10 Things I Wish I’d Known Before My Freshman Year of College

10 Things I Wish I’d Known Before My Freshman Year of College
That Would’ve Made Everything Less Chaotic, and a Lot More Fun 

Freshman year of college is a wild mix of freedom, fear, fun, and figuring things out, often all in the same day. I went in thinking I knew what to expect: classes, roommates, maybe a new favorite coffee shop. But what I got was a crash course in real life, and a few lessons I definitely wish I’d learned sooner. 

Whether you're packing your bags, sending your kid off, or just deep into the nostalgia spiral, here are 10 things I wish someone had told me before I started college. Hopefully this will help make your first year feel a little less like survival mode and a little more like something you’ll actually enjoy. 

1. Most freshman don’t know what they’re doing, even if they look like they are. 

Everyone looks like they know what they’re doing during orientation week. Spoiler: they don’t. They’re just as unsure and overwhelmed as you. The truth is, we’re all figuring it out, some of us just walk faster and pretend better. Let yourself learn as you go. 

2. Your dorm room is more than just a bed. Make it your little sanctuary. 

This is your space to crash, recharge, cry over midterms, and host ramen-fueled movie nights. If you’re going to be spending a lot of time there (and you will), make it comfortable. Add cozy lighting, real bedding (yes, mattress toppers do matter), and little things that feel like you. A comfy dorm can be your safe space you can count on. 

Check out our blog post: How To Get Better Sleep As A College Student

3. Some classes will stretch you, but in the best way. 

You might sign up for something random and end up discovering a new passion. Or maybe a professor will seem really tough, but you end up learning the most in that class. Go in curious. Say yes to classes that sound interesting, even if they're outside your comfort zone. Stick with classes, even if they seem pretty challenging. You never know where they’ll lead. 

4. You won’t click with everyone, and that’s okay. 

You don’t need to be best friends with your roommate, your lab partner, or the 20 people in your dorm group chat. Some friendships will fizzle. Some will flourish. Give yourself time to find your people—the ones who bring you snacks when you’re sad and laugh at your worst jokes. 

5. Office hours aren’t just for emergencies. They’re hidden gems. 

This might be one of the biggest tips I wish someone had told me. Your professors want you to succeed, and they’re not as intimidating one-on-one as they seem in a lecture hall. You don’t need a perfect question to show up. Sometimes just saying, “I’m trying to understand this better,” is enough to start a valuable conversation. They’re also more willing to help if you make use of these hours rather than having the first time you talk to them be through a late night email the first time you forget an assignment. 

6. Don’t take the dining hall for granted. Seriously. 

One day, you’ll be staring into your fridge at home, wondering how string cheese and mustard are your only options, and you’ll miss the magical land where hot food just appears. Sure, not every meal will be gourmet, but having endless options (that you didn’t have to cook or clean up) is a luxury you won’t truly appreciate until it’s gone. Take your time and explore all the options they offer. The dining hall has hidden gems! 

7. Morning classes are great… if you’re a morning person. 

Know thyself. If you’re someone who thrives early, take that 8 a.m. bio class. If not? Don’t force it. Structure your schedule in a way that works for your brain, not just what sounds efficient. 

8. Your mental health comes first. 

Sleep. Breathe. Take walks. Talk to someone. Skipping a class to rest is not failure, it’s self-awareness. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and your well-being is not a luxury, it’s a necessity.  

9. You’ll learn as much outside the classroom as inside. 

The late-night talks, the spontaneous Target runs, the “what am I doing with my life?” moments, they all count. Those in-between experiences shape you just as much as any lecture. 

10. You’re doing better than you think. 

Some days will feel lonely, confusing, or just... blah. Some courses will be extremely rigorous and time consuming. That doesn’t mean college isn’t for you. It means you’re human. Seriously. The fact that you’re trying, learning, and showing up means you’re already doing great. You’re not expected to have it all figured out. Keep with it and you will get through it. You’ll reflect later and see that you were able to do it. 

Final Thoughts: 

Freshman year is full of firsts, some unforgettable, some uncomfortable, all valuable. There’s no “right” way to do it. Just your way. So breathe. Be curious. Make your space cozy. Make some mistakes. Make a lot of memories. You’ve got this!