Advice for first-years as a second-year that I wish I knew from the start!

The first year is always hard for newcomers to university, especially those who are moving into dorms on campus. While newcomers are given so much information, and all the support they receive is wonderful, there are things they don’t tell you that I learned from my first year on my own. Frankly these are things I wish I knew when I got here, or even before I moved in.

From what to pack to advice on making new friends despite feelings of anxiety, there is so much to keep track of when we are in a new environment.

Since the start of my first year, so much in my life has changed. Moving into dorms was so scary, especially coming from a small town and leaving my family behind. While you can prepare for moving in by packing essentials like cold medicine and your favourite books, things are never quite the same.  

While some essentials are obvious, there are lots of less obvious items you should add to your packing list. One thing that I believe all first-years should bring and turn on the very first day, before you even fully unpack, is a fan. In late August, the heat is blistering and enraging. Some of the dorm buildings are old and do not have central air conditioning, and with all the busy bodies coming in and out during move-in, it can get quite hot. 

Unpacking in the heat and trying to figure out where to put everything while your parents are also hovering over your shoulder, trying to support you, is not an ideal situation. You must get that fan in the dorm room and turn it on before you try to tackle moving your suitcases in.. 

It can feel overwhelming with the rush of other new students and their parents helping them unpack, but the fan is one small thing you can do to help. As soon as you are settled, things will fall into place. 

Last year, I was so terrified and was unsure about making friends. As someone with social anxiety, the idea of having to try and make friends felt more of an overwhelming challenge than a fun thing to do. 

It’s hard to face your fears, but the best thing you can do for your campus social life is to join in on fun activities and introduce yourself to those around you. If you are somewhere on campus and see someone walking by, compliment them! It helps to start the conversation,  share common interests and is the perfect icebreaker! 

I am so grateful I learned to come out of my shell last year. We are only a few weeks into this year, and I am thoroughly enjoying giving compliments and meeting others. You never know how many cool people are around you who think that you are just as cool. 

Another piece of advice that I have is to reach out to people in class. It works and is easy, even for people like me with anxiety. Not only can you make new friends, but you will always need to have at least one person in every one of your classes that can support you, and you can support in return. Who knows, if they are in your class, they might even be in your major!

Being more open and more interactive with people really helped build my confidence. I was always so anxious and self-conscious my first year, and this year I just want to focus on my own well-being and find friends who are interested in the same. It can be scary to step out of your comfort zone, but you never know what doors will open and what wonderful memories you will make on the other side! 

We all need a little help in the first year. In a way, I am grateful that I got to learn along the way, but I know firsthand that extra tips really do help in the long run, so you don’t have to learn the hard way. 

One of the biggest things I struggled with during my first year living on campus was remembering my keycard. I locked myself out of my dorm so many times that I racked up a bill at the end of the year. 

While lanyards or retractable keychains can work wonders, the thing that worked best for me was a card holder that sticks to the back of my phone. 

Most, if not all of us, have our phones attached to our hips. I’ve gotten into the habit of checking now, but sometimes diligence fails you. While you can sometimes forget a wallet, you seldom forget your phone. Whenever I have my phone, I know for sure my card is in the back of the holder. If you have a habit of forgetting things like me, consider purchasing one. My cheap stick-on card holder for my phone case has been the best purchase ever for living in dorms! 

Starting university can be a big transition, and while it can feel overwhelming, it is also filled with opportunity and wonderful memories. 

You don’t need to figure everything out all at once. The first year is less about being perfect and well-prepared, and more about learning about yourself—how you learn, live independently and how to solve  challenges when these intersect. 

Mishaps and mistakes will happen in your first year, but it can teach you great things if you keep your mind open. What matters most is staying curious and asking questions, and remembering everyone else was once a first-year too. Try to focus on progress and not comparison because what might work for someone else might not work for you, and that’s okay! 

Lanyards didn’t work for me to remember my key, but eventually I found phone card holders which worked. Always be willing to try, adjust and try again! 

Remember you are here for a reason. Whether you are chasing your passions or trying to figure out what you want to be, if you keep that in mind, you will find your way through your first year and beyond!