Unveiling My Freshman Year: Navigating College Life Abroad

I've just finished my freshman year at Williams College, and there's a lot to reflect on!

As an international student from Bangladesh, this journey was even more intense and invigorating. Now, having survived my first year, I've gathered a handful of lessons and experiences that I wish I knew at the start of my journey. This reflection isn't to dwell on regrets but to share insights with you, the next generation of freshmen, who may be standing where I once stood.

TL;DR

1. Embrace Exploration and Involvement: Focus on areas that truly interest you, utilize resources like professor rating systems for course selection, and build your LinkedIn profile early for networking and future job opportunities.
2. Cultivate Deep Connections: The quality of friendships matters more than quantity. Break out of your comfort zone and interact with diverse groups to enrich your cultural perspective.
3. Mind Your Mental Health: Don't neglect self-care amidst academic pressures. Utilize your college's mental health resources as needed.
4. Set Clear Goals and Stay Focused: Set clear goals for your freshman year to guide your choices. Avoid comparing your achievements with others; everyone's path is different.
5. Be Open to Learning and Making Mistakes: Adopt an open mindset towards new experiences, ideas, and cultures. View mistakes and challenges as stepping stones to growth.
6. Plan Your Time Wisely: Effective planning and time management are critical. Use tools like Google Calendar to organize your schedule and maintain a healthy balance between academics, extracurricular activities, and personal life.

Embrace Exploration and Involvement

As a freshman at Williams College, I was like a child in a candy shop – there were so many clubs and organizations to join, each more interesting than the next. The initial excitement led me to sign up for almost everything, spreading myself too thin. In retrospect, focusing on a few clubs, particularly those aligned with my major, would have been more beneficial.

Additionally, selecting the right courses can greatly shape your academic journey. I regret not fully utilizing Williams' internal professor rating system (similar to RateMyProf). It offers critical feedback from students, providing insights into course workload, teaching style, and the overall effectiveness of the professor.

As you navigate through this exciting time, remember to focus on areas that truly interest you, and do make use of resources like professor rating systems to guide your academic decisions. Also, start building your LinkedIn profile early; it's a valuable tool for networking and future job opportunities.

Cultivate Deep Connections

Upon arrival, I was eager to make as many friends as possible. I quickly realized, however, that it's the quality of relationships that truly matters. I found my close friends in the Robotics club, a shared interest bringing us together.

On a related note, I regret not reaching out more to non-Bangladeshi friends. There's comfort in sticking to your community but breaking out of your comfort zone to interact with diverse groups can lead to enriching friendships and broaden your cultural perspective.

Mind Your Mental Health

The excitement of freshman year can overshadow one crucial aspect: mental health. Between academic pressures and the desire to fit in, it's easy to neglect self-care. I found the Student Health and Wellness Center at Williams College, which offers services ranging from counseling to stress management workshops, to be an invaluable resource during times of stress.

Remember, there's more to college than grades and resume-building. Take time for leisure activities and self-care. Don't hesitate to make use of your college's mental health resources when necessary.

Set Clear Goals and Stay Focused

During my freshman year, I set a goal to maintain a solid GPA while actively participating in clubs and activities. This clear objective guided my choices and made my journey more focused.

A word of caution, though: avoid the comparison trap. There were times when I felt disheartened seeing friends excel in other areas. It's essential to understand that everyone's path is different, and your success isn't diminished by others' achievements Take time to rest and recharge!

Be Open to Learning and Making Mistakes

The biggest takeaway from my freshman year was that it's okay to make mistakes. For instance, I chose an economics course that was well beyond my comprehension level. Instead of feeling defeated, I took it as a learning opportunity and sought extra help.

Adopt an open mindset toward new experiences, ideas, and cultures. Each mistake or challenge is a stepping stone toward personal and academic growth.

Plan Your Time Wisely

In the beginning, I relied solely on my memory to manage tasks and deadlines, resulting in missed assignments and unnecessary stress. Learning from this, I started using Google Calendar for organizing my schedule, which significantly boosted my productivity.

Planning and time management are critical for maintaining a healthy balance between academics, extracurricular activities, and personal life. Find a tool that works for you and stick to it.

To wrap up, the freshman year at college is an exciting but challenging time. It's about personal growth, making lifelong friends, learning from experiences, and preparing for the world outside. Cherish each moment, learn from every mistake, and continue growing. Here's to a memorable freshman year!

Handy Tips and Tricks for Your Freshman Year

1. Utilize Study Apps: Use apps like Quizlet, Chegg, or Khan Academy to help with your studies. They can make studying more manageable and even fun!
2. Cooking Hacks: If you're living off-campus or have access to a kitchen, learning a few easy, healthy recipes can save you both time and money. Sites like Budget Bytes can offer some great recipes that are easy on the wallet.
3. Fitness: Utilize your campus gym. It’s usually free or included in your tuition. Regular exercise can also help manage stress levels.
4. Bargain Books: Try to find cheaper or free versions of textbooks online before buying. Sites like Amazon, Chegg, and eBay often have used versions for a fraction of the price.
5. Study Groups: Consider creating or joining study groups. They can provide different perspectives on a topic, make studying more enjoyable, and offer moral support during finals week.
6. Professor Office Hours: Utilize your professor's office hours. It's a great way to get some one-on-one help and show your dedication to the course.
7. Time Management Apps: Try using apps like Trello or Notion to manage your time better. They allow you to create tasks, deadlines, and reminders.
8. Explore the Town/City: Get to know the place you’ll call home for the next four years. This can lead to finding local hangouts, job opportunities, and even a greater appreciation for your school.
9. Freebies: Keep an eye out for free stuff! College campuses are often full of events that offer free food, shirts, and other items.
10. Hydrate and Sleep: Drink plenty of water and ensure you get a good night’s sleep. College life can be hectic and stressful, so taking care of your health is crucial.

Tashrique Ahmed (12 July 2023)

www.tashrique.com