What I’d Tell Myself During My Freshman Year of College

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Looking Back on Freshman Year of College

If I could talk to my freshman self, I’d start with this: Don’t be so hard on yourself.

Senior year of high school had been cut short, and summer break turned into a five-month blur. COVID hit, and suddenly the “best years of your life” that everyone raved about felt like they might get snatched away before they even began. Everything was virtual, classes, events, even socializing. And yeah, some of the folks in the meal plan building weren’t exactly the friendliest. There was this pressure to make friends, but honestly, how? Most people already knew each other from before, and you were stepping into UC as a lone wolf; no one from your high school was there.

Still, a part of you felt hopeful. Maybe college could be a fresh start for your mental health after how rough high school was. But underneath that hope was fear: what if it doesn’t work out? That first semester just didn’t feel right. And so, you made the tough decision to go back home for the second semester. Looking back now, I know you were disappointed in yourself for not paying closer attention to what was happening around you, but here’s the truth: you just weren’t in the right place yet. And that’s okay.

You Won't Have It All Figured Out (and That's Okay)

I didn’t have friends my freshman year of college, and looking back, that was fine. Why? Because once I had more control over my situation and classes started to feel normal again, I told myself: "I’m putting myself in the right situations. I’m giving myself the best shot to meet people, go to events, and enjoy this place." So yeah, freshman me, you felt stuck. But once the chains started to loosen and things opened up again, you were unstoppable.

It wasn’t perfect. The execution was messy sometimes. But you found your footing. You missed your chance to apply for honors early, so what? Trust me, you won’t even care about that later. Your resume’s going to stack up regardless. And even if you didn’t believe it then, you do want it bad enough to succeed. You just hadn’t built the toolbox, or as we like to say, your “bag” yet.

Some problems won’t magically go away. You’ll just learn how to manage them better. You kept saying, “I don’t have time.” Dude, you had plenty of time to build that toolbox. But you know what? I still respect the urgency you had. You wanted to move. You wanted to grow. And yeah, while it wasn’t your fault, if I could go back, I’d smack you and say: that thing you’re stressing about? It’s not even worth your energy.

Work Smarter, Not Harder

You weren’t in the right headspace, especially during those remote classes, and honestly, that’s fair. There’s a reason UC had a pass/fail option in your freshman year. Whether you want to beat yourself up about it or not, getting a C and switching it to a “pass” wasn’t a failure. You deserved to pass.

Now let’s be real: watching lectures half-asleep in bed was… a choice (sorry, Business Foundations). But also, shoutout to you, that’s kind of iconic. Still, I wish I could tell you: please start studying earlier. Don’t wait until the last minute. Trust me, Batman Beyond and Static Shock can wait. If I had a time machine, I’d travel back just to drop this blog post in your lap about how to study. Although you might feel a twinge of jealousy over the fact that ChatGPT or AskSia hasn't been released yet.

And I know you’d probably say, “Wait… are we gonna ignore the fact I made a website in the future?” Yes. Yes, we are, because I need you to focus. I know you’re daydreaming even while I’m talking to you. I respect your effort, I really do. But my god, stop putting yourself in positions where you have to climb a mountain just to turn in an assignment. Make things easier for future you, not harder.

Take Care of You, Too

When things didn’t go your way, you had a habit of trying way too hard to get it all back at once. Slow down. There’s no rush. What do you think will happen if you don’t bounce back immediately? You’re thinking way too far ahead, and it’s just weighing you down. Stay present. It’s only year one out of four, and honestly? It barely even feels like your real first year.

Let go of that “I’m fine, I’m young” mindset; it’s not the whole truth. Take care of yourself. Enjoy Keystone's Mac Shack, keep hitting up Bibibop, but maybe chill on the chocolate-covered pretzels from Target. Get enough sleep. Build consistent hygiene habits. You’ve got time to focus on your mental health. You don’t even have a social life yet; that comes later, so stop stressing.

Oh, and maybe take a peek at that Freshman Year Survival Guide book your sister got you. There’s some solid stuff in there. And when the intrusive thoughts start creeping in? Just say: “Look, I get you’re trying to help. But I got this.”

A Note to My Freshman Self

From: 2025 Ravi, To: 2020 Ravi

You had the right sense of urgency. Sure, your execution was shaky, but I can forgive you for not knowing how to handle the challenges you faced. The important thing is, you tried. And eventually, you figured it out. Your fears back then? They were valid. But just know this: it all ends up being okay. You do reach your goals. Just be patient a little longer and trust that it’ll work out.

Once you're back in control, bring that same urgency, not just into schoolwork, but into living. Making memories. Making friends. And as for what you said on your first day, sitting in that dorm room with the AC accidentally off, telling yourself, “This city will be mine,” okay, maybe that was a bit of a stretch.

But guess what? You find your way. You win over the respect of the people you meet. And eventually, your name echoes in the places that matter most.

Links:

https://www.asksia.ai/ - AI Study Tool