by Casey Byano Akase

If we could go back and talk to ourselves in first year university, what would we say? 

Looking back now as upper year students, there are so many things we wish we had known earlier. Some of us wish we hadn’t put so much pressure on ourselves. Others wish we had joined more clubs or taken more risks. Many of us wish we had worried less and trusted that we would eventually find our place. 

This blog brings together reflections from students across different years, programs, backgrounds, and interests who have already gone through the ups and downs of starting university. Think of it as a letter from our current selves to the people we were when we first arrived on campus. While these reflections share lessons and advice, it is important to remember that everyone’s university journey is different, and each person will find their own pace and path along the way. In many ways, this diversity of experiences is what truly makes us special.  

#1 Find What Matters to You  

Many students enter first year feeling like they have to follow a fixed path, only to realize later that it’s okay not to have everything figured out right away. For some, that meant staying in programs or routines that didn’t truly interest them, simply because it felt like the “right” choice at the time. 

Looking back, one student reflected, “Do something you like…what good is the world if a man loses his soul?” I love this quote because it's a reminder that choosing what genuinely interests you matters more than following expectations.  

#2 Balance Over Burnout  

While academics are important, many students recognize that they should not come at the expense of overall university experience. In your first year, it is easy for coursework to take priority, particularly when everything feels new and demanding. 

As one student reflected, “Studying for that test does not need to consume every bit of your time. You deserve to enjoy your university experience.” This perspective often develops over time, as students begin to recognize the importance of maintaining balance rather than pushing themselves toward burnout. Lessons in the classroom are just as important as the lessons you learn outside of it. 

#3 Embrace the Unknown 

For many students, the first year felt overwhelming, largely because of the expectation that everyone else had it figured out. In reality, uncertainty is shared. As one student reflected, “90% of students are in the same boat,” highlighting how common it is to feel unsure at the beginning. 

Because of this, growth often comes from leaning into those uncomfortable moments rather than avoiding them. Another student encouraged their first-year self to “not be afraid to embarrass yourself,” recognizing that fear of judgment is often what holds us back from trying new things. 

Together, these reflections show that uncertainty is not something to avoid, but something to move through, and is often where the most meaningful growth happens.  

#4 Be Intentional with Your Time  

As students moved through their upper years, many began to realize that it’s not about doing everything, but about choosing what actually matters to you. Your first year can feel like a time to try everything at once, but that often leads to feeling overwhelmed rather than fulfilled. 

One student reflected on the importance of being selective, advising to “pick 2–4 extracurriculars… and truly give them your all,” rather than spreading yourself too thin. Others learned to work more efficiently, whether that meant improving study habits or focusing their time on what added the most value. 

Looking back, many students wished they had been more intentional earlier, focusing their time and energy on the things they genuinely enjoyed rather than trying to do everything at once. 

#5 There's No “Right” Way to Do University  

It is also important to recognize that not everyone experiences university the same way. As reflected in the responses collected for this blog, many students were not heavily involved in their first year, and some remained less involved in their upper years as well, which is completely okay. Involvement does not follow a fixed timeline and often develops at an individual’s own pace. 

Conclusion  

The first year is not about getting things perfect. It’s about learning and discovering who you are becoming.