Let’s be honest—your first year of college is wild. It’s exciting, nerve-wracking, fun, overwhelming, and sometimes all of those emotions in the same day. One minute you’re feeling like you can take on the world, and the next you’re calling your mom asking how to do laundry. Welcome to the freshman year roller coaster.
This season is full of change, and with change comes ups and downs. The good news? You’re not alone, and there are ways to navigate this ride without getting completely thrown off track.
1. Expect the Unexpected
Things won’t always go the way you planned. Maybe your roommate isn’t what you expected, or your major suddenly feels wrong, or you fail your first quiz. That’s okay. College is less about perfection and more about learning to pivot. Let yourself be surprised, and don’t panic when things feel messy.
2. Stay Grounded in Your Faith
This season can stretch you, but it’s also a beautiful opportunity to grow spiritually. Make time for prayer, scripture, and a church community. Your relationship with God doesn’t have to take a backseat to your college experience—it can actually anchor you through it. And yes, you’ll mess up sometimes, but God’s grace isn’t going anywhere.
3. Learn How You Work Best
Everyone studies differently. Your high school habits might not work in college, and that’s totally normal. Try different study spots, time blocks, and tools. Figure out when you focus best and what helps you retain information. College isn’t just about learning content—it’s about learning how you learn.
4. Don’t Wait to Ask for Help
Whether it’s your mental health, your academics, or even homesickness, asking for help is not a sign of weakness. Use the resources around you—professors, counselors, advisors, older students. There’s strength in saying, “I need support.” The sooner you ask, the sooner things get better.
5. Take Care of Your Body and Mind
Sleep, eat, move. These things matter more than you think. It’s tempting to sacrifice rest for late-night cramming, but burnout sneaks up fast. Build rhythms of care that protect your energy. Rest is productive. Sabbath is holy. Your well-being is not a side project—it’s foundational.
6. Keep Showing Up
There will be days when you don’t feel like going to class, joining a group, or even leaving your room. Push through those moments. Growth happens in the showing up. College is a marathon, not a sprint, and consistency will take you further than perfection.
7. Celebrate the Small Wins
Did you go to office hours for the first time? Huge win. Met someone new? Amazing. Made it through your first exam week? Worth celebrating. Recognizing your progress—even when it feels small—keeps you encouraged and motivated.
Freshman year isn’t about getting everything right—it’s about learning how to keep going when things don’t go as planned. Ride the ups and downs with grace. Give yourself room to grow. You’re not expected to have it all figured out, but you are invited to show up fully and trust that God is with you every step of the way.
