Intern Insights:The Do’s & Don’ts of College

Welcome back to Lily's Inter(n)esting Insights!

I’m now a junior in college, and I recently visited my little sister, who just started her freshman year at Rowan University! Seeing her go through the early stages of college (and remembering mine) inspired me to share my personal do’s and don’ts for starting college—the things I really wish I had known sooner.

If I can pass this advice on to my sister, maybe you or someone you know can benefit from it too!

College can be daunting at first. You don’t know anyone, you’re in a completely new environment, and for many, it’s the first time being away from family. It’s scary, but that’s also where the magic happens! There’s so much room for growth just around the corner.

One of the best things you can do is talk to anyone and everyone - you never know what might come from a quick chat!

I still remember my freshman orientation like it was yesterday. I had just said goodbye to my family, and reality hit me, I was officially on my own. With watery eyes, I tried to find my orientation group, but of course, I’d lost them. When I finally found them, I sat down (late) next to a random girl and immediately started rambling. I told her my whole life story - how I lost my group, said goodbye to my family, and everything in between. You’d think her first thought would be, “Okay, weirdo,” but that girl ended up becoming my roommate and one of my best friends!

So seriously - talk to everyone. You never know what might come from one silly conversation.

Everyone in college is in the same boat - no one really knows what’s going on (even if they look like they do). You don’t need to have a five-year plan, a huge friend group, or all the answers.

That’s the beauty of college - you’re there to learn, not just in class but in life.

When I first started, I thought I had to have everything planned out - who I’d live with next year, what my career would be, who my friend group was. Spoiler alert: that’s not how it works! You learn so much about yourself and your goals along the way. So take the pressure off and let yourself grow. Welcome the unknown and try to view it as a place to learn, grow, and become the authentic YOU!

You’ll meet so many different kinds of people in college, and that’s the best part! It can be tempting to try to fit a certain mold or act a certain way to make friends, but that’s not sustainable or fulfilling.

The right people will find you if you’re authentically yourself. Everyone likes different things, so if you find yourself not vibing with a certain group, that’s okay! Keep being you, and you’ll attract the people who align with your values and energy.

It’s easy to feel like you’re on your own in college, but you’re not! Professors, coaches, and staff are literally there to help you succeed.

Whether it’s academic or personal, never be afraid to reach out. Asking for help doesn’t make you weak — it makes you smart. The people around you genuinely want to support you, and before you know it, they start to feel like family.

This one applies to so many things - your major, your career path, your friends.

I know people who started college dead set on one major and ended up doing a complete 180 - and they’re happier for it! Changing your mind doesn’t mean you failed; it means you’re growing.

The same goes for friendships. You might make friends early on and later realize you’re not as compatible as you thought, and that’s okay! You’re allowed to meet new people and evolve. College is all about finding your people, and that takes time.

This one’s for my fellow overpackers (and yes, I’m calling myself out here). You really don’t need to bring your whole wardrobe. I promise.

If I could go back and tell my freshman-year self one thing, it would be: DONT BRING 95 HOODIES. (You only need like... 5. Max.)

Pack light, bring your favorites, and leave the rest. You’ll thank yourself later when you actually have space in your dorm.

College is such an incredible experience, but it’s not perfect. There will be highs and lows, and that’s normal. The key is to enjoy all of it.

I can’t believe I’m already a junior; it feels like freshman year was just yesterday. Looking back, I even miss the hard parts because they shaped me into who I am today. 

So take it all in! The good, the bad, and everything in between. Time flies faster than you think. Don’t take it too seriously; just enjoy the moment while it’s here. 

Thank you so much for tuning in to this week’s Inter(N)esting Insights!

If you (or someone you love) is in college, going to college, or just curious about it, I hope this helps. The biggest takeaway I want you to remember is this: have fun and live in the moment.

Life moves fast — so enjoy it, learn from it, and don’t forget to breathe. College really is what you make of it!