Stepping into university as a freshman can feel like a whole new world. It feels exciting, nerve-wracking, and full of opportunities. The change for me from, going to high school in Abu Dhabi to university in a whole new continent, was extremely overwhelming. There is no right way to “do university,” however there are some things I wish someone had told me as an incoming freshman. I learned a lot over the course of last year, and often times the hard way. If I could go back in time and give freshman-me some advice, these would be my top five things to say:
- It’s Okay To Feel Clueless:
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During my freshman year, and even before I stepped foot on campus, I thought I’d have everything figured out by the time I got to university. I imagined I’d know exactly what I wanted to major in, have a clear idea of my career path, and even know where I’d live after graduation. I thought I’d meet the perfect group of friends right away, and that life would just fall into place. The truth is that life is full of changes and unexpected twists. You’ll take class you won’t expect to love, meet new people who will change your perspectives, and get opportunities you’d never imagine. And honestly, I’m glad I didn’t have everything mapped out, because the best parts of college were the surprises—the classes that changed my interests, the friendships that grew unexpectedly, and the growth I experienced when I embraced uncertainty. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that letting go of the pressure to have it all planned is liberating. It’s okay to change your mind, try new things, and even feel lost sometimes. So, just let loose and go with the flow!
- Professors Want To Help – Seriously:
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I was so intimidated by my professors at first. I figured they were far too busy for my doubt, and I was scared of asking questions that might make me look dumb. The first time I went to a professor’s office hours, it was because I was struggling with an assignment in one of my classes. I hesitated for days, telling myself I could figure it out on my own, but eventually, I worked up the courage to go. When I knocked on the door, I was nervous, but within minutes of sitting down and talking to my professor, that anxiety melted away. I realized they weren’t there to judge—they were there to help. They’re passionate about their subject, and they genuinely want to see their students succeed. They didn’t just help with course related things, but they also offered advice on how to manage my time, and even how to think critically in ways I hadn’t considered before.
- Time Management Is A Game Changer:
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I thought I had all the time in the world during my freshman year. When I first started college, it felt like I had way more free time than I ever did in high school. The long breaks between classes felt like mini-vacations, and I’d use them to hang out with friends, watch shows, or just chill. I remember thinking, “This is what college is about—freedom!” And for a while, it was great. But then, reality hit. As the semester went on, those gaps between classes that once felt like luxury free time started shrinking because I wasn’t using my time wisely. I would look at my planner and realize I had an essay due in two days, a test to study for, and a project I hadn’t even started on. The stress was overwhelming, and I wished I had been more intentional with my time from the start.
- Budgeting Is A Lifesaver:
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I was terrible with money at first. Coming into college, I felt this new sense of independence, and with that came the freedom to spend how I wanted. With the convenience of takeout and splurging my money online, I started losing track of my spending. I had no idea how quickly those little purchases added up until I realized I had next to nothing left, and the semester wasn’t even over. I was stressing out about how to stretch what little I had for the rest of the term. Learning to budget changed everything for me. I kept it simple by doing it on Microsoft Excel, categorizing things, so I could also see where I was spending the most. Although, I only started this habit recently, it has truly been a lifesaver.
- Self-Care Isn’t Optional:
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In the midst of all the chaos, I lost sight of my health – both mental and physical. When I first started college, I was so focused on keeping up with academics, trying to make new friends, and getting involved in as many activities as possible, that my well-being took a backseat. I told myself it was just part of the college experience—pulling all-nighters to study, skipping meals because I was “too busy,” and pushing through exhaustion to keep up with everything. I wish I had known sooner how important it was to carve out time for my health. Taking care of yourself isn’t just something you do when you have “extra time”—it has to be a priority. What I didn’t realize back then was that my body and mind were sending me clear signals to slow down, but I kept pushing through, thinking I could handle it. Once I started focusing on myself again, everything started to fall back into place. I was able to sleep on time without feeling anxious, eat my meals on time, and give myself time to do things that I enjoy.
The greatest piece of advice I can give is to have fun! College is as much about learning who you are as it is about earning a degree. Mistakes will happen, plans will change, and that’s all part of the process. Whether it’s figuring out how to balance your workload, finding your passion, or just making memories, take it all in stride. At the end of the day, you’ll realize it’s not about having everything figured out—it’s about the journey and the lessons you learn along the way.
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