Don’t Take Our Word for It — Take Theirs

Last month, we hosted a webinar panel featuring four Throughline Guidance alumni from diverse institutions — Lewis & Clark, Texas Christian University, Berkeley, and the United States Air Force Academy — to discuss their first year of college. We last spoke to these students around their decision-making process after receiving their college admission decisions, and after having spent months (and with some, years) getting to know them through their high school experience and college application cycle.

Each student is from a different part of the country, highlighting the wide range of experiences students have — which can help prospective students feel more understood and less alone in their journey.

We covered topics ranging from how they spent their time between being accepted and moving on campus, to roommate selection, to on-campus resources (i.e., discovering the beauty of libraries!) and more. Despite their different experiences, we discovered so much common ground and shared themes.

Let Go of Expectations

While all four students agreed it was hard not to have expectations going into college, they also agreed there was more flow (and fun) when there was room for surprise. This applied to roommate experiences, narrowing in on a major, and participating in student clubs and organizations.

One student shared that the roommate they thought would be a perfect match on paper actually didn’t work out, leading them to adjust their housing placement during the year and eventually room with someone with totally different interests. This setup turned out to be a pleasant surprise, with much more flow than before.

Students can try to approach their own expectations with flexibility, allowing room for unexpected opportunities and growth.

All four students also spoke to the value in trying activities or going to clubs and meetings that are totally new — from biology to religion. They each gave themselves permission to explore, put themselves out there, and see what happened, which led to new friendships, new interests, and even a nudge to choose a major or minor they hadn’t considered before! This can inspire current and prospective students to feel excited about discovering new opportunities without fear of failure.

It’s Everyone’s First Time!

Working in higher education, I’d regularly hear students share how they thought they were the only ones who got behind on assignments, who weren’t the most comfortable approaching their professors and TAs, or who didn’t have a robust social life when academic demands increased.

Our students shared the wisdom that it’s helpful to remember everyone is attending their first year of college at the same time. Knowing that others face similar struggles — like managing coursework, building friendships, or navigating new environments — can help students feel less isolated and more supported in their journey.

No one knows what they’re doing, which in this case can be a relief. There’s no wrong way of doing college if you’re trying.

It’s vulnerable and sometimes nerve-racking, but the common consensus is that there’s great reward for putting yourself out there and seeing where it leads.

Time Management

There’s no doubt that a massive developmental shift occurs in college. What used to be partially maintained by parents and teachers — such as keeping up with due dates, assignments, and grades — falls solely on students, all while establishing new friendships, being responsible for all meals, and being away from home.

Even high-achieving students can struggle with this transition during the first year of college, as our webinar confirmed.

Each student shared the common struggle of fumbling through finding where they did their best work — libraries for some, coffee shops for others — how to manage time (sometimes through not managing it very well), and accepting that it likely will look different each semester when class schedules and demands change.

The Best Advice

“The School isn’t as important as what you do there.” - Couper

“Choosing a roommate who is just like you on paper might not always be the best idea.” - Wren

“Lean on the people around you. In the beginning, it will be hard but I know there are people around you who feel the exact same way.” - Sophia

"Use the library! The people are super helpful there." - Max

How We Fit In

We’re lucky enough to support students far after college application season. Our Freshman Year Guidance program was intentionally designed to support students through their transition to college, providing them with a college concierge who acts as their guide on the side to ensure they have support through the inevitable adjustments and curveballs that come.

We know the start of the academic year is around the corner, and we’re still accepting students to onboard! Book a discovery call today to learn more about the low-cost monthly calls and resources available to students.

And For The Rising High School Seniors…