Due Date: May 8th, 2025
Coming into college from high school, I felt nervous, scared, and happy. I knew there was going to be a strong difficulty of classes compared to my high school classes. I was worried that it was going to be difficult to make friends here at college, but I felt comfortable and I felt as if I knew so many people on campus. The sense of happiness came from starting your own life where you come to college to set yourself free, taking courses that will fit your major.
Some of the courses that came as a big surprise to me included microeconomics (ECON200). I took this class in high school, but there is more content here at college and a higher level of difficulty when it comes to exams. I discovered this when our professor gave us all the content and the practice exams didn’t reflect the actual tests. Coming into college, I kept an open mindset, and whatever was given to me, I knew I had to get the assignments done ASAP and couldn’t slack off. However, I recommend that incoming students pursue a strategy of exploration—take courses in subjects that might seem unrelated to your major.
Building relationships with faculty does not come without its obstacles. One of the greatest challenges I faced was connecting with professors and instructors. I often felt intimidated by their status, knowledge, and authority. However, many professors genuinely care about you and your education and are willing to provide guidance when approached respectfully. For incoming students, my advice is to step out of their comfort zone early: attend office hours, ask thoughtful questions, and take advantage of every opportunity to engage with faculty.
Adjusting to university life extends beyond academics and into social relationships. At first, it can be difficult to find your place among so many new faces. For me, connecting with fellow students who shared my interests in both academics and extracurricular activities made the adjustment easier. Joining student organizations, attending campus events, and participating in group study sessions were crucial in building these relationships. My involvement in Maryland Mauj, Maryland Mayuri, Nitesout Entertainment, and some business groups was especially rewarding because it allowed me to connect with people who shared similar cultural experiences while also learning from those with different backgrounds.
The biggest challenge in forming meaningful relationships with peers, however, has been managing the balance between academics, extracurricular activities, and personal life. I learned that nurturing relationships with fellow students is just as important as focusing on coursework. For freshmen, I would recommend being open to new experiences but also remembering that building a support network is essential. Try to attend sporting events on campus, talk with peers in classes, and join clubs.
Reflecting on my time at university, I also realized that there were certain aspects of academic life I was not fully prepared for. The intensity and pace of university coursework were often more challenging than I anticipated. Unlike high school, where assignments are often structured with clear expectations, university courses require students to engage with material at a much deeper level, requiring self-discipline and advanced study habits. To prepare for this, incoming freshmen should take the time to develop strong time management skills, build a consistent study routine, and practice critical reading and writing. One of the best pieces of advice I can give is to use tutoring services, study groups, or office hours. These resources can help ease the transition and provide additional support as students adjust to the demands of university life.