Freshman Year FOMO: What You’ll Miss And How To Make It Count

“College will be the best four years of your life!” This saying many of us have heard time and time again. Upperclassmen were always telling me that freshman year is the emptily of these for years. Now in their shoes, I have mixed thoughts as college truly is all about the journey, the experiences, and those you meet along the way. But why is freshman year so formative? What’s the big whoop?

Embracing Freshman Year

Being a freshman and coming to college can be horrifying. Though high school you develop roots whether it be in your home town, your friend groups, sports, or classes, it becomes very familiar. Then, it is all uprooted when you go to college. You are forced to start fresh. It’s this concept that scares most students, you have no way to know exactly what is to come. But it’s important to look at this not as an obstacle but an opportunity.

Your first year here will be a full time learning curve. There’s not doubt about it. Navigating your way around campus, meeting new people, becoming independent and self-sufficient, all while being a full time student. It can be hard, but it’s important to remember that that’s normal and everyone is in the same boat together!

Being a first year anywhere comes with infinite opportunities. You will experience highs and lows, but being able to say you put yourself out there and tried makes it worth it. Keeping a good head on your shoulders is key when trying new things and it is always important to remember who you are whilst experiencing a whole new world. Be open to change, possibility, and embrace it all! So many freshman complain about their situations but its these that older grades look back and miss the most so don’t let it pass you by.

How To Take Advantage of Freshman Year

“Say yes to everything” Pump the breaks! I want to preface that saying no is 100% OK, you should feel comfortable and have the confidence to do so. Feeling safe is always a priority and keeping in mind that you are here to be a student above all else.

“SAY YES TO EVERYTHING” *after following direction above. As I’ve said, Freshman year is filled with possibilities. Whether you came with people from your home town or no one at all, college is the perfect change to be who ever you want to be! The best way to do this, say yes to new opportunities. I highly recommend signing up for any club you want to be a part of, trying new things, being spontaneous, and being confident. You will meet so many new people this way and open new doors by doing so.

My advice?

I watch so many people come to school holding on to their life before school. They aren’t wanting to make new friends or memories as they think that they already have all they need. “Todo, we’re not in Kansas anymore.” Although it’s good to remember who you are and where you came you need to be open to making memories in this new chapter and don’t let your past hold you back.

Lastly, don’t let it fly by you. You may find yourself grueling about sitting in the library at 11pm on a Sunday with your roommates. But what you don’t see when your in it is the drive you learned by making the sacrifice to be there that will help you for years to come. You may not see the joy in encouraging your friends to strive for success or getting the late night sweet treat at insomnia Cookies as a reward. Laughing together (or at one another) at the humbling or embarrassing moments of your trail and errors.

“I wish there was a way to know you’re in the good old days before you’ve actually left them” -Andy Bernard

Things You’ll Miss

There are countless times you will find yourself missing it all but its also ok to say “thank god that’s over!”. You don’t have to love everything but you you’ll never discover the things you do by not trying.

Dorms

Now let me preface that there are many exceptions to loving dorm life; awful roommates, living in burke, strict RAs, and did I mention bad roommates? Regardless, so many of the freshman I know complain about living in the dorms and how they can’t wait to move out and into their own place. But I promise you, it will be one of the biggest things you miss from freshman year. There is nothing like living in a building with all student your age. The shenanigans, adventures, and trouble you get into at the dorms will make some of the best memories. Living specifically catered to you via location, roommates, dinning halls, and more is a part that so many of us take advantage of. You won’t realize how good you had it till it’s gone.

First Experiences

I can’t reiterate this enough but try it all! I would do anything to go back and experience all of my favorite parts of going to school here for the first time. Don’t dread going out, saying yes to a date party, your first frat parties, it’s all part of the fun. GET OUT OF YOUR SHELL, take it all in, and ENJOY!

New Found Freedom

This is most likely your first time living away from home. Please don’t interpret this as a free for all in having free will. I mean to say this in a sense of things you may not notice. You’ll discover that it’s the things you don’t realize that are most exciting, not simply having no curfew or being able to party. I understand that this sudden independence can be overwhelming or scary. But you are in full control so be smart, make good choices, and HAVE FUN!

Advice For Navigating Freshman Year

I have repeatedly mentioned to try new things, but why? What “new things” and what’s the benefit?

Rushing and joining clubs: As someone who is in greek life, I cannot recommend rushing a fraternity or sorority enough. Putting aside that the parties or status of it, it’s about the people. By rushing or joining clubs you are opening doors to making new friends. Don’t close yourself off as it can be difficult to start later on as many have already made friend groups. Not only will you have fun participating in all these events but you will meet new people.

Reach out: Did you hate your class but bonded with your group mate? Reach out. Need advice? Reach out. Did you meet a friend of a friend while out? Reach out! Everyone is in the same boat. No one comes into college knowing everyone and it’s important to remember that. Freshman year is all about building a foundation for yourself. It may seem scary to just text someone you met once but they could unknowingly become your best friend for the next four years. So please please please don’t hesitate to connect with people even if you don’t seem them after freshman year, making even a single memory with someone is worth it all!

STUDENT FIRST: For the love of god, always remember you are here to be a student and get a degree. So many people, me included, get so excited about being at Bama and get swept up in the party scene. I get it, and it is exhilarating. But managing a healthy school life balance will set you up for success.

Don’t be that girl: Now this absolutely applies to both genders of don’t be that person. Don’t be the kid whose parents take them out of school because of their grades. Or the girl throwing up In the Rounders bathroom being carried out by the bouncers. Or the guy who goes broke because he’s blacking out every weekend or developed a sports betting addiction. And be nice, don’t carry on the typical high school mean girl persona. So much of that petty high school drama isn’t applicable anymore and it won’t get you far. Overall, just don’t be that person that people talk about, it’s ok to make mistakes but it’s more important to not make it a pattern.

Looking Ahead – Lessons Learned

Your new to college, you have new found freedoms, opportunities, and are entirely responsible for yourself for the first time ever. Your going to fuck up- its all part of the process. But how you handle this is how you will make or break it.

Everyone and I mean everyone has regrets from freshman year. Some being Sunday scares (this is absolutely a real thing), your education, friends, and more. But you live and you learn. Make mistakes regret you choices but don’t dwell on them. Look up, reflect, and adjust. That’s the best that any of us can do and it’s your turn now. In doing so, you will know what to do differently next time a situation occurs, you will be better prepared, and create a better outcome. Your happiness, sadness, and success is all in your hands.

Final Thoughts – Savor Every Moment

As your first semester comes to an end, it’s easy to look back and wonder where the time went. The moments that seemed insignificant at the time—the late-night talks, the game-day celebrations, the random adventures—are the ones you’ll miss the most. It’s those little things that make freshman year so special. But more than anything, it’s a year of growth, learning, and finding yourself in a place that can sometimes feel overwhelming.

The good news? You still have time. Time to say “yes” to that event you’re not sure about, to take a risk, to meet new people, to go on that spontaneous road trip. You’ll only live these moments once, so take advantage of every opportunity and make memories you’ll carry with you long after college. Don’t let the fear of missing out hold you back—lean into it, embrace the unknown, and trust that everything you’re doing is shaping you into who you’re meant to be.

So, as you head into the next semester, don’t forget to savor the rest of your time here. Freshman year is just the beginning, but it’s a year you’ll never get back. Make it count. You won’t regret it. Roll Tide ♥️🤍