Hey Hawks, coming somewhere new can be a shock and feel overwhelming. I’ve been there. I came to Iowa, which is four hours away from my home, so everything felt completely different. I didn’t know anyone, and in this blog, I’ll give some advice I wish I had in my first semester/year.

My first piece of advice is that you don’t need everything figured out. College is supposed to be a learning curve; it’s about finding out who you are. It’s normal to change things like your major, your routines, and what actually works for you.

My second piece of advice is to use office hours. This was something I didn’t take seriously in my first semester, but it is a game-changer. Professors appreciate effort, and it shows you’re trying to learn. Even if you don’t know exactly what to ask, go for clarification or study support. It is a great way to make more connections and feel less lost in your classes.

Next, enjoy your time in college. Don’t rush it. Take photos, talk to new people, explore campus, and create memories. It goes by fast, faster than high school did, so enjoy it and find out who you are along the way.

Another thing I wish I knew is that you are not alone. Reach out to anyone and everyone to do things. Little interactions make such a difference, and it shows that you’re trying to make an effort to be involved and meet people.

Finally, it’s okay to give yourself grace. Freshman year is a year of growth, not perfection. No one has it all together, even if it looks like they do. You’re learning, adjusting, and figuring out life on your own for the first time, and that’s something to be proud of.