Seeking College Wisdom

Hello everyone, I'm pretty stoked and nervous about stepping into college soon. Can anyone share some particularly useful advice they received in their college years, or something you wish you'd been told as a freshman?

Here are some tips that often resonate with college freshmen:

1. Welcome change and growth. College years are formative. You might arrive with one major in mind and leave with a degree in a completely different field. It's okay to not have everything figured out, and it’s okay for your interests or career path to evolve.

2. Don't overload yourself academically in your first semester. It’s tempting to dive straight into heavy coursework, but taking time to adjust, and focusing on a balance of both core and interesting classes will ease the transition, and create a solid foundation for the harder classes down the road.

3. Get to know your professors. Visit their office hours, ask questions, and engage in class discussions. Positive relationships with professors can lead to research opportunities, career guidance, and strong recommendation letters in the future.

4. Get involved but pick quality over quantity. Rather than signing up for every club that piques your interest, choose a few where your passion truly lies. You can then focus on developing skills and gaining leadership roles in these clubs.

5. Keep an open mind. College is a chance to expose yourself to new concepts, cultures, and perspectives, both inside and outside the classroom. Be respectful of others' views and learn from them.

6. Don't forsake your health. This includes physical health (regular exercise, balanced diet, adequate sleep) and mental health (acknowledging stress, and seeking help when required).

7. Lastly, remember to have fun! Try new things, make lasting memories, and enjoy your college years - they go by faster than you might imagine.