While coming into college is full of exciting potential experiences, freshman year can also be difficult to find balance within college life. Luckily, upperclassmen have lived and learned through their GC experience. Here are ten pieces of advice intended to save some underclassmen from making the same mistakes.

1. Go at your own pace. “College is not a race to see who can get to the finish line the quickest by taking a shorter path or even the easiest path. Do not let anyone tell you that you are doing it wrong by needing extra time to get to the finish line.” – Emily Moore, 5th year senior, political science major.
2. Do what you love. “I chose something I really did not love due to pressure from my peers to declare a major. If it takes an extra semester or two to finish, that is okay! I am so glad I got to invest my time and energy into something I love. Reach out to the Career Center, older students from other majors or professors from other departments if you are curious about anything. Georgia College staff and students are so willing to help you find your passion.” – Jolie Roberge, senior mass communication major, French and marketing double minor.
3. Take care of yourself. “Take your vitamins daily because germs spread so easily in the dorms!” – Lauren Miller, senior political science major.
4. Everyone’s experience is different. “Coming into college as a woman who did not rush was intimidating. I felt as though I was missing out and that I was a loser because I did not have that group of friends so quickly. It’s equally as fulfilling, or maybe even more, to take the time to find those people you have a deep and genuine connection with as it is to find those friends immediately during rush.” -Annie Petersiel, senior psychology major.
5. Don’t be too hard on yourself. “I was so scared of messing up or looking stupid freshman year but I forgot that everyone is in the same boat. Everyone is new, trying to make a good impression and focusing too much on themselves to pay attention to your little mishap.” – Lynleigh Dial, junior psychology major.
6. Be in the moment. “Your freshman year goes by quickly. If you don’t stop to take it in, it will be gone before you know it.” – Sam Pennington, sophomore political science major.
7. Get to know where you are. “Spend a lot of time on campus. Explore all the buildings! You’re only here for a little while so get to know it!” – Harlee Parden, senior psychology major.
8. Do college your way. “There is no one ‘college experience’ you have to have to be successful. You should know that you have options.” – Al Chumley, junior Spanish major.
9. Don’t skip class. “Show up to class and keep your pre-requisites class grades up because it only gets harder.” – Ellie McNulty, junior early childhood education cohort.

10. Don’t listen to those college myths but maybe watch out for them. “The freshman 15 is more like the freshman 10 when you walk to class every day. It’s the sophomore 20 that really sneaks up on you.” – Avrie Crum, junior marketing major.