1/8ish

As I approach my last semester, I’ve been thinking about what I wished I knew coming in - I read so many of these lists in high school too.

And sometimes you don’t really understand something until it happens to you ¯\\_(ツ)_/¯

#college #freshmen #advice #classof2024 #LU

2a/8

You don’t need to have it figured out.

Seriously. But you do need to be actively trying to do so. Even though I didn’t change my major, I went through a lot of potential careers to find what I’m pursuing today.

#college #freshmen #advice #classof2024 #LU

2b/8

Even the most passionate pre-med (now medical) student I know had doubts about what he was pursuing. Everyone has doubts from time to time, but we have to keep going with the best information we have at the moment.

#college #freshmen #advice #classof2024 #LU

3a/8

Ask and you shall probably receive.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve needed my uni to do something super niche and by asking either the exact question, or asking “who should I talk to”, I’ve been able to make it happen.

#college #freshmen #advice #classof2024 #LU

3b/8

A common complaint is that admin is never helpful, but it’s probably because the wrong person was asked the question. People don’t go into higher ed for money, they go because they want to help us students. Help them help you.

#college #freshmen #advice #classof2024 #LU

4a/8

Networking... what a mysterious word

It’s really about creating relationships with the context of your career, rather than for friendship. Really it’s kind of both. Have you ever asked for help from an older person? Tutoring?

#college #freshmen #advice #classof2024 #LU

4b/8

That’s literally all it is, but you’re asking for help with your career or professional goals. There’s a ton of people that want to help, but be sure you respect their time by asking specific questions. Again, help them help you.

#college #freshmen #advice #classof2024 #LU

5a/8

Research your industry!

Too many people wait until junior year for this. I see people realize a) they don’t actually like their major or b) they’re missing a critical line in their resume, usually internship or similar

#college #freshmen #advice #classof2024 #LU

5b/8

Learn as much about what you can about your field outside of class. Not *required* but this will help with decision making with #2 and create talking points/stand out for #4.

#college #freshmen #advice #classof2024 #LU

5c/8

Start by finding what the biggest challenges facing the ___ industry? Trends?

Literally just google it, if there’s anything that’s jargon, google that too.

#college #freshmen #advice #classof2024 #LU

6/8

Keep applying for scholarships

There’s a number of scholarships available after you start. Look at your departments, student orgs, or local businesses/nonprofits. This is where getting involved w/ your community can help too

#college #freshmen #advice #classof2024 #LU

7/8

Get your finances together

At least, be mindful of what you’re spending by eating out. Prob the biggest unexpected cost.

If you want next steps, learn up on credit, taxes, investments (even if you don’t have money to invest now)

#college #freshmen #advice #classof2024 #LU

8a/8

Find friends to share these goals with

College is a lot to take in. Finding a good support system is crucial to making things happen and staying sane.

Doesn’t need to be the same friend for everything either.

#college #freshmen #advice #classof2024 #LU

8b/8

When people say lifelong friends are found in college, it’s because that’s when we begin to define our values and/or aspirations, and find people who share them.

At least, that’s how I found mine.

#college #freshmen #advice #classof2024 #LU

Final thoughts:

If you’ve made it this far, you’re curious-which is the most important part. Continue to ask the right questions and you’ll be on your way.

Good luck, I hope this was useful!

Feel free to add any others good ones I missed! As always, DMs & questions are welcome