what they don't tell you about college + tips FOR freshmen year

Key takeaways & lifestyle tips (college + freshmen year)

Social life / friends

• Freshman friend group won’t last: Freshman year is about trying everything and meeting lots of people. Many people won’t show up in your sophomore year friend circle.
• Expect larger groups: Friend groups can be 6+ people (often double digits), with big group chats (e.g., ~15 people) where you may not know everyone yet.
• Use group chats for logistics: They help coordinate things like:
  • eating in the dining hall
  • studying in the library
  • finding someone to hang out when you don’t want to be alone
• You don’t need a “perfect” group: It’s normal for friendships to shift later in the year.
• People can still be immature/mean: Don’t assume high-school “growth” guarantees maturity in college. Ignore drama when possible.

“Periphery friends” + class support

• Periphery friends = class besties
  • not daily/constant best friends
  • mainly classmates you sit near and can confide in
  • helpful because you’re not too attached, but still share information
• Get class friends for exam/homework support:
  • who you text when you miss days or need help
  • you’ll rely on them during study sessions

Clothing + looking put together

• Feel-good outfit strategy: Dressing cute helps motivation/productivity (a “mindset” effect).
• Back-to-school essentials (mentioned outfits):
  • small top + big bottoms (e.g., flattering tank top + baggy jeans)
  • oversized wide-neck t-shirt
  • jean skirt with lace detailing
  • sweatpants for class, eating, studying, and napping
  • simple white graphic tee
  • black polka dot top (cute, easy go-to)
• Clothing brand/promo mentioned:
  • Lukan (link + discount code “Sheena”)

Filtering people / campus boundaries

If someone’s rude or you dislike them:

• ignore them
• don’t engage
• treat them like they don’t exist
• focus on protecting your time/energy

Dorm life

• Dorms have “types” of residents: Research before choosing/living there. Examples:
  • party/social rowdy vibe dorm: New North
  • chill but still social (smaller/not nicest, but nicer people): U Marks / “u marks or party” (wording unclear)
  • dorm with a reputation for separation: Parkside, nicknamed “Parkside dark side”
• Weekend communal bathroom warning (especially party dorms):
  • can be gross after nights out (e.g., puke in sink/hallways/bathroom/shower)
  • be careful Saturday/Sunday mornings
  • avoid slipping/unsafe situations

Roommate expectations

• Roommate problems are likely, even if you know them beforehand.
• Create a system early to reduce conflict:
  • cleaning expectations
  • cooking boundaries
  • visitors/“who can come over”

Academics: TAs, textbooks, integrity, registration

• TAs aren’t background characters:
  • they may grade your work
  • they can help via syllabus/section knowledge—so stay connected
• Build rapport with professors:
  • sit in the front
  • ask questions in class or after
  • email with your name included (example tone: “Hey Professor, I’m Sheena…”)
  • write even small follow-up emails
• Work smart about textbooks:
  • avoid paying high prices for online textbooks if you can find free versions
  • (also: don’t rely on paid resources unnecessarily)
• Use upperclassmen resources:
  • friends who already took the class can share:
    • study notes
    • study tips
    • PDFs/book materials (by email/Airdrop)
  • can help you save money (example mentioned: avoiding ~$40)

• Avoid plagiarism / AI misuse:

  • teachers can be strict about AI
  • caught plagiarism/AI issues can mean:
    • zero on the assignment/final
    • grade impact (A → A-/B+ mentioned)
    • potential contact from Office of Academic Integrity
    • having to appeal (noted as mentally draining)

• Registration hack:

  • Get help from upperclassmen with earlier registration times
  • strategy described:
    • have them register for the class you want (while you’re a freshman)
    • later (after main registration), you can add it once the class becomes available
    • they can drop it so you can add immediately
  • rationale: more credits = earlier registration time

Romance: what to avoid

• Do not date your freshman year (strong recommendation).
• Reasons given:
  • men may “lovebomb” early (fast affection/claims), not always intentionally manipulative—just moving quickly
  • sophomore year friend circles narrow down
  • if you date freshman year, you may spend most time with your partner:
    • eating/studying/gym together
    • fewer new connections
  • success cases exist, but the author frames it as low probability

Campus hacks

• Dining hall is “op central”:
  • if you have beef with someone (ex/ex-friend/ex situationship), try not going to the main dining hall
• Walk your routes before classes start:
  • map shortcuts and timing for Monday/other schedules
  • plan so you can catch morning classes without awkward late arrivals
• Check online dining hall menus daily:
  • choose what’s worth using your swipes/money for
  • avoid “mid” meals
• Mental health awareness:
  • loneliness and overwhelm can happen even with people around
  • feelings may build from small changes accumulating
  • coping support options mentioned:
    • contact family/friends
    • campus therapists
    • online therapy
• Physical health readiness:
  • expect sickness (“freshman flu,” “frat flu” mentioned)
  • keep your meds ready so illness doesn’t derail you

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Notable locations / products / people mentioned

• University of Southern California (USC) — Los Angeles (speaker’s experience)
• Dorms mentioned (USC): New North, U Marks, Parkside
• Clothing brand: Lukan (discount code “Sheena”)
• Academic entity: Office of Academic Integrity
• Speaker: Sheena (creator of the tips/video)