What I Wish I Knew Before My First Year at Uni [Full Guide]
There’s no manual for surviving your first year of university — just vibes, confusion, and the occasional late-night Google search like “how to make friends without sounding weird.” But if I could go back and hand myself a list of truths before walking into my first lecture, I would.
This post is that list. Collected from upperclassmen, TikTok rants, and personal facepalm moments — here’s everything I wish someone told me before day one.
You're Not Supposed to Know What You're Doing
Let’s get this out of the way: no one has it together in first year. Everyone’s pretending. Everyone’s nervous. And most people are way too focused on themselves to judge you.
You might feel behind because someone already has a career plan, five internships, and a custom Notion dashboard with pastel tabs. That’s fine. Focus on exploring, not racing. The pressure to "figure it all out" by 18 is a scam.
Go to Class — Even If No One Takes Attendance
It’s tempting to skip that 9am lecture when there’s no roll call. But here’s the thing: showing up makes everything easier.
Even if you don’t take perfect notes, just listening will help you retain more than you'd think. Plus, professors drop exam hints that don’t appear in slides. Trust me, future-you during finals will be grateful you went.
The First Friends You Make Might Not Be Your People
You’ll meet people fast — dorm mates, group project partners, random orientation cliques. But don’t panic if they don’t feel like your people long-term.
It’s okay to outgrow some connections and build new ones later. Real friendships take time, shared values, and not just shared proximity. Be open, but don’t force it.
Join One Thing Outside Class (Even If You’re Shy)
Clubs aren’t just resume fluff — they’re how you find your people. Whether it’s the debate team, film society, dance crew, or meme-making group chat, joining just one thing can change your entire experience.
You don’t have to become president. Just show up, hang out, and see where it leads. Some of the best opportunities come from casual connections, not classes.
No One Cares What You Wear to Class
Forget what TV shows taught you. No one’s judging your outfit when half the class shows up in hoodies and flip-flops.
Dress for comfort, not performance. Save your “look put-together” energy for presentations and first dates, not 8am stats lectures.
Time Moves Fast — But So Do Burnouts
The semester flies by — until week 10 hits and you’re drowning in deadlines. The trick? Pace yourself.
Use a planner or calendar from the start (even a basic one). Break assignments into small pieces. Don't wait until the night before to do everything — even if that’s your current vibe.
And yes, take breaks. Burning out by midterm season isn’t impressive. It just makes everything harder.
Learn How to Feed Yourself Without Going Broke
Cafeteria food gets old fast. Takeout eats your budget. And cereal three times a day? Not sustainable.
You don’t need to be a chef. Just learn 5 cheap, decent meals — like pasta, eggs and toast, rice bowls, or frozen dumplings. Also: bring a water bottle and reusable coffee cup. Little expenses add up fast.
Budgeting Isn’t Just for “Money People”
You don’t need to become a finance bro to keep your wallet in check. You just need to know where your money is going.
Track your spending for one week. Notice your habits. Cut back on things you don’t actually enjoy. Set a weekly limit for snacks, coffee, or impulse Shopee hauls. The earlier you get this down, the less stressed you’ll be later.
Roommates Can Be Amazing… or a Total Rollercoaster
Living with someone isn’t always smooth. Dishes, noise, different sleep schedules, passive-aggressive sticky notes — it happens.
The key? Talk early, set boundaries, and pick your battles. A roommate agreement (yes, like a real one) can save your friendship and your sanity.
If it gets bad, don’t suffer in silence. Talk to your RA or housing team — you’re allowed to ask for help.
Professors Are People Too — Talk to Them
Office hours sound scary, but they’re so useful. Whether you’re confused about material, want help before an exam, or just want to connect — show up.
Professors remember students who make an effort. That can mean better references, insider advice, and sometimes... knowing which questions might show up on the exam.
Take Advantage of Free Stuff (Seriously)
Most unis offer:
Career workshops
Mental health counseling
Free tutoring or writing help
Gym memberships
Job boards
Lecture recordings
You’re paying for these through your tuition. Use them.
And speaking of making study easier…
Tech Can Save Your Grades — If You Use It Right
Let’s be honest: lectures pile up. Notes get messy. Your brain zones out halfway through. That’s where something like Duetoday AI comes in clutch.
It’s a smart AI notepad built for students. You can record and transcribe lectures, turn them into neat study notes, generate flashcards, and even chat with your lectures like “what did she mean in slide 12?” using built-in ChatGPT.
Instead of rewatching 90-minute Zooms, you get organized, searchable notes in minutes. It's like having a study assistant that actually gets your schedule. Try it free and keep your first-year chaos under control.
You’ll Change — Let It Happen
The person you are in week 1? You won’t be the same by the end of the year. That’s the whole point.
You might switch majors. Drop a toxic group. Find a passion you didn’t expect. University isn’t just about lectures — it’s where you try, fail, learn, unlearn, and grow.
Don’t hold yourself to who you were in high school. You’re allowed to evolve.
FAQ
Is it normal to feel lost during first year?
Yes. Almost everyone does, even if they don’t show it. The first year is about figuring things out — not getting everything right.
What if I don’t like my major?
Explore early. Talk to advisors, try electives, and switch if needed. It’s easier to change directions in year one than later.
How do I stay motivated?
Small goals. Celebrate progress. Use tools that keep you organized. And don’t go at it alone — study groups, AI notepads, and campus resources all help.
