Starting university is one of those life milestones that feels both exciting and terrifying. For months, I imagined what campus would be like—freedom, new friends, parties, and late-night study sessions. But when I actually arrived, reality hit hard. University was amazing, yes, but it also came with challenges I wasn’t prepared for.

Looking back now, I wish I had gone in with a little more knowledge. So here’s my honest advice to incoming freshmen: the things I wish someone had told me before I started my first year. Hopefully, it saves you from a few of the mistakes I made.

You Don’t Need to Have It All Figured Out

One of the biggest myths about university is that you’re supposed to know exactly what you want to do with your life from day one. I thought my major choice locked me into a career forever. Spoiler: it doesn’t.

Plenty of students change majors—sometimes more than once. Even if you stick with your original choice, it’s completely normal not to have your career path mapped out. University is about exploring, experimenting, and discovering what excites you. Don’t panic if you don’t have a five-year plan yet.

Time Management Will Make or Break You

In high school, teachers remind you of deadlines constantly. At university, professors assume you’re responsible enough to keep track. The workload can pile up fast, especially if you’re juggling classes, part-time work, and a social life.

The smartest thing you can do is learn time management early. Use a planner, a digital calendar, or apps to track assignments and exams. Break big projects into smaller steps, and don’t fall into the trap of last-minute cramming. Trust me, pulling three all-nighters in a row is not a personality trait—it’s a recipe for burnout.

Friends Take Time to Find

Movies make it seem like you’ll meet your lifelong best friends during orientation week. The reality is usually slower. Making genuine connections takes time. You might not click instantly with your roommate, and that’s okay.

Join clubs, go to events, talk to classmates, and keep showing up. The more you put yourself out there, the more likely you’ll find your people. Don’t stress if your social circle doesn’t form overnight.

It’s Okay to Ask for Help

A lot of freshmen feel like they have to “figure it out” on their own. But here’s the thing—universities are full of resources designed to help you. Writing centers, tutoring services, counseling, academic advisors—they exist for a reason.

Asking for help doesn’t make you weak; it makes you smart. I wish I’d visited office hours sooner instead of silently struggling through difficult assignments. Professors are usually more approachable than you think.

Money Disappears Fast (Budgeting Matters)

Between textbooks, takeout, coffee, and nights out, money flies out of your account faster than you expect. I learned the hard way when I had $10 left in my bank account two weeks before payday.

Set a realistic budget and actually stick to it. Look for student discounts, buy used textbooks, and learn to cook simple meals. You don’t need to live like a monk, but you do need to keep an eye on your spending.