What do you regret the most from your freshman year?
Don’t spend all of your Board Plus in the span of two weeks
Being a freshman is probably the most difficult experience most of us have had up to this point.
It’s a new town, a new school, and hundreds of new people. It’s constantly being busy and constantly being around people. No matter how much you do, there is always another p-set and another person to meet. It can be a bit of an overwhelming experience. Luckily, some upperclassmen were glad to give some advice.
Sarah, 19, Class of 2018, Government
In high school, I balanced a lot of different things, and I loved them all, but I didn’t really think purposefully about what classes I was taking because there were so few options. I thought that I could do the same thing here and be happy with my semester, but I wish I had used shopping week more fully and thought harder about what classes I was trying to balance with my other commitments and how much I would like them.
Lexi, 19, Class of 2018, Joint concentration in Government and Environmental Science and Public Policy
Avoid getting too competitive with your peers or comparing yourself to other people. This is a very depressing place if you feel like you have to be the best at everything, but if you can celebrate other people’s successes, I think you’ll find it very fulfilling. Worrying like that doesn’t get you anywhere, it can really hurt your self-esteem and your relationships with your friends. I most regret missing out on lectures and events around campus. Make sure to leave yourself enough to take advantage of cool opportunities that spring up at the last minute!
Sharon, 19, Class of 2018, Economics
Don’t spend all of your Board Plus in the span of two weeks. Taking five classes in a semester is a lot harder than it seems like at the beginning of the semester. Telling yourself you will watch the lectures online later is a lie. But most importantly – self-care is way underrated. Do the things that make you happy and don’t stress out too much.
Lenny, 19, Class of 2018 Integrative Biology
My advice for freshmen is to take advantage of the resources Harvard has. I wish I had made use of the Math Question Center, Office Hours, and Writing Center because I feel like I would have gotten more out of my freshman academic experience. Also getting to know resources at Office of Career Services and the Bureau of Study Council would have saved me more time than googling for hours on my own. Even if you don’t feel like you need these resources right now, going to know them now could be beneficial in the future.
Thomas, 20, Class of 2018, Economics
Lots of people tell you to keep your mind open to new things. My advice would be keep your mind open to new people. Coming to college and making new friends can be a stressful process, and it is easy to latch on to the first friends you make here. By keeping your mind open to the amazingly unique, accomplished community of students at Harvard, you will be amazed at how much you learn and grow from these relationships during your time here.
Jacob, 21, Class of 2016, Government
Join clubs, but know when to quit. Also, every group here is different, and many have their own unique cultures. As freshmen, you are in the best position to bring different groups and different people together, because upperclassmen often cut down their activities – so do it! Make genuine friends, and make time to see people. You’ll always be busy, and now is the time of your life where you have the most control over your schedule. Take advantage of it– make time for friends, and don’t just over-schedule yourself.
Reed, 19, Class of 2018, Social Studies
I wish I had realized I didn’t need to do everything or be at every party. FOMO is a dangerous beast, but college is so much more satisfying when you can wriggle it off your back.
Archie, 20, Class of 2017, Social Studies
Everybody says they regret not doing something, but I regret not even knowing about those things. There is a difference between doing something if it falls in your lap, and actually seeking out the things that you want to do. I regret not making the effort to find all the amazing things that would have interested me if I had only known about them. This research is so easy and so rewarding, and it can be as simple as just looking through the list of groups on campus, or going to the activities fair after freshman year.
Overall, the advice we heard had its core in one message: do what makes you happy. Care for yourself. Love yourself. Sometimes, even treat yourself.