
Good luck, and enjoy every moment!
Your first semester is such an exciting adventure. Try joining different clubs and activities to find what you love. It's a fantastic way to meet lots of new people and make friends, which is super important.
This is also the perfect time to discover the study habits that suit you best. Some students like studying in their dorms, while others find the library or student center better. Some work well alone, while others thrive in study groups. Figuring out what works for you early on will really help in the future!
And don't hesitate to introduce yourself to your professors and visit their office hours. It might seem scary, but most professors love when students make that extra effort.
Above all, remember to have fun! It might feel overwhelming at first, but you'll quickly find your rhythm and balance.
Good luck, and enjoy every moment!
Updated
Mark’s Answer
Congratulations on your acceptance into Johns Hopkins' chemistry program! Best wishes throughout your academic endeavors.
You've got some great answers already, so I'll try to build on those a bit...
My background: I have an undergrad degree in Electrical Engineering. I've worked 40+ years in various technical roles since graduating.
My first few semesters in college: Academically, those were deceptively easy for me. I had some advanced placement courses in high school that prepared me very well for my major. So much so that it was fairly easy to do well without adopting rigorous study habits. That initial ease certainly wore off as we progressed past the initial material into new territory. After a bit of a bump I learned that I needed to study a lot harder. Develop those study habits/groups early, as you'll definitely need them at some point.
Perseverance and motivation: My major, at that time, had an astounding attrition rate. Less than 25% of the initial freshmen graduated with the major. Some switched majors; others dropped out of college entirely. There are a lot of reasons behind that, but a few themes. #1 Minimize partying. Yes, the social component is an import part of the college experience but focus on academics now. You'll have the rest of your life to enjoy endeavors, but you're in college to learn.
I saw bright students drop out of college because of drugs/alcohol. What a waste.
Others changed majors. IRL we'd call that a "pivot", and that can be OK. Pursue your passion for chemistry with dedication and curiosity. Give it your all and work very hard. But... if you discover that it's not what you thought, or that in your heart of hearts you simply don't enjoy it, consider whether a change would be a better fit. Better to adjust your path than to be unhappy.
Long-term planning: Your Chemistry degree will take you far! That technical skill paves the path for a rewarding and challenging career. That's exactly the correct goal one should have for post-graduation. Start to consider and plan for your long-term career growth as well. A chemist works for a fairly large (sometimes giant) organization. Technical skills are the baseline requirements for surviving, but soft skills are essential for thriving. Communication and leadership skills are the differentiators. Communicators must be able to engage with peers at a very technical level but must also be able to convey essential information up the management chain. Each audience needs different information and in the language that meets their needs. Master that and you can evolve to roles with more leadership opportunities. Still technical, but the focus shifts to guiding peers/teams/departments towards successful outcomes.
Skills: Skills aren't intrinsic, they are learned. We aren't born knowing how to be an electrician, a pilot or a chemist. All of these are learnable skills; achieved with study and practice. Look for opportunities to learn soft skills throughout college. Perhaps group projects, internships, presenting technical papers, etc. And since technical roles exist to further business objectives, learning the business' perspective would serve you well. Where you do have elective opportunities, consider augmenting your technical curriculum with business courses. Or even minor in business if you can.
Best wishes!!
You've got some great answers already, so I'll try to build on those a bit...
My background: I have an undergrad degree in Electrical Engineering. I've worked 40+ years in various technical roles since graduating.
My first few semesters in college: Academically, those were deceptively easy for me. I had some advanced placement courses in high school that prepared me very well for my major. So much so that it was fairly easy to do well without adopting rigorous study habits. That initial ease certainly wore off as we progressed past the initial material into new territory. After a bit of a bump I learned that I needed to study a lot harder. Develop those study habits/groups early, as you'll definitely need them at some point.
Perseverance and motivation: My major, at that time, had an astounding attrition rate. Less than 25% of the initial freshmen graduated with the major. Some switched majors; others dropped out of college entirely. There are a lot of reasons behind that, but a few themes. #1 Minimize partying. Yes, the social component is an import part of the college experience but focus on academics now. You'll have the rest of your life to enjoy endeavors, but you're in college to learn.
I saw bright students drop out of college because of drugs/alcohol. What a waste.
Others changed majors. IRL we'd call that a "pivot", and that can be OK. Pursue your passion for chemistry with dedication and curiosity. Give it your all and work very hard. But... if you discover that it's not what you thought, or that in your heart of hearts you simply don't enjoy it, consider whether a change would be a better fit. Better to adjust your path than to be unhappy.
Long-term planning: Your Chemistry degree will take you far! That technical skill paves the path for a rewarding and challenging career. That's exactly the correct goal one should have for post-graduation. Start to consider and plan for your long-term career growth as well. A chemist works for a fairly large (sometimes giant) organization. Technical skills are the baseline requirements for surviving, but soft skills are essential for thriving. Communication and leadership skills are the differentiators. Communicators must be able to engage with peers at a very technical level but must also be able to convey essential information up the management chain. Each audience needs different information and in the language that meets their needs. Master that and you can evolve to roles with more leadership opportunities. Still technical, but the focus shifts to guiding peers/teams/departments towards successful outcomes.
Skills: Skills aren't intrinsic, they are learned. We aren't born knowing how to be an electrician, a pilot or a chemist. All of these are learnable skills; achieved with study and practice. Look for opportunities to learn soft skills throughout college. Perhaps group projects, internships, presenting technical papers, etc. And since technical roles exist to further business objectives, learning the business' perspective would serve you well. Where you do have elective opportunities, consider augmenting your technical curriculum with business courses. Or even minor in business if you can.
Best wishes!!
Updated
Akasha’s Answer
Hi Solah! Congratulations 0n starting at Johns Hopkins as a chemistry major! Here is some great advice to help you succeed in your first semester:
1. Build Strong Study Habits Early: Chemistry requires a lot of problem solving. Try to review your lecture notes every single day for at least 30 minutes instead of cramming right before a big exam.
2. Form Study Groups: Connect with other students in your chemistry and math classes during the first week. Studying together helps clear up confusing topics much faster.
3. Balance Your Club Activities: It is exciting to join clubs, but don't over schedule yourself. Pick 1 or 2 clubs that you are truly passionate about so you still have plenty of time for your homework.
4. Talk To Your Professors: Don't be afraid to visit your professors or teaching assistants during their office hours if you don't understand a assignment. They are there to help you!
You are going to do great. Good luck in your first Semester!
1. Build Strong Study Habits Early: Chemistry requires a lot of problem solving. Try to review your lecture notes every single day for at least 30 minutes instead of cramming right before a big exam.
2. Form Study Groups: Connect with other students in your chemistry and math classes during the first week. Studying together helps clear up confusing topics much faster.
3. Balance Your Club Activities: It is exciting to join clubs, but don't over schedule yourself. Pick 1 or 2 clubs that you are truly passionate about so you still have plenty of time for your homework.
4. Talk To Your Professors: Don't be afraid to visit your professors or teaching assistants during their office hours if you don't understand a assignment. They are there to help you!
You are going to do great. Good luck in your first Semester!
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you fir your question. I understand uour anxiety to be promoted from high school student to a freshman in colleges.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Visit the campus to get uoyrself familiar with the facilities
2. Join the orientation programs
3. Explore any recreational clubs you have interest
4. If you will stay in halls, move in early to collaborate with other hallmarks
5. Review tge syllabus of 1st year
Enjoy the college life!
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Visit the campus to get uoyrself familiar with the facilities
2. Join the orientation programs
3. Explore any recreational clubs you have interest
4. If you will stay in halls, move in early to collaborate with other hallmarks
5. Review tge syllabus of 1st year
Enjoy the college life!
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Updated
Yoav’s Answer
First of all, huge congratulations on getting into Johns Hopkins, especially as a chemistry major, which is an incredibly impressive achievement and something you should be super proud of. It's completely normal to feel a mix of excitement and nervous energy right now, but you definitely belong there. For your first semester, the biggest key is balance, so try not to overload your schedule with too many heavy lab sciences right off the bat, as keeping your credit load manageable will give you the breathing room you need to adjust to the faster pacing of college-level work. When it comes to studying, definitely look into JHU's peer-led study groups like PILOT early on, and don't hesitate to visit your professors during office hours because they really want to help you succeed. Outside of classes, try to join just one or two student groups that genuinely interest you, whether it's an academic club or something purely for fun, so you can build a great community without feeling overwhelmed. You've already proven you have the intellect and drive to thrive at a world-class university, and I know you're going to handle this transition beautifully. Trust your prep, take care of yourself, and I wish you the absolute best of luck as you start this amazing journey.
Updated
TRAVIS’s Answer
See what CLEP tests you are needing in your degree plan. This will save you time and money on general studies courses and many of the tests only require 51% passing grade to earn the credits. No GPA is assigned with credits are acquired this way.
Updated
Sindhu’s Answer
Congratulations on starting at Johns Hopkins! I would suggest taking it slow at first, since you will come across a lot of new things, unfamiliar experiences, and new connections. Get used to the schedule and spend some time looking into which courses would be the right fit for what you are looking for. I would make a list of all the things that align with your interests and see which courses are currently being offered that would be helpful to you.
Try to find study groups with people who share your interests so you can support each other. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if there is anything you don’t understand. If you are not comfortable asking in a group, you can always send an email or ask during office hours.
Also, join some clubs that seem fun and interesting, so you have something to look forward to outside of academics. Don’t overdo it and be easy on yourself. It takes time to adjust to new environments and experiences, so enjoy yourself while staying on top of your studies.
Try to find study groups with people who share your interests so you can support each other. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if there is anything you don’t understand. If you are not comfortable asking in a group, you can always send an email or ask during office hours.
Also, join some clubs that seem fun and interesting, so you have something to look forward to outside of academics. Don’t overdo it and be easy on yourself. It takes time to adjust to new environments and experiences, so enjoy yourself while staying on top of your studies.