Hey Hawks! The first semester of college comes with a lot of emotions, excitement, stress, homesickness, and everything in between. College classes are completely different from high school, and everything feels new all at once. While it can be overwhelming, the first semester is also one of the most rewarding experiences because of how much you grow in such a short amount of time. Now that my first semester is coming to an end, I want to share a few pieces of advice I’ve learned along the way that I hope can help someone who’s just starting their college journey.
My first piece of advice, which comes from my mom, is don’t be too hard on yourself; it’s a learning curve. Coming from high school, I was used to getting good grades and being hard on myself when I didn’t. When I got to college, everything was new: the classes, expectations, and workload. It’s important to remind yourself that it’s okay to mess up and make mistakes. That’s how you learn and grow.
My next piece of advice is that time management is everything. I quickly learned that balancing classes, studying, a social life, and rest takes intention. Using a planner or calendar helped me stay organized and reduce stress. Managing your time well gives you more freedom and helps prevent last-minute panic.
The third piece of advice is to ask for help. Whether it’s going to office hours, emailing a professor, or studying with friends, asking questions can make a huge difference. College expects independence, but that doesn’t mean you have to figure everything out on your own.
Lastly, and just as important, is to take care of yourself, not just your grades. It’s easy to get caught up in academics and forget about your well-being. Prioritizing sleep, eating well, taking breaks, and doing things you enjoy helps you stay motivated and avoid burnout. Finding a healthy balance also helps you remember who you are outside of school.
Overall, the first semester comes with a lot of ups and downs, but my greatest piece of advice is this: if someone gives you advice, use it and share it. You never know who it might help.
