Advice for starting college: 25 tips from BGSU alumni to first-year Falcons

Starting college is an exciting milestone, but adjusting to a new campus, new people and college-level classes can also feel overwhelming. Whether you’re wondering how to make friends in college, how to get involved or how to start your freshman year off right, generations of BGSU alumni have been there before.

We asked Bowling Green alumni what advice they would give themselves before their first year of college. After reviewing hundreds of responses, five themes came up again and again.

  1. Get involved on campus and build connections
  2. Take academics seriously
  3. Say yes to new experiences
  4. It’s OK to change your major, your plans and yourself
  5. Enjoy it while you're there

1. Get involved on campus and build connections

Joining student organizations, attending campus and athletic events and simply talking to new people were among the pieces of advice BGSU alumni shared most frequently.

  • “Do ALL the things. Meet new people, go to football and hockey games, get involved. Go to class and put in solid effort…balance it with fun. You’ll make friends that are lifelong friendships!”
  • “Get involved and try anything that sounds interesting! Here’s your chance to pursue your dreams, ambitions and learn something new. College is all about learning, making mistakes and beginning to find out who you are.”
  • “It’s okay to miss home, but don’t let your homesickness stop you from making friends and getting involved. The whole world is out there…live life to the fullest.”
  • “Do it all! Study abroad, find great internships, network, move somewhere besides home afterward, and explore the world some more.”
A group photo of BGSU students in a sorority

2. Take academics seriously

Alumni repeatedly emphasized that showing up to class, getting to know professors and using office hours can make the transition to college academics much easier.

  • “Don’t be afraid to ask questions! No one wants to see you fail.”
  • “There is nothing wrong with asking for help. BGSU is full of dedicated faculty and staff who are there to help you! There are plenty of things to figure out, and you don't have to do it alone. Lean into your new community!"
  • “Get your studies done, but don’t forget to have a little fun, too!”
  • “Take notes and study! Use office hours and get to know professors!”

3. Say yes to new experiences

Bowling Green alumni encouraged freshmen to step outside their comfort zone and take advantage of the countless opportunities in college to explore new interests, meet new people and try things you’ve never done before.

  • “Don’t limit yourself by putting yourself in a box. You’ll be surprised at all the things you’re really great at and love to do. You just have to challenge yourself to try new things.”
  • “Try and do everything you can! Even if it’s incredibly out of your comfort zone. You really never know what can happen and how far you’ll go without doing so.”
  • “Keep your door OPEN and do all of the things! Don’t be too embarrassed to do something you’ve never done. Want to dance? Take a class. Acting? Try it.”
  • “Don’t be afraid to try/experience new things. You will make friends; just give it time. Stay on the weekends, there are lots of things to do and get involved in.”
BGSU students in a game of tug of war

4. It’s OK to change your major, your plans and yourself

Alumni encouraged freshmen to embrace not having everything figured out. Changing your major, redefining your career goals and discovering new interests can all be normal parts of college.

  • “Be open to where the road takes you. Rely on experiences for growth – textbooks only take you so far. Breathe – this is hard, and it gets so much better. Take care of yourself. There’s only one you.”
  • “Always be true to yourself, but it is also okay to learn and change who you are. The way you were raised is not always who you will be, and that is okay. You can let go of people and be the person you want to be.”
  • “Don't be afraid, and don't panic if you don't have it all figured out on day one. It is totally okay to switch majors and try different paths until you find your passion." 
  • “Trust your gut. If it is leading you toward changing majors or asking for help, don’t hesitate!”
Students in the marching band performing on the football field

5. Enjoy it while you’re there

One of the most consistent messages from alumni: college goes quickly! Getting your degree is important, but so is making time for friends, campus traditions and making lasting memories. 

  • “Enjoy those little moments – the study sessions with friends, game nights in the social lounges, hockey or football games and your club/organization meetings. They will surely become some of your favorite things you remember about BG.”
  • “Just remember that college is a journey not a destination. The same applies to life. Keep learning, growing, having fun and make connections. Take advantage of all the opportunties you can, and don't be afraid to try something new."
  • “It’s okay to not have it all figured out yet, even at the end of your degree. College is for you to learn and experience until you do have it figured out. There’s no better place than BGSU to do so. So, just enjoy the present and don’t stress about the end.”
  • “Believe in yourself more, and it’s okay to take risks! Go with your gut and don’t stress over little things because they will work themselves out in the end!”

Bonus: Advice only Falcons would give you

  • “Eat a ridiculous amount of Campus Pollyeyes breadsticks. I miss them”
  • “Always keep a small shovel in your car to dig yourself out in the parking lot!" 
  • “Go to hockey games, get involved and 1,000% go to class!" 
  • “Join the marching band now. Don’t wait! It will be the best choice you ever made!”
  • “Don’t forget to check in with mom. She misses you!”

Updated: 08/20/2026 05:33PM