Dear college freshman. Sincerely, college grads.
Written by Jenesy Gabrielle Burkett
*Contributions have been lightly edited for spelling, grammar and clarity.
Whether you are a first-time freshman or transferring from a community college, the start of college can be frightening. To help you prepare for your college journey, we’ve asked some graduates what advice they wish they would have had going into college. Here’s what they said:
Social life advice
“Make sure to enjoy the college experience and try new things. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. You likely only get one time in college, so make the best of it!” A.K., Humboldt State University, Class of 2017
“Don’t spend too much time on dating apps. Grindr will ruin your GPA. And know your professors’ office hours and actually go.” M.F., Towson University, Class of 2019
“Get friendly with the cafeteria workers. It will bless you up. Always tip well at the bar and you will get served faster next time.” M.F., Salisbury University, Class of 2017
“I would say control the party life and don’t get lost in it. I would also suggest knowing when you need help and to reach out and make it happen. This can be TAs, study groups or professors’ office hours.” D.P.B.,Northwestern University, Class of 1989
Academic advice
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“Write yourself practice questions from your notes rather than just reading them, ALWAYS go back and double check your answers on tests because it’s crazy how you can mark the wrong one and live at home as long as you can stand it or are allowed to after school to pay off your debts and save money ʼcause life is expensive!” M.H., Riverside Community College, Class of 2011
“Be your own advocate! Colleges have so many resources for students. Don’t be afraid to ask about them!” N.F., Warner Pacific University, Class of 2016
“Really familiarize yourself with your academic catalog and to sit down and create a rough plan for your time at your university. Loosely plan out what general education and major courses you’ll need and when. See where you can take a course that fulfills multiple requirements. Take an active role in your education and be more proactive about planning.” H.W., Humboldt State University, Class of 2018
“Pay for Grammarly premium. My computer crashed and I lost a paper, but it was saved in Grammarly, and it saved my ass.” P.F., Warner Pacific, Class of 2008
Extra-curricular activity advice
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“I think the best thing you can do, frankly, in undergrad is try to do as many extra-curricular programs and activities as you can. Both within your major and outside if they sound interesting. Things like clubs, internships or school organizations expose you to new career paths, activities and life directions you would not see otherwise. They may make you even decide to switch your major. They also build new life experiences and lifelong friendships.” T.G., Weber State University, Class of 2017
“Be open to opportunities that you never imagined yourself doing — sign up for that interesting class you are debating taking and say yes to those unique academic opportunities that come your way; you never know where it will take you!” M.B., Humboldt State University, Class of 2018
General advice
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“It’s important to find balance when you get to college! Work hard, but remember to have fun and embrace the experience.” A.V., Portland State University, Class of 2013
“Always be curious and sometimes embrace uncertainty while you’re in college. This will allow you to seek out opportunities and connections one may not have thought of before.” E.C., Clark University, Class of 2012
“The biggest lesson I had in uni was that I had full authority of how everyone saw me and my actions and that included my mistakes. It took me a minute to understand that I could make my own standards as a college student.” M.A., Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas, Class of 2017
“Balance is important. Remembering to practice self-care in all the aspects of your life. In the physical, emotional, relational, etc., it strengthens you to meet challenges at your best.” O.T., Loma Linda University, Class of 2017
