Hey there! As a freshly minted rising sophomore, I’ve had a little time to reflect on the whirlwind that was my freshman year. There were highs (new friends, random adventures, late-night study sessions), lows (hello, homesickness and late-night overthinking), and a whole lot of figuring things out as I went.

If I could go back and give myself a bit of advice before stepping on campus last fall, here are five things I wish I had known:

1. Everyone is Figuring It Out

I really thought I was the only one who didn’t have a 10-year plan or a “college bucket list” or a clue what was going on during my first week. Spoiler: nobody does. Even the people who look super confident are winging at least half of it. You’re not behind – you’re just new.

2. Saying No Is a Skill Worth Learning Early

You don’t have to go to every event, join every club, or say yes to every group project invite. I spent the first month saying yes to everything out of fear I’d miss out and ended up exhausted. Protect your time and your energy. College is a marathon, not a sprint.

3. It’s Okay to Feel Lonely Sometimes

There’s a weird pressure to be having “the time of your life” 24/7, especially early on. But the truth is, even when you’re surrounded by people, it’s possible to feel disconnected. That doesn’t mean you’re doing college wrong – it just means you’re human. The important thing is to not isolate yourself. It gets better once you find your rhythm (and your people).

4. Your First Friend Group Might Not Be the Right Fit – and That’s Normal

It’s totally okay if the people you hang out with during orientation aren’t still your closest friends a semester later. You’re all still getting to know yourselves, and sometimes that means drifting apart. Be open to meeting new people, even after the “settling in” phase.

5. Freshman Year Doesn’t Define Your Entire College Experience

This one is huge. If your year was messy, overwhelming, or didn’t meet your expectations – don’t panic. There’s so much time to grow, shift, and find what works for you. College isn’t about getting it perfect the first time. It’s about figuring it out as you go and adjusting when things don’t quite click.

So yeah – freshman year is awkward, exciting, and unpredictable. But it teaches you a lot, often in ways you don’t notice until later. If you’re heading into your first year: be patient with yourself, don’t compare your experience to someone else’s, and remember you’re not alone in feeling a little lost at times.