“Stay curious, continue to try new things, and be open to meeting new people! – Julia (Park Ridge, IL) Music Composition & Learning and Organizational Change (LOC)

 

“Get involved in student groups, even ones you never expected to join! There are so many groups on campus that you are bound to find something you are passionate about, even if it takes a quarter or two. I had this idea that I had to become a “new person” when I came to college and not participate in any of the activities I did in high school, but I ended up really missing them. Don’t be afraid to try something new but also know what you like to do. Joining a wide variety of groups is a great way to meet people from all over campus who you otherwise might not have known!” – Kendall (Winfield, IL) Human Development in Context

 

“You will NOT wake up early to do your Italian homework AND study for your chemistry midterm AND finish your lab report and we both know it, so just start it earlier! Please!” – Rahma (Chicago, IL) Communication Sciences and Disorders

 

“The best piece of advice I can provide to any first-year is to come to college open to any and all possibilities. This can be applied to classes, majors, student groups, friends, etc. In my time here, the ideas of what I wanted to pursue as a career and what my passions are completely changed and I am incredibly grateful for that. I really think this was due to me accepting that change and running with it. Trust your gut because it’s usually always right.” – Patryk (Mount Prospect, IL) Radio, Television, and Film (RTVF) and Economics

 

“Be open to growing and changing. Be willing to change your mind and learn from your mistakes.” – Jordan (New York, NY) Human Development in Context

 

“There are so many people and resources here to help you, so don’t be afraid to use them! Although college is fun and exciting, it can also be challenging and it’s ok to ask for help. Go to office hours, ask your TAs for help, go to drop-in tutoring, meet with your advisor, etc., because all of these things are so helpful and will make your experience here so much more fulfilling.” – Sophia (Los Angeles, CA) Social Policy and Psychology

 

“DROP A CLASS. You can drop for whatever reason you want — whether you do not like it, it makes your schedule awful, the midterm is at an inconvenient time, or no reason at all. This is the beauty of the quarter system. During your time at Northwestern you average 48 credits, but you only need about 45 to graduate and some of you are already entering with some AP or IB credits. You have plenty of wiggle room and nothing feels better than pressing the drop button on CAESAR.” – Val (Mexico City, Mexico/Washington, DC) Mathematical Methods in the Social Sciences (MMSS) and Economics

 

“My advice to my first-year self would be to not sweat the small decisions. After four years, I’ve learned that everyone finds their path through college in a different way, and small decisions (like whether or not to drop that class, join or quit that club, etc.) really aren’t that important in the long run. The big thing is to make sure you are enjoying yourself, spending time with friends, and making memories that will last longer than your knowledge of organic chemistry! College is all about getting to know yourself and other people, and it’s okay to not know what you want to do.” – John (Lake Forest, IL) Chemical Engineering

 

“Take advantage of every opportunity — college goes by so fast. When you have the urge to say no to an opportunity, reconsider it and think about if you would be better-served by saying yes. Also, don’t be afraid to do things that are outside of your comfort zone! You are here to learn, but you are also here to grow and challenging yourself is an amazing way to do that. Most importantly, remember that it is a privilege to be here so enjoy every moment.” – Chloe (Chappaqua, NY) Neuroscience

 

“Northwestern is one of the most incredible places you’ll ever get to be. Our campus is overflowing with ways to spend your time — cool classes to take, exciting games to go to, incredible productions to attend, hundreds of meaningful clubs to join, a vibrant town and a world-class city to explore, and some of the most thoughtful, fun-loving people you’ll ever meet. And that barely scratches the surface. While I wish there was infinite time to take advantage of every single opportunity Northwestern throws your way, you only have four-ish years. So, rather than just diving into whatever captures your attention first, be sure to take time to prioritize. Check in with yourself on a regular basis: “Am I enjoying the things I’m doing? What do I want to be doing more of? What do I want to be doing less of?” Time flies when you’re having fun (which you’ll be having a lot of at Northwestern), so be sure to do your absolute best to make that time count.” – Robby (Deerfield IL) Economics, Mathematical Methods in the Social Sciences (MMSS), and Math

 

“If I could talk to my first-year self, there’d be three main things I’d want to say: First, you don’t need to take all your Economics classes in the first two years — breathe, take Russian Lit and Intro to Painting, and enjoy it! You have nothing to prove in college. There’s no need to take the hardest classes, power through your major, or pursue all 5 concentrations. Learn for yourself.  Second, say yes to everything that sounds even remotely interesting! College is a unique experience and there will be so few times in your life where you’ll encounter a similar bubble atmosphere — make the most of it! Third, try exploring Evanston/the Northshore more. There are some really cool restaurants, beaches, and other fun things to do nearby that people don’t talk about enough!” – Samantha (Manila, Philippines) Economics

 

“Spend at least one summer here in Evanston/Chicago! It is absolutely gorgeous here in the summer and I also think it’s one of the best times to bond with your peers. No one has homework or club responsibilities, giving everyone plenty of time to relax and just have a ton of fun. With so many people working in the city it’s also a great time to explore the area. Whether it’s chatting over coffee on the Collectivo patio, kayaking on the Chicago river, or just laying by the beach, Chicago summers really can’t be beat.” – Mary (Atlanta, Georgia) Economics and Learning and Organizational Change (LOC)

 

“It’s ok if you’re lonely and feel like maybe you’re not finding your place immediately. It’s ok if college meets absolutely none of the expectations you had built up in your mind. You are not alone. Everyone else is going through the same thing, and once you find your footing and make this place your home, you’re going to thrive. Just be patient. Embrace the good and the bad my dude, cause there’s always gonna be both.” – Lucy (Waynesboro, VA) Environmental Science & English Literature

 

“College is a great time to keep up with the same activities and interests you had in high school, but it’s also a perfect time to get involved in new ones! Some of the best student organizations I got involved with were things that were completely new to me. I definitely recommend that first-years not be afraid to branch out.” – Hannah (Maple Grove, MN) Economics

 

“Trust that you know yourself and believe in that person! Being surrounded by brilliant minds and talents does not make you any less special. Instead, let your peers be what pushes you to grow into the best version of the incredible student you already are.” – Mary (New Rochelle, NY) Theatre

 

“The people here are the best part of the school. Lean on them, support them, and they will always help you see the bigger picture! Take the time to slow down and be with the people who make you feel appreciated and empowered.” – Alexa (Ann Arbor, MI) Journalism

 

“Don’t be afraid to ask for help even if it feels like you’re the only one struggling. I promise you aren’t alone!” – Anne (Oxford, MS) Mechanical Engineering

 

“Go to office hours! I used to be so scared of professors when I was a first-year for absolutely no reason but office hours are the best place to ask your questions, meet other people from your class, or even just chat with a professor/TA about research or career stuff. Professors were all students once, too, and they are so happy to give you advice!” – Tricia (Hinsdale, IL) Civil Engineering

 

“Never doubt your place here. You are here for a reason! Don’t try to prove yourself to anyone — there’s no need to. For every feeling of insecurity, remember others feel that way as well. Lean on your friends, professors, and family, because they’ll help you through those tough moments!” – Nolan (Evanston, IL) Theatre

 

“Go to Chicago as much as you can! It doesn’t have to be cost-prohibitive — walk to Loyola Park, take the Purple Line and get off at a random stop, or grab student tickets to a show or a museum! We live right next to one of the most exciting cities in America and I wish I’d taken more time to get to know it.” – Isaiah (Nashville, TN) Theatre