My first year was a whirlwind, to say the least. It’s exciting, frightening, nerve-wracking and intimidating. People tell you that college is going to be the best time of your life, which can make it seem like this big, ominous thing that you have to do correctly. I’ve learned that “doing college right” is not a real thing. I mean, it is, but not in the straight line, stereotypical way everyone means. 

I don’t think there is one explicit right way to do college. Believing you have to do college the right way creates a lot of apprehension and misconceptions. Don’t stress yourself about having the “right” college experience — it’s not worth your time or your energy. 

Starting college is a daunting prospect for many first-year students. Leaving behind the familiarity of your hometown, coming into a new environment with unfamiliar faces and the academic rigors college holds all contribute to experiencing feelings of anxiety and apprehension.

Academics, and the prospect of higher education, is formidable for many students — and trust me, it doesn’t get any better. Classes are always intimidating, but college classes are meant to be hard — they are meant to test and prepare you. Although classes can be hard and you may even have to retake a class, it will all work out in the end, and it’s not the end of the world. College allows you the opportunity to explore various ranges of academic interests. 

Compared to high school, you have the freedom and flexibility you want in selecting your courses, allowing you to experience and learn new things — even if you don’t end up with an A in the class. I randomly took “Introduction to Public Service” my first-year spring and ended up loving the class and adding it as my second major that same semester. 

Another misconception about college and higher education is that your professors are going to care less than they did in high school, which is something I vehemently disagree with. Yes, they are going to be harder on you and not handhold you or hound you if you don’t turn in an assignment, but at the end of the day, they don’t want to fail you or see you fail. 

Professors start their careers with the desire to help their students — that’s kind of the whole point of a teaching career. At the end of the day, even though they may be hard on you or not grade your assignment the way you want, their intention isn’t to make you feel horrible or to fail you — they want to see you improve and get better. Creating meaningful relationships with your professors, something I have been fortunate enough to do, helps you to see that they truly want you to succeed. 

Along with academic opportunities comes the personal and social side of college. Although all of us have different reasons for attending a higher education institution, the social aspect is something everyone experiences. Most incoming first-year students are nervous about the idea of meeting people and making friends, worrying they won’t be able to or that it will be difficult. This social aspect of college is challenging, but unlike high school, there are so many opportunities to meet new people. Joining clubs and getting involved on campus in some way is a perfect opportunity to meet new people who have similar interests to you. Many of my friendships would have never occurred if it wasn’t for me trying out new experiences. 

One of the positives of a college experience is forging meaningful connections with people you will meet from various backgrounds, which is something you may not have had the opportunity to experience in your hometown. The connections you make form the creation of lifelong friendships whether it’s through dormitory life, student organizations or classes and will continue to happen throughout your four years here at Pitt. The friends you make this first year can stick with you all four years, but you will also continue to have adventures that allow you to form connections with people throughout your entire college experience. 

One of the most intriguing aspects of college is gaining some newfound freedom and independence. Most likely, this is your first time living away from home without your family support system, which creates challenges but also opportunities for growth. For many, this may be your first time experiencing some true independence. You’re able to choose whatever classes you like, leave your dorm or apartment whenever you feel like — I personally enjoy a good, safe night walk — and decide how you want to spend your time. This newfound freedom can be empowering and feel like you are becoming an adult — which you are.  Experiencing the freedom college brings you is one of the most anticipated aspects of it, providing you with a little glimmer of adult life and the opportunities to mature. 

While the transition to college life may present challenges, it is important to recognize these challenges as opportunities for personal and academic growth. The first year of college is a time to step out of your comfort zone, embrace new experiences and grow in your academic and personal lives. Remember to approach this new chapter with an open mind and a spirit of curiosity. Rather than viewing challenges as setbacks, embrace them as opportunities for learning and self-improvement. 

While the first year of college may seem intimidating at first glance, it is a transformative journey filled with opportunities for exploration, self-discovery and personal growth. By embracing the adventure and being open to new experiences and challenges, your first year can help you get the most out of your college experience and remind you to continue to get out of your comfort zone.

Emily O’Neil writes primarily about societal issues, politics and campus life. Write to her at [email protected].