The beginning of college can be stressful. Trust us, we know. You’ve not only left home – your friends, your family, your bed, your pet, everything that is familiar – but you’re also starting something totally brand new. Some come into college prepared and excited while others come into it hesitant and nervous.

The College Heights Herald Editorial Board is a diverse group of students who are all at different parts of their WKU career. On your first day of classes, we wanted to take some time and give you some tips that helped us through our first year of college. We got through the difficult times, and we know you will, too.

This whole college thing can be difficult and stressful, but we wanted to tell you that everything will be okay. You’ve got this. We believe in you.

Shelbi Bale, Graphic Design Editor, Class of 2027

What helped me out the most during my first year on the Hill was staying organized! Class work can build up fast, so I suggest investing in a planner and putting all the due dates you can into it. Having everything written down and ready to refer back to can keep you up to date on your work and ahead of due dates. 

The first year on the Hill can be intimidating socially as well, but it doesn’t have to be! Don’t be afraid to join clubs and communities that interest you, because there are definitely some like minded individuals who are in the same boat as you and are looking for friends and connections.

Ali Costellow, Content Editor, Class of 2027

A week before I started my freshman year of college, an upperclassman advised me to “get involved, but not too involved.” I truly believe that is the most important concept to grasp during your first year as a college student. 

There are so many incredible clubs and organizations to join on campus. So many, that it can be easy to overload your schedule and become overwhelmed. You don’t need to be doing something every single hour of the day, but you also shouldn’t be spending most of your time in your room. Find a balance, and take time for yourself.

On another note, don’t be afraid to change. 

I thought I knew exactly who I was when I graduated high school. I didn’t foresee myself changing much, if at all. I was so wrong.

However cliche it may sound, college is a time where many people find their true identities. Being surrounded by new environments, people and experiences has an effect on how you view yourself and the world around you. That’s a good thing. 

Starting this new chapter in your life is huge, and I commend you for taking such a big leap in life. Sooner or later, the newness and anxiousness will wear off and you will find a home here. 

Until then, just know that you will be okay.

Dominic Di Palermo, Photo Editor, Class of 2025

Unlike many of my colleagues, my college journey did not begin at WKU. I decided to go to community college for two years before transferring to WKU. Because I was able to start fresh at two schools, I’ve compared what WKU has to offer to a first-time student versus a community college. I’m going to offer advice from one of these differences.

My biggest piece of advice to freshmen at WKU is to join a campus ministry. The most important part of my life is my Christian faith and at community college, I didn’t get the chance to engage in a campus community of faithful students. Campus ministry gave me a greater sense of community and helped me find friends who genuinely care about and love me for who I am. I was able to make great friends who encourage me in what I believe, who pray for me and offer support in my time of struggle or need. Not only did I gain a community, but I was given somewhere to go every Tuesday besides a poorly lit dorm room at the bottom of the Hill.

Through the stressful nights studying until 2 a.m., receiving grades I wasn’t proud of and, most difficultly, learning to live away from the comfort of my home, I found a firm foundation in my faith and the encouragement from some awesome like-minded friends.

Emmy Libke, Multimedia Editor, Class of 2027

As I reflect on my first year on the hill, I realize there are various things I wish I could have told myself before starting at WKU. The biggest thing I wish I would have known is that everything would inevitably be okay and would work out, just as it does for every freshman. Going into college everything feels incredibly overwhelming and intimidating. You are beginning a journey of many firsts – the first time moving away from home, the first time being fully independent, the first time living with someone who is not your family, the list could go on. Although all of these firsts can seem daunting and extremely scary, keep in mind that there are a lot of firsts around the corner that will shape and inspire you even more than the ones that may currently seem terrifying. To help me get through all of these “firsts” and all of the times college felt overwhelming, I made sure to find a like-minded community of friends and classmates, as well as settle into a routine that eased my mind and provided me with a sense of security. 

Western Kentucky University is the perfect embodiment of what a community of this generation can create. WKU offers many clubs and organizations that allow all Hilltoppers to find not only their home, but feel a sense of belonging during a period of time that may feel like one obstacle of adjustment after another. I highly recommend attending the involvement fair and/or job fairs that are offered throughout the semester to learn more about all of the ways in which you can involve yourself in campus life.

In addition to involving oneself with campus activities, I have found that it is very important to form a dependable routine. Although your class schedule will determine the bulk of your day, it is important to fill your free time with things that you enjoy. This may entail going to the Preston Center to work out, sitting on South Lawn to read, meeting a friend for coffee at Spencer’s or going to the Commons to study. Adding a few of these small tasks into your daily schedule and routine will allow you to find that sense of community and home on campus.

Just know that throughout this first year, you are cared about and so capable! Go out, get involved, find your routine and know that throughout the entire process of “firsts” everything will be okay and will occur just as it is supposed to!

Jake McMahon, Sports Editor, Class of 2026

It was really hard to get rid of the overwhelming anxiety that followed me around campus during my first few weeks at WKU. All the smiling students that walked by me every trip up and down the hill, along with a dash of my own naivety, made me feel like I was the only one struggling. However, just a small interaction with one of my seemingly perfect peers would have told me that I was not alone. It is totally normal if you find yourself having a tough time adjusting to this new stage in life and I believe I’d be hard-pressed to find a fellow Hilltopper who eased into college life without a worry. 

For me, it was surrounding myself with the things that I love that helped me find my stride on campus. Whether it was playing pickup at Preston, getting on the game or watching a movie, it was important for me to put myself first. Taking a few hours, or just even a few minutes out of each day to do the things you enjoy can immensely help you settle in.  

Along with the things you love, it is important to surround yourself with and find people that make you feel comfortable in an unknown environment. No matter how dolled up your dorm is, it can get lonely to sit in your room alone. Try and make it a point to be around at least one of these people each day because not only will you be helping yourself, but your presence will be helping the people around you. 

Eli Randolph, Chief Photographer, Class of 2025

Freshman year was hard for me, but it doesn’t have to be hard for everyone. Here are some of the things I learned so you don’t have to.

1. Go to class – It is so easy to skip class once and then never go back to class your freshman year. It’s the first time a lot of us don’t have someone telling us to go to school so it’s easy to just not go. If you do not go to class though you will probably not pass.
2. Get involved – find an organization or group on campus to get involved in. I know this phrase gets shoved down your throat all the time but it is true. It is the best way to make great friends and even just give you something to do besides school work. There are a billion different things to do on campus so get out there and do them!
3. Remember why you are here – you are here paying to get an education. I know there are a lot of things that come with college that are fun but you are here to get an education and you are paying for it. Sure, have fun, but don’t let it affect your grades. That is what’s most important.

While writing this I realized I sound like my mom but she was right. You all have got this and I hope everyone has a great year. Go Tops!

Bailey Reed, Newsletter Editor, Class of 2026

So many people feel that because college is a time in life to grow into your independence, you have to do it alone. This is simply not the case. Go out onto South Lawn and meet people playing games, or chat with people in line for food at the DSU. You can be independent while also building yourself a community that will last throughout your college career. You are never alone. Everyone has a place on the Hill, so have fun finding yours!

Additionally, find something that will ground you when you need a sense of inner peace. For me, playing the piano in the Fine Arts Center is a great way to release tension while recognizing my own emotion. At times, classes and life may have you stressed. Once you find your own coping mechanism, you can conquer any challenge that stands between you and your goals.

Lastly, communication is key. That mantra applies on every front. If your emotional wellbeing is dwindling, we have a wonderful Counseling Center to reach out to for direct help or greater resources. You can call them at 270-745-3159. If you need help in the dorms, reach out to your RA. Professors can also be such an amazing resource in tough times. Overall, find your people, build your network and allow yourself the space to thrive.

Price Wilborn, Editor-in-Chief, Class of 2025

When I first came to the Hill, one of the best pieces of advice I was given was to “take the first step.” If you’re nervous about joining a club or getting involved, or even in making new friends and trying to make the Hill feel like home, take the first step. I’ve found that, so often, taking the first step is the hardest part of trying something new and getting out of your comfort zone. As soon as you take that first step, though, you enter a whole new world.

It’s also so important to remember that you’re not stuck! You’re not stuck in your classes, your majors, your clubs, your activities, your friend groups or anything else. Know that it is so okay to switch things up and try something new. Unlike high school, college is a time for you to try things that interest you. Take every opportunity to try anything that interests you – take that first step – and remember that, if you don’t like it, no one is making you stick with it.

Finally, be present in everything that you do. College goes by so much faster than high school. You’re going to meet lifelong friends, do things you never thought you would do and learn things about yourself and the world you never imagined you would know. Don’t take this time for granted. Be present and internalize everything. Take it all in, because, if you play your cards right, college could set you up for the rest of your life.

Go forth and do the amazing things we know you’re going to do. You’ve got this. Be strong, be smart and be yourself. And most of all, go Tops!