The Do's and Don'ts of Freshman Years

Coming from people who HAVE been there… 

by ABBY LUCA + EMMA NEENAN ★ DECEMBER 21, 2023

As sophomores, we know the struggles of freshman year all too well. So, we decided it would be helpful for us to give you the advice we wish we received during our first semester. College can be a whirlwind of intimidating experiences, culture shock, endless homework, and simultaneously some of the best moments of your life. Here are some tips for navigating it gracefully:

Do things for you

It’s easy to get wrapped up in the freshman-year party scene in your first few months at school. Without a doubt, it’s a step up from the high school scene. But we are here to also tell you, you do you. If the party scene isn't your thing, find friends who want to stay in on Thursdays to watch a movie and have a self-care night. Prioritize your peace and do what you are most comfortable with.

This is not your hometown situationship

Rule of thumb: we do not fall for frat boys. Spoiler alert… you probably won’t find the love of your life in a frat basement, and they’re most likely not the DJ. There is so much more out there to focus on! We know that is easier said than done, but spending your freshman year establishing quality friends and platonic relationships is so much more important than getting into a situationship with the boy down the hall. Freshman year is for focusing on you! Establish that GPA you have always strived for, find a group of friends who love grabbing coffee and going to workout classes just as much as you do, and give yourself the opportunity to flourish.

Be open to making new friends all year, not just week one

When you first arrive at college, you and everyone else are searching for the same thing: friends. Everyone is in the same boat. Most people are leaving the only place they've ever known for a campus with unfamiliar faces and a tinier, less comfortable bed. Just because the first group of individuals you encounter are approachable, smile broadly, and help you feel a little less isolated in a crowd of thousands, doesn't mean they have to be your forever friends. That being said, they also may be! Although you will definitely make core memories with your friend group, you can also make individual memories and achieve accomplishments doing things alone, even though it may be intimidating. As of right now, you are the only person you actually know for sure. Put yourself first.

Learn how to use DegreeWorks and Blackboard

This seems to be a huge issue for most students. I have to admit the software in college is not as easy as the typical Google Classroom many high schools use to assign work. BlackBoard and DegreeWorks, in all honesty, suck sometimes. But if you learn how to use them, you're going to make your life so much easier as a Syracuse student. Choosing courses that meet credit requirements is the most important thing. Never add a class to your hectic schedule just because your best friend is taking it, because chances are that class doesn't count for your specified major and you just wasted time, money, and mental energy. I suggest meeting with your advisor early to discuss what requirements to get out of the way first. Depending on your major, it might be easier to take certain classes as a freshman instead of waiting to take them until you’re a second-semester senior. I also suggest taking a quantity of 15-19 credits each semester. Never overdo it, but never underestimate how much time and effort it takes to graduate with all your credits. And yes, it is quite frustrating and difficult to get into the classes you have your heart set on, so make sure you have at least 2 backups for each class.

Get a calendar, use it, and be organized

In college, you are likely going to have a lot more work, events, and activities than you would like. On most days, your mind is going to be stretched in every single direction: schoolwork, love interests, the time of the pregame, when your presentation is, and how long you have to drag on speaking to get full credit. I 100% recommend getting both a big paper calendar to paste on ur wall and creating an online calendar on Outlook. Read the syllabi and pencil in important dates the second they are assigned. I also would suggest making your own deadlines for work, this way you don't have to stress about the forgotten project due Monday morning while you’re out at an event Saturday night. Work first so you can play (stress-free) later.

Use the resources included in your tuition

Email your professors and get to know them! Use your free gym membership, go to the resume workshops, eat at the dining hall, go to the freshman events, seek out your advisor (they are there for a reason), reach out to career services, and go to some therapy sessions--just because. At the end of the day, if there’s something you are really interested in, whether it is Greek life, a club, or a sport, do not limit yourself. Do things you are interested in and GET INVOLVED. Do it all because you can, and because time in college is MONEY - so don't waste it! 

Lastly, stay positive

The learning, social, and living environments are challenging in college. You’re taking care of yourself for, most likely, the first time in your life. Remind yourself that you have never been in this situation before, so doing your best is all you can do and is definitely enough. Try not to be hard on yourself, so long as you are holding yourself accountable. Now is when you get to forge your path, separate from everyone else. This year is for YOU to establish connections, relationships, and habits that you will have for the next 3 years. Be persistent, have faith, and take initiative. Most importantly, become your own best friend. You will always need someone like you in your life. It’s overwhelming but just remind yourself, you would have not gotten to the point you are at if you were not capable of continuing. You got this.