Before coming to college, I expected classes to be harder and the environment to be more fast-paced, but I didn’t realize how many new academic paths I’d discover. One of the biggest surprises for me was MATH135, a class that combines math with biology. I honestly just expected it to be another math class I had to get through, but it ended up being way more interesting than I thought. Instead of just solving equations for no reason, we used math to understand things like population growth, the spread of diseases, and how enzymes work. It made everything feel more connected to the real world and gave me a new appreciation for how math can explain actual biological systems. I had never seen math applied like that before, and it definitely changed how I look at both subjects.
I think the best way for new students to discover surprising or eye-opening courses or programs is to stay open-minded when registering. Don’t only look for classes that sound “easy” or familiar. Try one thing that’s completely outside your comfort zone or major—just because it sounds interesting or the professor has good reviews. Sometimes, the best experiences are the ones you didn’t expect to care about at all.
One of the most valuable parts of college that I didn’t really take advantage of at first was connecting with professors. It’s not like high school, where your teachers automatically get to know you over time. Here, you kind of have to put yourself out there. My greatest success in building a mentoring relationship came from my PSYC100 class. I really liked the way the professor taught—it was engaging and surprisingly funny for a lecture hall class. I decided to go to his office hours one day just to ask about something from the reading, and we ended up talking for a while about psychology in everyday life. After that, I kept going back. He was super approachable and hilarious, which made it less intimidating. It felt more like talking to a person than some distant authority figure, and it helped me enjoy the class even more.
That being said, it wasn’t always easy. A big obstacle was just intimidation. Professors can seem super busy or unapproachable, especially in big lecture classes. Also, I didn’t know what to say at first—I thought I had to come in with perfect questions. But I learned that even just asking for clarification or sharing a reaction to the material can start a real conversation. For future students, I’d say go to office hours early in the semester and try to go more than once. Don’t wait until you need help—go just to introduce yourself and get used to talking with them.
Adjusting to college socially is a whole different challenge. At first, I found it kind of overwhelming. Everyone seemed to already have friend groups, especially if they were in the same major or living in certain dorms. What helped me the most was joining clubs and study groups. I met a lot of friends through working on class projects or even just sitting next to the same people in lectures and making conversation. Also, being open to spontaneous plans—like going out to eat after class or joining people at campus events—helped a lot more than I expected.
Still, it’s not always smooth. One obstacle is that people are just busy, and it’s easy to feel disconnected if your schedules don’t line up. Also, if you’re introverted or shy, it can be hard to take the first step. My advice to next year’s freshmen is to be brave enough to start small conversations, even if it feels awkward. Most people are open to making friends, especially in the first few weeks. Also, don’t be afraid to follow up—ask someone to grab coffee or study together. That’s how stronger friendships really start.
Looking back, I think I was least prepared for managing my time and staying motivated without constant structure. In high school, everything is laid out—teachers remind you of deadlines and homework is daily. In college, you have way more freedom, but that also means more responsibility. I had to learn how to plan my own time, keep track of assignments, and stay on top of work even when no one was reminding me.
To incoming students, I’d recommend figuring out a system early on—whether that’s a planner, calendar app, or to-do list—and sticking to it. Also, learn how to break big tasks into smaller steps. It’s really easy to procrastinate when something feels too big or far away. Getting ahead even a little bit can take a lot of pressure off. And finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help, whether it’s from a professor, TA, or someone in your dorm.
Overall, college has been full of challenges but also so many unexpected learning moments—both academic and personal. My biggest takeaway is that the more open you are to new experiences and people, the more rewarding the experience becomes.
