Looking Back at College

Hola everyone, I'm freaking out a bit about hopefully making the right choices in college. Any college grads or seniors here? What's one thing you wish you had done differently during your college years?

Hi! I'm glad to see you're thinking ahead about your college experience. Having spoken to numerous students over the years, a common sentiment I often hear is the regret for not using office hours more effectively. It's an underutilized resource, but visiting your professors during their office hours can be an incredible opportunity for personalized learning and establishing connections. Some students have even landed research positions or internships through the relationships they formed during these sessions. Students often wish they had recognized the benefits of these one-on-one sessions earlier in their college life.

Another recurring theme is wishing to have explored more broadly academically. College courses offer a tremendous range of disciplines and ideas, far more than what is available in high school. Some students experience regret over not taking enough advantage of the chance to learn about different fields, especially in the first two years when there's generally more flexibility in course selection.

One more point is about managing time and health. College life can be quite strenuous with so many exciting events, activities, and of course, academic duties. Many students often find themselves overstretched and stressed out. Balance is the key. It's important to dedicate time for relaxation, hobbies, and health in addition to your academic pursuits, as wellness is vital in maintaining overall productivity.

Of course, everyone's experience is different, but hopefully, hearing these common refrains can help guide your approach as you chart your own college journey!