Coming into the university, I expected my academic experience to feel like a more intense version of high school, harder classes, more independence, and larger lectures. What I didn't expect was how much my assumptions about certain courses and my own interests would be challenged.
One of the biggest surprises for me was how much I enjoyed classes I initially underestimated. For example, I took LARC151 during the fall semester, and it quickly became a class I looked forward to. I attended every lecture, not out of obligation, but because I was genuinely learning something new each time. The professor often brought in guest speakers, which made the class more engaging and gave real-world context to what we were learning. It showed me that the way a course is taught can completely change your level of interest.
Similarly, I was hesitant going into COMM107. Before the semester started, I read reviews that made the class seem intimidating, especially claims that the professor required speeches every class. Despite that, I decided to take the chance, and it turned out to be one of my favorite classes. The "speeches" were actually structured daily activities, and we were never put on the spot. Over time, I became more comfortable speaking in front of others. What stood out most was the supportive environment, my peers were welcoming and never judgmental, which made it easier to participate. These experiences taught me not to rely too heavily on preconceived ideas.
While I found success in the classroom, developing relationships with faculty has been more challenging. I haven't connected much with my professors, partly because large lectures feel overwhelming and I've never felt the need to attend office hours. There's also a hesitation that comes from worrying about being judged for asking questions. However, I've had better experiences connecting with my TAs. Since discussion sections are smaller and more interactive, I feel more comfortable participating, which has helped me build stronger connections.
Outside of academics, my relationships with peers have played a major role in helping me adjust to university life. Many of my closest friends are people I knew from high school, which made the transition easier. At the s6me time, I've met new people through classes and the Scholars program, which helped expand my social circle.
That said, maintaining friendships has not always been easy. One of the biggest challenges is finding time to spend together, since everyone has different schedules. Another challenge is more personal: I tend to withdraw or "ghost" people when I feel overwhelmed, and sometimes I get irritated more easily, especially with people I've known for a long time.
In terms of adjustment, the workload was one of the hardest parts, especially during my first semester when I took several 200-level gen ed courses. It took time to get used to the pace and expectations. Using tools like Google Calendar helped me stay organized and manage my responsibilities.
Living on campus is a unique opportunity, and I wish I had taken more advantage of it, whether that meant going on late-night walks with friends or attending more events. My advice to future students would be to balance responsibility with spontaneity.
Overall, my first year has been a mix of unexpected academic discoveries and personal growth. While there are still areas where I can improve, these experiences have helped me better understand how to make the most of what the university has to offer.