What I Wish I Knew When I Started College

Starting college feels like stepping into a whole new world. You go from having structure and support to managing everything on your own. Suddenly, you’re picking your own schedule, and no one’s going to chase you down if you miss a deadline. 

After a year of balancing a 4.0 GPA, two internships, and serving as president of two clubs, I’ve learned a lot—mostly through trial and error. These are the things I wish someone had told me before I started. 

You Have a Lot More Freedom Than You Think 

One of the biggest surprises was just how much freedom you suddenly have. In high school, your counselor hands you a set schedule, while in college, it’s up to you. You pick your classes, choose your professors, and decide whether you want morning, afternoon, or evening lectures. 

When it comes time to register, it can be more stressful than you’d expect. I didn’t realize how competitive it could be to get into certain classes. I found myself setting alarms, planning backups, and refreshing the page just hoping to secure a spot. It takes some planning ahead, especially if you want to stick to a schedule that works for you. 

But with that freedom comes a lot more responsibility. There’s no one to hold your hand or remind you about due dates. Most professors won’t accept late work and staying on top of everything is entirely up to you. That’s why I start assignments early in the week and space them out—it helps me stay on track while still leaving room for spontaneous pickleball games or froyo runs. 

Don’t Be Afraid to Put Yourself Out There 

Meeting new people in college can feel intimidating at first, but it really makes a difference. I went to my first Business Club meeting with someone I barely knew from high school, and just having a familiar face helped me feel more comfortable. Looking back, going to that meeting was one of the best choices I made. 

Some of my closest friends in college are people I met through that club. Being surrounded by others in my major who share similar goals has made a huge impact. We’ve helped each other through tough classes, given advice on which professors to take, and shared resources like certificate programs for marketing. 

Getting involved on campus has also opened doors I never expected, with one of my internships coming from inviting a CEO to speak at one of our meetings. Beyond the resume boost, these experiences have helped me grow my network and feel more connected to my campus. 

It’s also a good idea to connect with your professors. Whether you’re looking for guidance, a letter of recommendation, or a future connection in your field, those relationships can go a long way when you put in the effort to get to know them. 

Having trouble figuring out where to start? I’d recommend using College Confidential’s forums to connect with people from your campus through the college directory! 

Study Smarter, Not Just Harder 

Finishing my first year with a 4.0 GPA definitely wasn’t easy. I had to make sacrifices like skipping hangouts to stay in and study.  

I learned to make time for schoolwork, even when things were busy. Whether I was reviewing flashcards on the treadmill or listening to lectures while brushing my teeth, I found ways to fit studying into small pockets of time. For a while, I was juggling two internships, in-person classes, and daily workouts. Having a routine helped me stay grounded without feeling burnt out. 

Here are a few tools and habits that worked for me: 

• Use AI tools like ChatGPT to break down tough concepts. I used it constantly in calculus by uploading my study guides and asking it to explain things I didn’t understand. It also generated new practice problems I could use until the material finally clicked. 

• Quizlet was great for memorizing terms, especially in bio-heavy classes. 

• Noise-canceling headphones helped me stay focused in busy or noisy spaces. 

• Time-lapse study videos kept me off my phone. Recording myself while working made me more accountable and helped me track how long I was actually focused. 

Take Advantage of Campus Resources 

College comes with a lot of built-in support, but many students don’t realize what’s available until they’re deep into the semester. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that using your school resources can make things a lot easier—academically, professionally, and even mentally. 

Most schools have tutoring centers for subjects like math, writing, and science. Even if you’re doing fine, they’re great for reviewing assignments or getting extra help before exams. Most campuses offer counseling or mental health support, which can be really helpful when things start to feel overwhelming. 

Career services can help with everything from resume reviews to interview practice. I know people who found internships and even full-time jobs just by stopping by a workshop or getting their LinkedIn profile reviewed. 

Don’t forget about the library, either. It’s not just a quiet place to study; you can usually print for free, check out textbooks, reserve study rooms, or borrow laptops and other tech. 

Also, there are always little events happening around campus. You can find free food, merch, or career tips just by showing up. 

College isn’t cheap, so using what’s already included in your tuition is honestly one of the best ways to make the most of your experience. 

Start Saving! 

Being a college student means juggling late-night study sessions and occasional celebrations after a tough week of finals. Personally, I like to treat myself after a difficult exam—whether that’s buying new clothes or grabbing dinner with friends. But beyond those little rewards, there’s also the reality of paying tuition, housing, transportation, textbooks, school supplies, and even Chegg subscriptions. Balancing all of that with a part-time job isn’t easy, which is why I always recommend applying for scholarships. Ascent offers monthly $1,000 scholarship giveaways and student loans if you need help bridging that gap. They offer low fixed and variable rates, which helps relieve some of the financial stress that comes with school! 

College can feel overwhelming at first, but with the right mindset and support, it becomes one of the most rewarding chapters of your life. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, try new things, or take advantage of the resources around you. Just take it one step at a time, and trust that you’re capable of more than you think.