The first year of college often feels like stepping into unknown territory. For some, it may be newfound freedom and independence, or for others, it might be new pressures, but for many, it can be a constant sense that everyone else has somehow figured it all out. But what if freshmen could start their journey with the knowledge and wisdom of those who’ve already made it to their finish line? For this article, I asked graduating seniors to reflect on their college experiences and share the advice they wish someone had given them from day one. From navigating academics to building meaningful relationships and managing time, their insights offer a roadmap for freshmen with hints on how to make the most of their college journey from the start.
First, I talked to Joshua Stewart, a business management student. When asked about some tips and tricks that he wished he had as a freshman, he responded, “Focus on building good habits early. Manage your time well, stay organized, and don’t wait until things get overwhelming to ask for help.” He added, “Get involved on campus, but don’t overcommit. Most importantly, build relationships with professors and peers. They’ll open doors you don’t expect.”
Jeremiah Janvier is a graduating theology student. When asked about some advice that he wished he had, his advice was similar. “Start early on assignments so you can stay ahead of your class,” he said. Then, continuing in academic advice, Jeremiah said to study for an exam, create a suitable environment to study, and it should help you remember better.
Then, going on to practical advice, “create an early budget on your cafe card; connect with your roommate early so that you can coordinate with them in sharing the room; and lastly, take advantage of meeting new people at mentor groups. There are plenty of people who don’t know one another,” he explained, urging people to not be afraid to start up a conversation with someone.
And lastly, I spoke with Anthony Cummins, a mechanical engineering major. “Looking back on my college experience, there are a few things I wish I had done more consistently,” he said, “One of the most important things is building relationships with my professors. Meeting with them outside of class and going over tests or homework can really help you better understand the material and learn from mistakes.”
Moving on to his practical advice, he said, “Another key takeaway is the importance of building a strong community. Finding people you can rely on makes a big difference, both academically and personally. Having that support system helps you stay motivated and makes the overall college experience more enjoyable.”
Going over the responses that each student gave, it’s clear that college is as much about growth as it is about grades. The seniors who gave their advice didn’t just reflect on what they accomplished, but on what they learned. For freshmen who may be reading this, the takeaway is simple: stay open to learning, build a strong community, be intentional, and by listening to those who have already walked the path, you can navigate it a little better with more confidence.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.