Looking back on my first year at the University of Maryland, I realize how much I've grown academically and personally. Some things went just as I expected, but many parts of this experience caught me off guard - in the best ways. This time capsule is my honest reflection, and I hope it helps future students find their footing a little faster.
Outside of the Scholars colloquium, the class that surprised me the most was CMSC131: Object-Oriented Programming I. I had some coding experience in high school, but this course opened my eyes to how structured and creative programming can be. I discovered it by talking with upperclassmen in my dorm who were also in the engineering track. I'd recommend future students stay curious and ask their peers or TAs about interesting electives - they often know about hidden gems you won't find just reading course descriptions.
My biggest success with faculty came from simply showing up to office hours, even when I didn't have a specific question. Just being present opened the door to more casual conversation and eventually mentorship. The hardest part was pushing past the feeling of intimidation. My advice is to treat professors like people - they appreciate students who are engaged and eager to learn. Start small: introduce yourself after class or follow up on something discussed in lecture.
Adjusting to campus life was overwhelming at first, but the relationships I built with fellow students made the difference. Group chats, study groups, and shared meals helped me feel grounded. The biggest obstacle was feeling awkward initiating conversations - but everyone is looking for connection, especially early on. Join clubs, go to Scholars events, and don't hesitate to be the one to suggest hanging out after class.
In hindsight, I was least prepared for the time management demands of college. The freedom is great, but it's easy to fall behind. I wish I had started using a planner earlier. My advice: use a calendar, set small weekly goals, and don't wait until midterms to ask for help. Resources like the Writing Center, tutoring, and peer mentors are there for a reason - use them early and often.
This first year flew by faster than I could have imagined. It's been messy, rewarding, challenging, and fun. If I could give one piece of advice to incoming students, it's this: say yes to opportunities, ask questions often, and give yourself grace while figuring it all out. The SGC community is here to support you - you're not doing this alone.