My Advice for Incoming College Freshman

Hey there! It’s September and that means that it’s back to school time! For some, that means time to start college! Being a college freshman is exciting but can also be scary. Now that I have gone through college, I wanted to share my advice for college freshman based on my experiences throughout college!

So, here is my advice for incoming freshman!

Partake in Move-In Festivities/Activities

You’re most likely going to a school that is away from home and where you know nobody. That can be pretty nervewracking. A lot of move in festivities and pre-semester activities are there for you to mingle around with other students and make some friends before you have to worry about schoolwork.

Take Electives You Actually Want to Take in Your First Two Years

For most majors, your first two years are mostly general education classes, English, Math, Science; they’re just more focused in college. However, usually you get to pick one or two electives that you want to take. You most likely don’t know what you want to do when you graduate, and that’s what these electives can help you decide. I took Criminal Justice electives my first two years and graduated with a focus in Business. Make sure you at least take one elective a semester that is interesting to YOU.

Seek Professional Help if Needed

If you need to see counseling, then do it. If you’re having a hard time adjusting to college life, then tell somebody. Do not think that you need to suffer in silence, or that you’re over exaggerating, or that your feelings are not valid. They are. College counselors are there because they know students feel this way. They want to help you succeed in college. A couple weeks into my freshman year I had to go see the counselor because I was really struggling being away from home and adjusting to college. It really helped me and as the semester went on, I was able to cope better.

Go to a Football Game at Least Once

I may be biased because I enjoy college football, but I suggest going to a football game at least once. If you only go to one, go to your school’s rivalry game. College football is awesome, but a rivalry game is a whole different level!

Visit Career Services

This is the one thing I wish I had done before I graduated. Granted, when I graduated I still didn’t really know what I wanted to do. Even if you are not sure what you want to do, they can help you find internships for your senior year, so you can get an idea of the jobs in your field. These can also lead to paid job offers after your graduate. If you don’t want an internship, they may be able to also help you get an on campus job. This leads me to my last piece of advice.

Get Job Experience in College

You don’t have to get some fancy, full-time job, just a part-time job works fine (or an internship). The job market is so competitive now, and even more so depending on what field you are trying to jump into. It is not enough to just have a degree! Plus, having a job while in school also teaches you life skills that you’re not going to learn sitting in a classroom and that you’ll eventually need in your career. I started my part-time job (that I’m now full-time at) the summer before my junior year and although it was an adjustment, I’m very glad that I did start getting job experience while still in school.

What is one piece of advice you would give a college freshman?