10 THINGS I WISH I KNEW BEFORE MY FRESHMAN YEAR

We are officially two weeks away from the first day of the Fall 2023 semester. As the start   date of your freshman year approaches, you might feel overwhelmed and anxious. Going to college seems like the next logical step for most high school graduates, yet nobody knows what to expect.

The most challenging aspect of starting your journey at UTRGV is making a smooth transition from high school to college. For some, the first day will be the start of their adulthood; being away from home and comfort. For others, it will be uncertain and filled with doubt. Whatever the first day of freshman year means to you, prepare in advance with the advice of your fellow vaqueros here at Pulse Magazine. 

10. Take advantage of the opportunities on-campus 

One key piece of advice from current UTRGV seniors is to take advantage of jobs, internships and research opportunities to build your resume before graduation. Seniors also recommend building a connection with professors and other faculty members, as well as taking advantage of valuable resources like the Career Center to benefit from their expertise and guidance.  

9. Plan, plan, plan! 

There is no worse feeling than cramming for an exam the night before with your desk a mess and a Celsius in hand. Pulling all-nighters should not be the norm for midterms and finals week, so plan ahead! Mark assignments, important quizzes and exams on your agenda. Study in advance and set yourself up for success.

8. Form a relationship with your adviser

Mercy O. Azeke, director of academic advising, encourages students to form strong relationships with their advisers and to meet with them at least twice a semester. Academic advisers are here to cheer you on and guide you through your Vaquero journey. Meet with them! 

7. Get involved! Find a student organization and community on-campus

Feeling a sense of community and belonging is essential for a good college experience. In V-Link, students can access numerous organizations that will help them connect with different areas. These offer helpful advice and several opportunities to excel, such as internships, competitions, and skill development workshops.

6. Know your potential 

Transitioning from high school to college-level courses is humbling, to say the least. While it might be tempting to choose easy courses and do the bare minimum, be aware of your capabilities.  Do not be intimidated to step out of the box and try something different than the rest of your peers. Always be interested to learn, grow, and become a better student or professional. 

5. Changing your major is not the end of the world 

Your first year is meant to make you second guess your choices, from your style to the major you are pursuing. That is the beauty of being a freshman; you will grow, change, adapt, and talk with many different people, which will definitely change your perspective on your plans. Talk with other students or faculty members in fields of your interest and avoid hyper-fixation in one area alone. Explore your options and do not be afraid to change your major to fit your new ambitions. 

4. Discover your studying technique 

One of the most important steps in transitioning from high school to college is learning how to study properly. Explore different studying techniques with your academic advisor and ask for peer mentors’ guidance to succeed in your freshman year. 

3. Make a friend in every class

The greatest advice I have ever received is to always know at least someone in every class you are enrolled in, even if it is online asynchronous. In case you miss a lecture, misunderstand an assignment or simply need support, don’t be shy to make friends with the person sitting next to you. 

2. Keep up with deadlines and make sure you “StayOnTrack”

Senior Associate Director of Financial Aid, Robert Trevino, advises incoming Vaqueros to follow up with financial aid applications through email. Apply early for FAFSA or TASFA as soon as possible before Jan. 15 and make sure of selecting courses applicable to your degree to “StayOnTrack.” Take advantage of financial advisers available at UCENTRAL to receive guidance and maximize your opportunities to receive financial aid. 

1. No one knows what they are doing. You are not the only one!

College can be extremely daunting and uncertain for everyone. Half the time, you may not know what your professor is talking about or where your next class is. You may also be an undeclared major or have no idea of what you will do after graduation. The only certain thing about the next four years is that everyone is constantly in the same boat. We are just as lost as you are, do not feel alone!

Your undergraduate journey will be scary and difficult. You will question choosing your major or obsess over what you will do after graduating sometimes, but UTRGV faculty members and peers are always available to help and guide you through hard times. Take college as an opportunity to find yourself, discover your passions and have fun.

Good luck. Welcome Vaqueros and V’s up!