Advice I'd Give My Freshman Self
Regrets – we all have them. Though, as an incoming freshman, I figured I would be the first college student to do things flawlessly. Incredibly, this was not the case. I made mistakes, but I learned how to be a more successful student. Now, as a first-generation upperclassman about to complete their junior year, I sometimes wish I could go back in time and grant my 18-year-old self my older, wiser wisdom.
If I could go back, here are the few things I’d tell my freshman self:
Your professors are available to you.
OK, yes, your professors may be intimidating, quirky or busy, but above all of that, they are academic resources who hold the most knowledge about the course they are teaching you. If you’re confused about the subject material, reach out to them. If you need clarification on expectations like deadlines, learning outcomes and other student response methods, reach out to them. If you simply want to learn more about what was covered that couldn’t fit into the lesson plan daily or over the length of the whole course, reach out to them!
Do not procrastinate!
Once you’ve found the way you focus best, do it as much as possible, as soon as possible. Procrastination is never a good idea. It’s much better to be on top of your work so you can have relaxing free time rather than slightly stressful free time and a rush job on a last-minute assignment at the last minute. Utilizing the full amount of time given to complete an assignment is crucial.
You are not weird for studying in public.
Everyone studies differently, but this was one of the biggest hurdles for me to get over during my freshman year. I wouldn’t get any work done at home because I was too distracted. When I would try to study in public places like a cafe or the library, I felt like my need for a space to focus was bizarre to those around me. I would be too preoccupied with other people’s opinions of me that I still wouldn’t get anything done! Newsflash: Nobody cares. Even if they do, being productive in your courses is far more important. Figure out what you need to study most effectively and do that.
Spend as much time outside as possible.
Nature is the original communal space! Along with the positive influence fresh air and sunshine have on mental health and creativity, getting outside is a great way to meet people. Socialization doesn’t have to be a priority, but the impact of one walk around campus or a leisurely chat outside on the Oval can change your whole day around.
Take intro courses ASAP.
As tempting as it is to start taking higher-level courses once you get the prerequisite out of the way, it will save your future self so much grief if you stick to intro courses early on. If you do this, you won’t be a senior taking an Intro to Biology lecture, like some of us…
Resources exist to help YOU!
Yes, YOU! Not someone like you, or someone completely unlike you or someone who needs it more or less by any metrics. If you can benefit from a resource set in place to help, you should take advantage of it! You are not better or less than anyone else for asking for and accepting aid. No one is an island!
Read More: Advice, Challenges and Resources for First-Generation Students
Invest in a favorite hot sauce.
Often, the only thing that can save a college-budget-friendly meal is a few generous dabs of hot sauce. I personally recommend Cholula (and keep that thing on you).
You’re going to be OK.
No matter what happens during your college experience, you’ll make it to the other side. When things feel at their most hopeless, the world keeps turning and the next day starts, regardless of your regrets. Determination and community are two things you can never reject as long as you still wake up every morning. Eventually, it’ll be your turn to hand out sage advice that you only intermittently follow.
Jasper Jager was born and raised in the Sun River Valley of Montana. He currently resides in Missoula with his dog, Jupiter, and his cat, Douglas. He is pursuing his Bachelor’s degree in Communications.