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No one’s first year away at college is perfect. It can be messy, confusing, hard to navigate, and even lonely being away from family for perhaps the first time. But DU’s supportive community is here to help. We asked six DU juniors and seniors to share the best way to embrace your first year on campus—and give yourself some grace when the situation is less than perfect.

There is always more time

Vidhi Jain, a rising senior majoring in accounting with a minor in business ethics and legal studies, wishes she knew more about the flexibility that DU offers.

“It’s okay to not have all your plans figured out and it is okay to switch your major or what you want to do because we are all still figuring it out,” she says.

The quarter system offers exactly that, and the 10-week classes allow students to easily double major or minor without any extra time constraints. Switching a major is also simple; students just have to get a signature from their new major advisor or faculty member and then submit the signed form to the Registrar’s office.

Aidan Cullen, a rising senior with majors in psychology and marketing, recommends that students branch out of their comfort zone.

“College is probably the last big time in your life where it will be easy to basically try whatever you want. So, I would suggest saying yes to as much as you can and do new things,” he says.

Cullen started off with an interest in organizational psychology and transitioned towards a business path after taking introductory courses for his marketing minor.

“At first, I felt this pressure to stay committed to exactly what I had planned like on day one, or else I wouldn't have time to change course,” he says. “Yet, I think there is time for everything, and there's time to try things out.”

Resources are everywhere, and available

Kendall Welborn, a rising junior with a major in public policy and minors in international relations, history, and business ethics and legal studies, suggests students cut themselves some slack while they explore campus for the first time.

“I definitely wish I had known that it's okay to make mistakes and it's okay to have moments where you don't totally know what to do. There will be people to help you out and guide you,” she says.

Luckily, 4D Peer Mentors and Resident Mentors will be some of the first people students meet during orientation. Both of these mentors, along with Student Success Coaching, are great outlets to turn to for friendly peer advice.

Owen Mantelli, a rising junior with majors in political science and minors in leadership studies and media, film, and journalism studies, finds that time management is key.

“I think it is important to create a routine that works for you, whether that be to set aside study time with friends, or making sure that you finish your work by a certain point so that you can have dedicated alone time,” he says.

Setting time aside specifically to study in areas at the fourth floor of the Community Commons, in the Renaissance Room inside Mary Reed, or even booking a group study room inside the Anderson Academic Commons makes a difference toward time management skills.

You will find community

Shivani Durvasula, a rising senior majoring in strategic communications with minors in marketing and writing practices, offers advice on what mindset to go into DU with.

“I wish I knew that there is no ‘right’ way to do your first year in college,” she says. “I was constantly comparing what I was doing to my peers. Looking back, I was so invested in what others were doing around me when I really just needed to worry about myself. Everybody approaches college and adjusts to this change differently. That does not mean that there is a ‘correct’ or ‘best’ route to take.”

“I put a lot of pressure on myself because I thought that everyone already had solid friend groups and felt really comfortable at DU,” she says. As Durvasula found, this isn’t the case. The entirety of Discoveries Week and freshman year is dedicated to fostering that sense of community and friendship on campus.

Students are able to explore what type of clubs or sports they would like to join through the , check out local coffee shops such as Stella’s or Kaladi’s for study spots, decide what major best suits them through introductory courses, and so much more—just by letting go of comparisons.

Tatiana Peccedi, a rising senior majoring in environmental science with minors in GIS and environmental chemistry, finds that getting more involved on campus helps break the ice.

“My best piece of advice for incoming students is to put yourself out there, whether that is attending events or even just talking with everyone on your dorm floor. Getting to know people was what helped me feel more comfortable on campus. I was super nervous to attend certain events, or even go to the dining hall by myself during the first few weeks after move-in. I wish I had known that everyone was looking for friends and new people to meet,” she says.

DU hosts multiple annual campus events—from Hockey Night Lights in the fall to Battle of the Bands in the winter and May Days in the spring. Student organizations, including the Programming Board, host weekly events with food, music, and fun atmospheres that are perfect to stop by and meet new friends.

Everyone’s first year is going to be a time of uncertainty, but hopefully this expert advice can help ease the confusion. Just remember, you are not alone, and you got this! DU is here to help.