What I Learned My Freshman Year of College

Starting college is a major milestone, filled with new experiences, opportunities, and challenges. As a freshman, I was excited yet anxious about what college life would be like. Reflecting on my first year, I’ve realized how much I’ve learned—from academic growth to personal development. In this post, I’m sharing the top four lessons I learned during my first year of college.

#1 Things Don’t Always Stay the Same

When I first got to college, I was nervous and scared. I thought I would be alone with no friends, just locked in my room all day. But I was wrong. I quickly made a group of friends and thought we’d be inseparable. However, once the school year started, things changed. Some of us became more involved in different activities and met new people. It wasn’t bad; it’s just part of life. I had hoped we’d stay close throughout college, like in the movies, but that didn’t happen. People grow, and that’s okay. I’ve accepted that this is just my freshman year, and I still have three more years to form lasting relationships with people who will become lifelong friends.

#2 Boys Are Not Mature! Run Far Away

I’ll keep this one short—this could be a whole story on its own. When I first got to college, I wasn’t looking for a relationship, especially since I was coming from a complicated one. I thought I’d find mature guys who knew what they wanted, but nope! The truth is, many college boys are still figuring it out, and it’s honestly embarrassing for them, not for me. I’m grateful for the experience, though—it taught me that I deserve more. College is about finding yourself. Focus on building friendships and discovering your passions first. When the right person comes along, they’ll appreciate you for who you are.

#3 Comparison is the Thief of Joy

College is hard, not just because of the workload, but because of the mental toll it takes—especially when comparing yourself to others. I’ve always been a good student, but when I got to college, things changed. I struggled academically and even failed a couple of classes my first semester. But that doesn’t define me, and it shouldn’t define you either. Everyone learns differently, and finding the study methods that work for you is key. Also, don’t compare your major or career path to others. I entered college as an elementary education major, but I soon realized it wasn’t the right fit for me. I still don’t know exactly what I want to do, but I’ve learned that’s okay. Trust that the right path will reveal itself in time.

#4 Self-Care is Essential

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is the importance of self-care. College can be overwhelming, and it’s easy to neglect your physical and mental health. I used to feel the pressure to always be social—studying with friends, going out, attending events—but after a while, it became exhausting. I learned that it’s okay to take time for myself. Saying no sometimes is necessary, and it’s important to know your boundaries. You can still collect memories with friends, but you also need to prioritize your peace. Don’t feel guilty for taking breaks, because you can’t do everything. Protecting your mental health is just as important as your academics.

As I enter my sophomore year, I’m carrying these lessons with me. I hope this post offers some peace to those who’ve had similar experiences and insight to those about to start their college journey. You’ve got this! Just remember: protect your peace, make some great friends, stay away from the boys (find real men!), and GO TO CLASS! Please.

Before I close out this post, I have attached some of you guys’ responses to the poll I asked a few days ago about what you learned your freshmen year and I thought they all were intriguing and relatable. So, thank you to those who did respond, you are much appreciated.