What I Wish I Knew As A Freshman

Four years here can teach you a lot. There are many things that I wish someone would’ve told me as a freshman that I hope will help any incoming freshman feel a little bit more prepared.

Academics

Academics at Auburn are challenging, and that’s something I wish I had taken more seriously. In high school, I was the type to not study or do a lick of homework and still graduated with a 4.0. That is definitely not the case in college. It will be a hard transition, but with the right determination and work ethic, you can do it.

Some of the most helpful bits of advice are to first, go to class. Maybe it seems fun to skip, but you’re missing out on opportunities to build relationships with your classmates and professors. Building relationships with your professors will have such a positive impact on your academics and your time at Auburn. They’ll be more open to offering you extra credit and more willing to help when you need it. Being a familiar face to them is a great thing.

Supplemental Instruction (SI) is a lifesaver when it comes to some of those harder prerequisites. Try to find a way to attend these. You’ll have a chance to ask specific questions about content, study for exams, and connect with people in your class.

Lastly, take advantage of those “easier” courses your first year. If you do well in them, it will give your GPA a nice cushion for when you get to your harder major-specific courses. Academics here will be challenging but trust yourself and know that it’s okay if your success in college looks a bit different than high school. You’re still doing an awesome job!

Involvement

“Get involved” is a phrase you will hear about a million times your freshman year. I remember being so confused about what that even meant. Get involved with what? How? Where? As someone who skipped out on involvement during her first semester, I can tell you not to make the same mistake I did.

Involvement means joining any of the 500-plus organizations we have here. This could be Greek life, service organizations like Beat Bama Food Drive, academic organizations (every major has one), or social clubs like the Dungeons and Dragons Club. There is quite literally something for everybody here.

It is recommended to try to join two clubs while you are a student, one that aligns with your major and one just for fun. If you are feeling overwhelmed by where to start, take a scroll through AUInvolve. That is the online database of all organizations where you can read about their mission, membership requirements, and how to join.

If you want some one-on-one help, take a trip to the Involvement Ambassadors. They can get to know your interests and help you find organizations that fit you best. Don’t be discouraged if that first interview doesn’t go your way, it happens to the best of us. Keep applying, you’ll find the perfect place for you. But seriously, getting involved will enhance your experience at Auburn tenfold. You will find community and purpose. I know it is scary but take that first leap of faith and do it. You will not regret it.

College will be the most transformative years of your life. You will laugh a lot, cry even more, feel homesick, meet your best friends, and experience so much more. But soak it all in, the good and the bad. These years will fly by, and before you know it, you’ll be a senior.

Be yourself and remember, your timeline is different from everyone else’s. Don’t waste these years comparing yourself to others. Embrace every moment and trust that everything will unfold as it should. These years are yours to shape, and if you let it, Auburn will leave a lasting mark on who you are and who you’ll become.

Good luck and War Eagle!

Be Well, Auburn.