Dear Life,

I am a freshman this year, and although it’s been exciting, it feels as though I’m behind on figuring out this college thing. Everyone else seems to have a set friend group, a routine, even a relationship. Meanwhile, I’m struggling to balance school, laundry, and figuring out how not to eat ramen every single night. What do I actually need to know to survive (and thrive) as a freshman?

Sincerely,

Lost Coug

Hello Lost Coug!

First things first—you are not behind. No one has it figured out, even if they look like they do on Instagram. Freshman year is all about learning through trial and error, and based on the three years I have been in Pullman, I can confidently say the best lessons are the small, practical ones.

One of the biggest lessons I learned was the power of befriending your professors. As a freshman, I was too intimidated to walk into their offices and admit I didn’t understand something—but by sophomore year, I forced myself to go. To my surprise, professors weren’t just approachable—they actually wanted to help me succeed. Professors aren’t obstacles—they are allies, and reaching out to them early is one of the smartest things a student can do.

Socially, don’t pressure yourself to find your forever friends right away. I thought I’d missed my chance because I didn’t click with my dorm floor instantly—but my closest friends now are people I met sophomore year in random classes and clubs. The same goes for relationships: you do not need a boyfriend or girlfriend right now. Freshman year is the perfect time to focus on yourself, explore who you are, and let the right people come naturally.

Another important lesson: showing up matters. I used to skip early morning lectures, telling myself I would “just watch the slides later.” Spoiler alert—I didn’t. Not going to class once is like a gateway drug – after that, it’s easy to justify not going whenever you’re tired or just not feeling it. The only exception is when you’re really sick and can’t focus on the lecture anyway.

Finding friends also took time, and that’s something I didn’t fully understand at first. My freshman year, I worried that I hadn’t found my “forever” friend group right away, but looking back, the people I’m closest with now came into my life naturally and gradually. Honestly, that’s the best way. Along those lines, I also wish I’d told myself: you don’t need a boyfriend or girlfriend right now. I thought everyone was meeting their soulmate during freshman year, but in reality, it’s the perfect time to just focus on yourself and enjoy the independence college gives you.

Finally, the basics. My freshman-year dorm was a disaster, and it definitely affected my mood and focus. By sophomore year, I kept things a little tidier and learned how to cook something besides ramen, which made everyday life so much easier. Also, consider investing in a mesh laundry bag for your delicates. Pullman washing machines are monsters and you should want to get both socks back.

Most importantly, give yourself time. Freshman year isn’t about perfection—it’s about building the foundation for the rest of your college experience. Take it one day at a time, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes along the way.

Sincerely,

The Life Section