Looking back on my college journey, I spent the ten days leading up to graduation sharing the biggest lessons I wish I’d known as a freshman. Now that I’ve officially graduated, I wanted to pull all that advice together in one place. Whether you’re just starting out or already deep into your college experience, I hope these tips help you navigate campus life and make the most of every moment!

1. Don’t Procrastinate (Seriously, Don’t)
I know, I know—everyone says this, but it’s true. My first two years were filled with late-night cramming and last-minute assignments, and it was not fun. Once I started tackling things as soon as they were assigned and breaking them into smaller chunks, my stress levels dropped and my grades went up.
Pro tip: Find an accountability partner, set mini-deadlines, and reward yourself for hitting checkpoints. You’ll thank yourself later.

2. Get Involved—Explore Beyond the Classroom
Join the club you’re curious about. Try that new café. Go on spontaneous trips with friends. Some of my favorite memories happened outside the classroom—don’t miss out on the experiences that help you grow (and give you great stories to tell).

3. Learn to Say No
In junior year, I said yes to everything—jobs, internships, extra courses, club leadership, you name it. By midterms, I was totally overwhelmed. Dropping just one thing (shoutout to CodePath) gave me room to breathe and focus on what mattered most. Remember: it’s okay to say no. Your time and energy are valuable.

4. Don’t Let Self-Doubt Stop You from Applying
I skipped applying to some dream opportunities because I thought I wasn’t “qualified enough.” Spoiler: I was wrong. Sometimes all it takes is someone believing in you (thanks, Kelly!)—but don’t wait for that. Apply anyway. You’re more ready than you think.

5. Actually Go to Networking Events (Not Just Register)
I used to register for events and then bail, or just talk to people I already knew. Big mistake! The best connections I made happened when I introduced myself, asked questions, and put myself out there. Set a goal for each event, prep a few questions, and see who you can meet. You never know where a conversation might lead.

6. Set Personal Boundaries
In my eagerness to make friends, I sometimes forgot to communicate my own needs. Whether it’s in friendships, classes, or jobs, setting boundaries is essential. It’s not about shutting people out—it’s about making sure you’re taking care of yourself, too.

7. Prioritize Sleep (No, Really)
Pulling all-nighters and running on caffeine is basically a college rite of passage—but it doesn’t have to be. I wish I’d prioritized sleep earlier; it would have helped my grades, my mood, and my immune system. Aim for 8 hours. Your body and brain will thank you.

8. Communicate with Professors
If you’re struggling, sick, or just overwhelmed, reach out to your professors. I used to tough it out in silence, but most professors genuinely want to help. Don’t be afraid to ask for extensions or support—they can’t help if they don’t know what’s going on.

9. Help Yourself Before You Help Others
I love supporting my friends, but I learned the hard way that you can’t pour from an empty cup. Prioritizing your own well-being isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. When you take care of yourself, you’re in a better position to help others, too.

10. Take Advantage of Your Student Status (While You Can!)
Student discounts are everywhere—tech, travel, conferences, you name it. Free GitHub Pro? Discounted flights? Yes, please! Also, being a student is the perfect excuse to reach out and network. These perks don’t last forever, so make the most of them before you graduate.

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If you made it this far—thanks for reading! To the Class of 2025 (and everyone else starting out): What advice would you give your freshman self? Drop your tips below. Let’s help each other make the most of this journey!

*Disclaimer: This post is AI assisted based on the original posts I wrote on LinkedIn