If you had asked me before I moved into my dorm what college would be like, I probably would’ve given you some version of the same answer everyone gives. New friends, late nights, football games, and finally feeling independent. And while all of that is true, freshman year at the University of Michigan is also a lot more complicated, overwhelming, and surprisingly formative than I expected. It’s exciting, but it’s also uncomfortable at times, and that’s something I wasn’t fully prepared for. Looking back now, there are a few things I really wish someone had told me before I first stepped onto campus.
You don’t have to have everything figured out right away
Coming into college, it feels like everyone around you already knows exactly who they are and what they want to do. Some people are set on pre-law, others on business, engineering, or medicine. It’s easy to feel behind if you’re unsure. But the truth is, most people are figuring it out as they go, even if they don’t show it. Freshman year isn’t about locking in your entire future; it’s about exploring what you like, what you don’t, and what challenges you in a good way. The pressure to “decide” can feel intense, but giving yourself space to explore will lead to better, more genuine choices later on.
Everyone else is just as nervous as you are
During those first few weeks, it can feel like you’re the only one who hasn’t found your “group” yet. You’ll see people walking around campus in what looks like perfectly formed friend groups, and it’s easy to assume you’re behind socially. You’re not. Almost everyone is feeling the same uncertainty, even if they hide it well. A lot of those early friendships are still forming, shifting, and figuring themselves out. The people you meet in the first week aren’t necessarily the people you’ll be closest with by the end of the year — and that’s completely normal.
You don’t have to say yes to everything
There’s a lot of pressure freshman year to do it all — join every club, go out every night, meet as many people as possible, never miss an opportunity — but burnout is real, and spreading yourself too thin can make everything feel less meaningful. It’s okay to say no. It’s okay to stay in. It’s okay to choose a few things you actually care about instead of trying to be everywhere at once. Being intentional with your time will make your experiences feel more fulfilling, not less.
Office hours are not as intimidating as they seem
I avoided office hours at first because I thought I needed to have a perfect question or be struggling to justify going. That’s not true at all. Professors and GSIs actually want to talk to you, and those conversations can make a huge difference — not just for your understanding of the material, but for building connections. Even just introducing yourself early on can make classes feel smaller and more manageable. It’s one of those small things that ends up having a big impact.
It’s okay if you’re not instantly “good” at college
College is a big academic adjustment. The way you studied in high school might not work anymore, and that can be frustrating at first. Getting a grade you’re not proud of doesn’t mean you don’t belong here. It just means you’re learning how to adapt. Everyone hits a moment where they realize they need to change their approach. Over time, you’ll figure out what works for you — and that growth is part of the process, not a sign that you’re falling behind.
Your relationship with independence will evolve
At first, independence feels exciting — no curfew, no one checking in, and total control over your schedule. But it also comes with responsibility. You have to manage your time, take care of yourself, and make decisions without constant guidance. It’s not always easy, and sometimes you’ll mess up. That’s normal. Learning how to be independent isn’t something that happens overnight — it’s something you figure out gradually through trial and error.
You’re allowed to reinvent yourself—but you don’t have to
College can feel like a fresh start where you can become a completely new person. And while that’s true, there’s also no pressure to change who you are just to fit in. The best version of yourself in college is one that feels genuine, not forced. Growth doesn’t mean becoming someone else; it means becoming more comfortable with who you already are and more confident in expressing it.
The little moments matter more than you think
When you picture college, you probably imagine the big things: game days, major events, milestones. But some of the moments you’ll remember most are much smaller: late-night conversations in your dorm, spontaneous trips for coffee, walking across campus when the leaves start to change. Freshman year goes by faster than you expect, and those everyday moments are what really make it meaningful.
If I could sum it all up, I’d say this: freshman year isn’t about getting everything right. It’s about trying, adjusting, and growing in ways you don’t always notice right away. There will be moments where you feel completely confident and others where you feel unsure, but both are part of the experience.
So if you’re about to start your first year at Michigan, take a breath. You don’t need to have it all figured out yet. You’re going to learn, change, and grow more than you expect. Eventually, you’ll look back and realize that not knowing was actually the point.