The course that surprised me the most was Organic Chemistry. I knew going in that it would be difficult, and it certainly lived up to my expectations. I’ve never spent so many hours studying for a single class. What made the difference, though, was the way my instructor organized the course. There were constant opportunities to apply what we learned through practice problems. This made the material feel more manageable (at least some of the time). One major lesson I took from this experience: listen to your past teachers. My General Chemistry instructor warned us that Organic Chemistry would demand at least 1 to 2 hours of daily practice. I brushed that off at the time, thinking I’d be too busy with other responsibilities. Now, I easily exceed that amount without even realizing it. And then there’s Organic Chemistry Lab. It was the most intense experience I’ve ever had for a 1-credit course. I’ve never felt as stressed and overwhelmed as I did before the lab practical. I genuinely thought I might be having a heart attack. The curve system adds to the anxiety, especially since it’s kept as a secret until the end of the semester. At that point, you just have to accept your grade and move on. Despite all this, Organic Chemistry has become the final I’m most looking forward to out of the four I’m currently studying for. Would I recommend others go looking for “surprises” like this? Not unless it’s required for your major. But on the bright side, you’ll never be bored.
One of my proudest accomplishments so far has been earning two letters of recommendation from professors I had during my first semester. Building relationships with faculty, especially in large classes, can be difficult. The best advice I can offer incoming students is to be consistent. You don’t have to fancy all your professors, but if you know you’ll need their support in the future, then you need to get comfortable with approaching them. My strategy is simple: I sit in the front row, arrive a few minutes early, ask questions, and pay close attention during lectures. I also try to be respectful of their time. If you’re planning to work on something else during class, maybe don’t sit in the front row. I always introduce myself in the first week with my name, major, and a specific interest in or fear of the course. I make a point of attending office hours, even if it’s just for a few minutes. The goal is to make sure the professor knows who you are and that you care about doing well. At the end of the semester, I like to leave a thank-you card with a personal note about what I appreciated in their class. Small gestures like that go a long way, and in the end, they’ll definitely remember you.
In terms of peer relationships, I haven’t formed as many as I probably should have. My roommate and I went to the same high school, so that relationship was already established. Aside from that, I’ve built two strong academic connections with classmates. They’ve been incredibly helpful for studying and completing assignments. However, our conversations mostly revolve around course content and mutual complaints about Chem lab. Once we go our separate ways during the summer, I’m sure communication will come to a stop until next semester. My advice to new students: don’t do what I did. Make an effort to form real friendships. University can feel isolating when you go through it alone. Having someone to share your personal experiences with can make a big difference.
Looking back, there were three aspects of university academic life I felt least prepared for. First: the amount of walking. Make sure you have appropriate shoes and clothing for the weather. Second: the rigor of the coursework will absolutely humble you (everyone here is smart). And third: making meaningful connections requires effort. It’s helpful to form friendships with classmates, not just for academic support, but for your well-being. University is a different world compared to high school or even community college. Professors don’t hold your hand, and sometimes they make things intentionally difficult. But if you show up, put in the work, and stay open-minded, you’ll learn how to adapt. When final grades are released, knowing you gave it your all makes it easier to feel proud, no matter the outcome.
Last modified: 13 May 2025