Tips I Would Give to My Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior Self
Entering into your first year of university can be terrifying, full of the unknown! Lucky for you, we have tips for every step of the way during your college years…
AUSLEEN ACOSTA | FEB. 12, 2021
Reflecting on my college experience, there are many things that I wish I knew. Some things sillier than others; like how spending the majority of my meal plan on Starbucks is not worth it in the end or spending all night in the library is not the most effective way of studying. There are things that I wish I never done, but ultimately, my college experience wouldn’t be what it is without all of these mistakes! You live and you learn, and I’m here to tell you some of the things that I wish I had done and things that I wish I avoided in my college career.
TIPS FOR MY FRESHMAN YEAR SELF:
Freshman year is probably the easiest time for you to make friends. Put yourself out there! Whether it’s conversing in the hallway of your dorm or joining different clubs on campus, take advantage of you being in a new environment with people who are also experiencing the same thing. Essentially, every Freshman in college is looking for the same thing - genuine connections and a place to call home. Step out of your comfort zone and ask people around you to get lunch, hang out after class, or study! Although times may look a little different due to the pandemic, don’t be afraid to reach out virtually or hang out with others in a safe manner!
TIPS FOR MY SOPHOMORE YEAR SELF:
Something that I wish I was more aware of during my Sophomore year of college is to manage my time wisely! From balancing school, work, and extra-curricular activities, I found myself sleeping for about 4-5 hours every night simply because I didn’t manage my time more effectively. Looking back, there was absolutely no reason to put my body through that much stress and it could’ve been easily avoided if I planned my day by the hour. Doing things such as getting an early start to your day, completing your most important tasks first, being conscientious of the amount of time spent on your phone, and avoiding naps will save you so much time throughout the day and will boost your productivity. I would tell myself that there is enough time in the day to get everything done and emphasize the importance of prioritizing. Work smarter, not harder!
TIPS FOR MY JUNIOR YEAR SELF:
Junior year is typically the time where we’re starting to branch out in taking our major classes, and I really wish I found hands-on opportunities in my desired field. Whether it’s a paid or unpaid internship, interns get a first-hand look at what it’s like to work for an employer in the real world. This is the time where you find what you like and don’t like in companies, employers, and your preferred career. There are so many benefits in internships such as networking, interpersonal relationships, and resume-building! Now more than ever, I realize the value of internships because it essentially leads to increased opportunities for the future.
TIPS FOR MY SENIOR SELF:
With graduation quickly approaching, you could only imagine the anxiety that every college senior is feeling. People are constantly asking what you’re going to do after college, and considering the fact that we’re STILL in a pandemic, many of us might not have an answer. The confusion and uncertainty begin to consume us to a point where we’ll stay up worrying about what our next move is. How could we possibly know what we’re doing next when the majority of our life has been structured around the education system?
The answer that I slowly found out was very simple - it’s okay to not know. If there was one piece of advice that I would give myself, it would be to trust the process and know that everything is going to fall together in the end. There are many things that we can’t control, especially given our circumstances, but there is so much beauty in that. We should be excited that there are unlimited possibilities after college; new job opportunities, new relationships, and some may even move to new cities. It’s important to focus on where we are in life at this very moment, and to enjoy it!
College is a place to make mistakes, learn, and enjoy! You’re going to cross paths with so many amazing people and create memories that you will remember for the rest of your life. Savor the moment and appreciate every moment. We wish you the best in your future endeavors at SDSU!