Even though you do have a lot of time before you’ll really have to decide, try to pick a major you see yourself sticking to before the middle of sophomore year. At least choose one that could definitely be a minor. Everyone will tell you that “you have so much time” and that they “know people who’ve switched majors seven times,” but switching around can really screw you over in terms of graduating on time. No one wants to be taking five classes the second half of senior year.
Don’t be shy. It’s really easy to get caught up in your own world at college, or be too nervous to reach out and make new friends. Don’t let yourself be the person sitting in his/her dorm room on Friday night because you “don’t know anyone yet.” It’s going to be uncomfortable at first, but you have to put yourself out there. This applies to all areas of life, like networking and your first job.
Be yourself, but don’t do anything too crazy freshman year. First impressions last. College might feel huge right now, but you’re going to be with these people for the next four years, and they will remember things.
Just because your class/lecture hall is massive, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have a relationship with your teacher. Even if you don’t have a question, go to your professor’s office hours at least once (seriously). This will go a long way. Maybe your essay wasn’t all that great, but if your professor knows you, he/she is way more likely to give you a better grade.
Listen to upperclassmen professor recommendations. You may think it doesn’t matter because it’s all the same material, but some professors' classes are 10 times harder than others.
Join clubs whether or not you know other people joining them. As a freshman it’s a little intimidating showing up to one of the 19 clubs you signed up for at the organizational fair, but just because you’re new doesn’t mean you don’t have a right to be there. Everyone will be SO happy you took the time to show up. Clubs are also great resume builders, and future employers will love to see that you’ve stuck with one since freshman year.
Put effort into staying in touch with your friends and family back home. You'll be so happy you did this when you come home for breaks.
Enjoy it. At this point you have very little responsibility and that will change in the next couple of years! Freshman year is so much fun. It can be scary, awkward at times, stressful, and emotional, but that's part of what makes it one of the best and most exciting years of your life.
