The College Experience
As my first year at the University of Maryland comes to an end, I’ve realized how much college has challenged and changed me. I expected the academics to be difficult and the transition to be bumpy, but I didn’t anticipate how many unexpected opportunities and experiences would shape my time here. If you’re an incoming student, here are a few lessons I’ve learned that might help you get started on the right foot.
A Surprising Course: ENES100
The course that surprised me the most was ENES100: Introduction to Engineering Design. I took it because it was required for my major, but I didn’t expect it to be such a hands-on, collaborative experience. The entire semester revolved around designing and building an autonomous Over-Terrain Vehicle (OTV) with a team. Unlike high school classes, this one gave us a lot of independence and placed a strong emphasis on problem-solving and creativity. What made ENES100 so valuable was that it pushed me to learn by doing, not just listening. It also taught me how to work effectively in a group under pressure. For incoming students, I recommend keeping an open mind about your required courses, some of them might become your favorites. And when you get the chance to do a project-based class, take it seriously. You’ll gain skills that go far beyond the classroom.
Building Faculty Relationships
One of the most useful habits I picked up this year was going to office hours. At first, I didn’t realize how important they could be. I went for help understanding a topic in my math class and ended up getting far more than just homework guidance. Talking one-on-one with the professor or a TA helped me understand the material more deeply and gave me confidence in the class. Office hours also gave me a glimpse into how approachable professors really are. They’re not just here to lecture, many genuinely want to support students. Making that connection, even briefly, helped me stay engaged in the course and perform better overall. For future students, I strongly recommend visiting office hours early in the semester. It’s a simple but effective way to improve your academic success and get to know your instructors.
Friendships and Study Groups
Adjusting to college life wasn’t always easy, but forming relationships with other students helped me manage the stress. Whether it was studying together before a tough exam or playing ping pong at Eppley Rec Center to unwind, my friends helped me stay grounded. Study groups were especially helpful for learning new material. Explaining concepts to others. and hearing how they understood things, gave me a better grasp of the content. Social time was just as important. Having people to relax with made the hard parts of college more manageable. The biggest challenge was balancing time. It’s easy to fall into the trap of doing too much or too little socially. My advice is to build relationships early and make time for fun, but also be mindful of your academic goals. You’ll figure out what balance works for you.
Overwhelmed by Opportunities
One thing I was least prepared for was just how many opportunities there are at UMD. Between clubs, research, and campus events, it was honestly overwhelming. I wanted to try everything, but I quickly realized that wasn’t sustainable. Eventually, I focused on the clubs and activities I genuinely enjoyed. That made it easier to manage my time and actually commit to things that mattered to me. My advice to new students is to try a variety of things at first, but don’t be afraid to step back and say no to what doesn’t fit. Find what energizes you, and stick with that.
Final Thoughts
Looking back, my first year was filled with unexpected challenges and rewarding experiences. I didn’t know what to expect from college, but I grew a lot, both in and out of the classroom. I learned how to take initiative, manage my time, and build meaningful connections. To future freshmen: take advantage of the resources around you, be open to change, and give yourself the space to figure things out. Your first year won’t be perfect, but it will be a foundation for everything that comes next. Make the most of it.