20 answers
Halani
Student
Modesto, California
3
Questions
Updated
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Whats your best advice for the incoming freshman students?
Since im going to college its kind of scary thinking about everything. Whats some good advice you can give me to stay on my toes
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20 answers
PwC Impact
575
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
PwC’s Answer
Embrace the change. Going to college is a stressful time, but also a fun time! I cannot emphasize enough about joining clubs…. Easiest way to find like minded people. Explore your campus and find the places you like the most! And don’t take any 8 am classes, if you can try! Good luck!
Melodie Wade
Real Estate
1
Answer
Duluth, Georgia
Updated
Melodie’s Answer
Getting ready for your next phase of life is exciting and scary. Look at it as a chance to develop the best version of yourself. Go to the orientation and participate in as many activities the college offers before school starts. It will give you the opportunity to learn about the school and make new friends.
PwC Impact
575
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
PwC’s Answer
Always say yes, being tired is not an excuse. There will never be a time where you 100% feel ready so do it despite not feeling ready/prepared/confident!
Erin Wertheimer
Customer Service Representative
3
Answers
Mount Pleasant, Michigan
Updated
Erin’s Answer
I will give you the advice that I wish I would have gotten myself prior to college:
1. Don't be afraid to change your major. I do not recommend taking this decision lightly, but it is better to switch majors when you realize that you've found a better fit than to waste time and money studying something that you don't intend on pursuing.
2. If your school has program-specific advisors, I would definitely take advantage, as general advisors are not usually as familiar with the ins and outs of programs as those assigned to specific programs. I, myself, had to retake a class because of the advice that I got from a general advisor who wasn't familiar with my program.
3. Use websites such as Rate My Professor to make decisions between professors if there is more than one option. I can't tell you how much better my experience got once I started to pay attention to these reviews before enrolling in classes. They will often times contain information about the difficulty of the material, the temperament of the professor, as well an insight into certain assignments. It was a gold-
1. Don't be afraid to change your major. I do not recommend taking this decision lightly, but it is better to switch majors when you realize that you've found a better fit than to waste time and money studying something that you don't intend on pursuing.
2. If your school has program-specific advisors, I would definitely take advantage, as general advisors are not usually as familiar with the ins and outs of programs as those assigned to specific programs. I, myself, had to retake a class because of the advice that I got from a general advisor who wasn't familiar with my program.
3. Use websites such as Rate My Professor to make decisions between professors if there is more than one option. I can't tell you how much better my experience got once I started to pay attention to these reviews before enrolling in classes. They will often times contain information about the difficulty of the material, the temperament of the professor, as well an insight into certain assignments. It was a gold-
Karissa Helton
Teacher
202
Answers
Miami, Florida
Updated
Karissa’s Answer
Read through the entire course catalog. You can skip the information about majors you are definitely not interested in. If you were not given a course catalog then read through the school's website.
Diya Vinod
Network Performance Intern
2
Answers
Lone Tree, Colorado
Updated
Diya’s Answer
Hi Halani!
As a current college senior, college is an amazing time for your growth and to learn more about yourself. The experiences you will have are going to be exciting and maybe a little bit scary. However, it will be a great time for you to connect with new people and potentially meet lifelong friends.
As a freshman, I would suggest the number one thing to do is to get involved on campus. Join clubs that seem even slightly interesting to you; if you don't enjoy it later on you can always leave. But these clubs are a great way to meet people who have similar interests as you do. If you can find a community or group of friends your freshman year, your college experience will be much more fun and you will feel more supported.
Also start connecting with your professors, especially those who teach classes you have enjoyed. They can help you figure out what future classes to take and what career paths you may want to pursue. Building those connections early in college will be super helpful later on.
Remember college is all about discovering what you like but also what you don't like. Engage in new experiences and talk to a variety of people. Try to be open to new adventures but also make sure you are taking care of yourself. I hope you have a great time in college!
As a current college senior, college is an amazing time for your growth and to learn more about yourself. The experiences you will have are going to be exciting and maybe a little bit scary. However, it will be a great time for you to connect with new people and potentially meet lifelong friends.
As a freshman, I would suggest the number one thing to do is to get involved on campus. Join clubs that seem even slightly interesting to you; if you don't enjoy it later on you can always leave. But these clubs are a great way to meet people who have similar interests as you do. If you can find a community or group of friends your freshman year, your college experience will be much more fun and you will feel more supported.
Also start connecting with your professors, especially those who teach classes you have enjoyed. They can help you figure out what future classes to take and what career paths you may want to pursue. Building those connections early in college will be super helpful later on.
Remember college is all about discovering what you like but also what you don't like. Engage in new experiences and talk to a variety of people. Try to be open to new adventures but also make sure you are taking care of yourself. I hope you have a great time in college!
Jalen Carlos
I was a student
1
Answer
St. Louis, MO
Updated
Jalen’s Answer
Congratulations on making this next step in your academic career! I remember when I first started college, and was nervous about all the new experiences that awaited ahead. However, this new and daunting event can blossom into one of the best experiences of your life! As long as you are open-minded and willing, college can be a wonderful experience. That does not go to show that college isn't for everyone, and this is for a multitude of reasons. Some are not academically responsible, some struggle financially, or life simply just happens. College is about learning and growing as an individual, so it is important to get involved. You'll here this every semester, but getting involved has shown that students perform better academically if they are involved with one or more organizations. Joining organizations will help you network, make new friends through shared similar interests, and could also build your resume if you decide to join the executive leadership of the organization. Networking is also extremely important in college, especially if you are looking to work in Higher Education. Through involvement in leadership positions and networking, I was able to secure my Graduate Assistantship at my alma mater. Basically, it means that as long as I worked for the university while getting my Master's degree, they would pay me a stipend and for my degree for free. College is really what you make of it, so good luck!
Anika S
Software Engineer Intern
100
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Anika’s Answer
Hi Halani!
I’m currently a rising senior at college myself, and I was also pretty nervous going into my freshman year. Change is often scary, and that’s okay! Sometimes being scared is a sign that we are challenging ourselves and giving ourselves opportunities of growth.
If I could do it again, these are probably a few things I would tell myself:
- Don’t be afraid to explore. Even if you do go into college with a set major in mind, don’t let your other interests dwindle away just because you have committed to a major. Lean into your curiosity, take a class just because it sounds fun, take an intro class on a topic you know nothing about. Learning can be fun if you view it as more of an opportunity than an obligation.
- Everyone is just as nervous as you are. It’s a new experience for the majority of the freshman year, and anxiety is a normal feeling to arise even if it may not be easy to tell that others are also feeling that way.
- Talk to people, even if that seems like an obvious. It’s okay to not end up being friends with every single person you speak to, but even with people you end up seeing once, conversations can be inspiring, eye-opening, and most importantly, just fun. Talking to people freely and extensively is a skill I wish I had started practicing earlier in my life, because it’s one that is so well-used throughout your life. And as important it is to be a good talker, also be a good listener! Conversations can often be the best pathway to awesome experiences.
Have fun in your freshman year! I hope it is filled with many new and fun experiences :)
I’m currently a rising senior at college myself, and I was also pretty nervous going into my freshman year. Change is often scary, and that’s okay! Sometimes being scared is a sign that we are challenging ourselves and giving ourselves opportunities of growth.
If I could do it again, these are probably a few things I would tell myself:
- Don’t be afraid to explore. Even if you do go into college with a set major in mind, don’t let your other interests dwindle away just because you have committed to a major. Lean into your curiosity, take a class just because it sounds fun, take an intro class on a topic you know nothing about. Learning can be fun if you view it as more of an opportunity than an obligation.
- Everyone is just as nervous as you are. It’s a new experience for the majority of the freshman year, and anxiety is a normal feeling to arise even if it may not be easy to tell that others are also feeling that way.
- Talk to people, even if that seems like an obvious. It’s okay to not end up being friends with every single person you speak to, but even with people you end up seeing once, conversations can be inspiring, eye-opening, and most importantly, just fun. Talking to people freely and extensively is a skill I wish I had started practicing earlier in my life, because it’s one that is so well-used throughout your life. And as important it is to be a good talker, also be a good listener! Conversations can often be the best pathway to awesome experiences.
Have fun in your freshman year! I hope it is filled with many new and fun experiences :)
PwC Impact
575
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
PwC’s Answer
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes because you can learn so much from them. Always lean on your friends, don’t be afraid to ask for help.
PwC Impact
575
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
PwC’s Answer
Get involved outside of your major! You should strive to make friends outside of your classes to refuel your drive. Join an organization related to your religion, favorite hobby, or service you’re passionate about. Make the most of this diverse community you are joining!
PwC Impact
575
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
PwC’s Answer
Try new things. Don’t think it’s too late to get into something, whether it’s a new hobby, new career goal, new class, new internship position, literally anything. This is the year to figure things out and you’ll be amazed at how much you can grow and learn in just a couple years!
Seriously, just start now!
Seriously, just start now!
Oviya Selvakumar
Software Engineering Intern
1
Answer
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Oviya’s Answer
Hi Halani! First off, congrats on this exciting new step in your life! There will be a lot of changes during this time, so aim to put yourself out there and build a group of people where you feel safe and happier. Attend school events, go to club meetings, talk to your classmates, and of course, prioritize your academics. Having a good support network will help ease the stresses of getting settled to a new life, navigating hard classes, and maintaining an overall good well-being.
Bonnie Garza
Revenue Sales Operations VP
58
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Bonnie’s Answer
Hello Halani, drawing from my own experiences, I urge you to embrace the thrill of exploring new territories and never hesitate to seek clarity by asking questions. Rest assured, you won't be walking this exciting path alone. I encourage you to bond with your fellow freshmen and enjoy this shared experience. Wishing you all the best on this adventure!
PwC Impact
575
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
PwC’s Answer
Don’t be afraid to get outside of your comfort zone, but also remember to care for yourself. There will be infinite opportunities for you to try new things, and I highly encourage you to take as many of those as you choose. I would just also add that you only have so much time in a day, and it is important to rest, take care, and not spread yourself too thin. You will find your people and your place and, though it may take time, you’ll settle into the right groove. Knowing this will help you not overdo it too early! Most importantly, though, have fun!
PwC Impact
575
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
PwC’s Answer
Do as much exploration as possible early on to see all your opportunities. And don't take things so seriously, go with the flow of things!
PwC Impact
575
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
PwC’s Answer
I think focus on setting strong daily habits. It will be a bit of a whirlwind initially and a lot happening. Get out there say hi to as many people as possible, but keep the main thing the main thing and that’s your there to further your education and help you jump to the next step a professional career.
Nikolaos Zormpas
Global Manager – Digital Services Offerings / Technology, Software & Services Offerings Marketing
88
Answers
Athens, Greece
Updated
Nikolaos’s Answer
Hi Halani!
A possibly creative idea would be to create and implement a "Weekly Reflection Routine." For example you can set aside some time at the end of each week to reflect on what went well, what didn’t, and what you learned. Write down your thoughts in a journal or discuss them with a friend or mentor. This practice could help you stay aware of your progress, recognize patterns, and make adjustments to improve your experience. In other words it could work as a proactive way to stay engaged with your goals, manage stress, and ensure you’re making the most of your college journey.
Best of luck!!!
Regards,
Nikolas
A possibly creative idea would be to create and implement a "Weekly Reflection Routine." For example you can set aside some time at the end of each week to reflect on what went well, what didn’t, and what you learned. Write down your thoughts in a journal or discuss them with a friend or mentor. This practice could help you stay aware of your progress, recognize patterns, and make adjustments to improve your experience. In other words it could work as a proactive way to stay engaged with your goals, manage stress, and ensure you’re making the most of your college journey.
Best of luck!!!
Regards,
Nikolas
Thomas Rivera II
Mentor @ IMG Academy
21
Answers
Bradenton, Florida
Updated
Thomas’s Answer
Hello Halani!
Great question!! If I could go back and tell myself, I would:
1. be myself!!
2. be creative!!
3. ask more questions!!
4. travel abroad for a semester!!
5. put myself in more uncomfortable situations (and by this, I mean raising my hand and answering more questions in class, more interviews, more volunteer work, more public speaking opportunities, etc.)!!
6. wait to choose a major after two or three semesters (unless you have your mind made up)!!
7. follow your own degree plan (with guidance from a reliable Academic Advisor)!!
8. spend more time in the library!!
Your time in college will be some of the best times of your life; but it will also be some of the most challenging times of your life!
Trust and enjoy the process!! Be everything you want to be!!
Cheers,
TR
Great question!! If I could go back and tell myself, I would:
1. be myself!!
2. be creative!!
3. ask more questions!!
4. travel abroad for a semester!!
5. put myself in more uncomfortable situations (and by this, I mean raising my hand and answering more questions in class, more interviews, more volunteer work, more public speaking opportunities, etc.)!!
6. wait to choose a major after two or three semesters (unless you have your mind made up)!!
7. follow your own degree plan (with guidance from a reliable Academic Advisor)!!
8. spend more time in the library!!
Your time in college will be some of the best times of your life; but it will also be some of the most challenging times of your life!
Trust and enjoy the process!! Be everything you want to be!!
Cheers,
TR
Verizon Volunteers
55
Answers
Updated
Verizon’s Answer
Take some time to enjoy the experience. You don’t have to decide everything right away. Make friends and explore. Try lots of new things. Try classes you thought you’d never be interested in. Have good relationships with your professors. Don’t be afraid to try and make mistakes.
Verizon Volunteers
55
Answers
Updated
Verizon’s Answer
Get out of your comfort zone. College is a time to take some risks and test your assumptions - about yourself, other people, opinions, topics, etc.