Freshman year can be a pivotal moment in deciding who you are as a person and what your college experience is going to be like for the next four years. Aside from being extremely daunting and overwhelming, it can seem like you were pushed out of high school into the real world without much guidance.
The thing is, we’re all freshman once. Even as you look at the seniors now, who seem polished, confident, and happy, they, too, had their time where they were nervous going to the caf or avoided attending an office hour when they really needed help. The seniors know exactly what you’re going through (after all, these four college years go by in a blink of an eye!).
We asked Xavier seniors for real, honest advice that they would give to you, freshman collegiettes, and compiled it here. We hope that it gives you the confidence boost you need to make this your best year yet!
“It’s Xavier. Not eggs-avier.”
“Meet as many people as you can. Recognize that everyone is in the same boat – no one has it any better or any worse than you. You never know who will end up being a good friend or a helpful classmate.”
“Say hi to Father B every time you see him; he never fails to make your day brighter.”
“Join clubs. You will meet so many amazing people that you will stay friends with. Don’t be afraid to be yourself. We want to get to know the real you!”
“Don’t be overwhelmed and think that partying is the only thing you should do freshman year. Go read a book.”
“Use your professors. They are there to help you. I’ve never had a super bad experience with a professor; they try to make themselves as available as possible so take advantage of that. If you’re ever concerned, just go to them.”
“Join intramurals, it’s a great way to practice making friends in a team setting.”Â
“Don’t be afraid to try new things. Join a fun club, try out for a play, basically anything you think would be fun. You never know unless you try it out.”
“The best advice I got before I started my freshman year was to always leave my door open if I was in my room. Freshman year is all about meeting a ton of people so leaving my door open invited people to stop in and introduce themselves. That piece of advice is how I got close with the girls in my hall and is something I always try to pass on.”
“Don’t worry, housing sucks for everyone.”
“Often times freshman forget that they are here to learn first and have fun second. It’s really important that you make time to study and get your schoolwork done before you go out! Then you don’t have anything to stress about later!”
“Make friends with the caf workers; it makes their job better and your plate fuller – a win-win!”
“Don’t be scared to change your major. You’re constantly changing, so your passions are changing. Find something that you like and are good at, where you feel like you belong there. If that means changing your major, that doesn’t mean you’ve failed at the major you had originally started. It just means you know yourself well enough to choose what will make you happy in the long run.”
“Take time for yourself. Having alone time is important, especially when you’re surrounded by people all day every day.”
“Don’t be an idiot; enjoy yourself responsibly.”
“Try sushi and new foods (but not caf sushi!). There are some great half-price places like Drunken Bento or Cloud 9.”
“Don’t worry about your major. People put way too much focus on your major; enjoy studying and take the classes you want to take and are interested in. You will find a career that fits your interests but you have to try new things first.”
“Never regret grabbing a caf cookie.”
“Find something you’re passionate about. Whether it’s your major, a club, or the people you meet. Don’t waste your time with all the incredible opportunities surrounding you.”
“Go to office hours.”
“Don’t make enemies in your hallway. It will make your entire year uncomfortable.”
“Don’t think your first friend group has to be your only friend group.”
“As an underclassman you think you’re busy, but you’re not. It may seem like all your time is spent in class, studying, writing papers, or attending club meetings, if so you’re doing it wrong. Underclassmen have free time. Time should be spent building relationships, exploring Cincinnati, and creating a home away from home. There is plenty of time for all the academic stuff later. Eventually it does take over and becomes a main focus, however the first couple years don’t have to be that way. The quicker you realize that college is more than studying the better the experience will be. Some of the greatest life lessons happen outside of the classroom. Nevertheless enjoy every moment of the journey while it lasts because as clichĂ© as it sounds, it’s over before you know it.”Â
“Embrace being a freshman because, before you know it, you’ll be a senior and wishing for freshman year back.”Â