The transition to college can feel like free-falling into a whole new world. But take it from someone who’s made it to the other side — with a little guidance, your freshman year can be one of your life’s most exciting and transformative times. 

“Our whole life changes, it can be scary, but you learn so much about yourself and others,” said JoJo Garland, a freshman mass communication major. “You realize you can really do whatever you want to and that’s awesome.” 

That realization is freeing and a little intimidating, but there are ways to make your first year more manageable, meaningful and even magical. Based on my own experience and advice from upperclassmen, here are a few do’s and don’ts to live by. 

DO build your support system. 

“Having a great support system while in freshman year can make it so much better, especially since this is the first time many students are away from home,” said Halle Bergstrom, a junior management and rhetoric double major. “Having friends, classmates, and faculty that you can ask questions to and rely on makes it so much less confusing and stressful.” 

Find people who make you feel safe, heard and supported. Sometimes that’s a roommate, other times it’s the professor who holds extra office hours. Don’t be afraid to ask questions – you’re not supposed to know everything yet. 

DO try new things — even if you’re unsure. 

“A great freshman year is going a little bit out of your comfort zone, not enough to be scared but enough to make memories,” said Molly Giusti, a sophomore elementary education major. “Freshman year is all about running around the residence halls laughing with your friends over nothing, going to the max, talking to that person in class, making friends at the week of welcome, joining that club or organization, and saying yes to as much as you can but making sure you still take time for yourself and your school work.” 

Getting good grades matters, but so does taking a chance on that one campus event or awkward icebreaker in class. Growth doesn’t happen when you’re comfortable. It happens by being curious.

DO join at least one club. 

“Something that I loved experiencing my freshman year was the various clubs on campus,” Bergstrom said. “They’re such a fun way to connect with students outside your classroom and residence halls, making the college experience so much more engaging. Even if you can commit to one club your freshman year, I would heavily recommend it since it made my experience so much more enjoyable and fulfilling.” 

Clubs aren’t just resume builders – they’re where you’ll meet people who share your passions and stretch your perspective. Don’t miss out. 

DON’T skip the traditions – they matter more than you think. 

“My one thing I say is a must during your freshman year is to go to midnight breakfast,” Giusti said. “It is the perfect finals week break, and just the atmosphere is so exciting, which can be hard to find at that time of the year. My biggest advice is to get a group together and wait in the line for the shirt and food, you won’t regret it.” 

Yes, the line is long and you have a paper due, but those small moments are what you’ll remember most. 

DON’T isolate. DON’T overextend. DO be kind to yourself. 

There will be hard days. You’ll miss home. You’ll fail a quiz. You’ll wonder if you’re doing this whole college thing right. That’s normal. 

Your job freshman year isn’t to have it all figured out. It’s to try, fall a little and to get up again – with a few new friends by your side. 

Freshman year is as great as you make it. So get out there. Laugh in the halls. Go to midnight breakfast. Say yes and remember to take care of yourself, too.