Advice to a freshman from a senior

This fall marks my last semester as a student here at the University of Illinois. The past three years here have been an amazing experience for me. I have had great professors and classes, enjoyed our beautiful campus, and made friendships that I know will last a lifetime. Now that my time here is coming close to the end – I thought I would share with you all tips that I wish I would have known when I started my journey here at Illinois:
 

1. It’s okay to change your mind. When I first started out as a freshman, I thought that I would have to stick with the major and career path that I chose. However, I ended up switching my major my sophomore year, and I realized that this is perfectly okay. Being a student here at the University of Illinois, especially in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, there are so many opportunities to explore new classes and find areas of study that are best suited to you.
2. Get involved. Your freshman year can be a little overwhelming, but it is never too early to start looking into ways you can get involved. Whether it’s an RSO, a volunteer opportunity, an intramural sport, or something else, getting involved is a great way to meet new people, network with people with similar interests as you, and find new things to try.
3. Explore campus. Besides our beautiful quad, Urbana-Champaign truly has so much to offer. Check out the fall leaves at the Arboretum, ring the chimes in the bell tower, try a new restaurant in downtown Champaign, or whatever other adventure you find. There are so many great places to go see around town, and it definitely makes your Illinois experience more fun and interesting!

In all, I would say the best advice I can give to new freshman is to never turn down a new opportunity. Trying new things and meeting new people is always a great adventure and can open doors for you that you did not even know existed. So make the most of your time here, Illini – it’ll be the best time of your life!

 

The College of Liberal Arts & Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign offers more than 70 majors and provides a world-class interdisciplinary education that prepares students for lives of impact. Learn more about LAS.