Dear incoming freshman, here’s what you need to know

Photo by Riley LeBlanc, Photographer

Dear incoming freshman, everyone you ask will tell you what to pack, where to go and how to make the most of your freshman year. But your first year of college won’t look like Elle Woods’ romanticized, picture-perfect college life — although Chapman is covered in palm trees and close to the beach. And it certainly won’t feel like the neatly packaged fantasy version of campus life in “Monsters Inc.”

In fact, odds are it will look nothing like you imagined — and that’s kind of the point.

Somewhere between the awkward introductions over Instagram, the onslaught of information during orientation and the first homesick nights, you’ll learn things the orientation leaders couldn’t prepare you for, because these lessons are personalized. 

The lessons you won't see coming are the kind you can’t understand until you live through them. So instead of empty advice, The Panther solicited responses from this years’ freshman class of 2025-2026 to see what they actually learned.

Having random roommates is a nerve-racking experience for many incoming freshmen. From the drop of your heart when assignments come out to the first awkward conversations over text asking questions such as “what temperature do you like the room to be?” it can be a mentally taxing experience for anybody. But also, a rewarding one. 

“Having roommates was one of the best parts of my freshman year,” freshman creative writing major Natalie Golovin said. “I’m so grateful that, in coming to a school where I didn’t know people, I had the opportunity to live with two of the sweetest people and had someone to rely on from the beginning.”

It’s important to note that accidents happen. Sometimes people get paired up who don’t coexist well, and when that happens, it is comforting to remember there are options. Dorm hall resident advisors (RAs) are happy to help. 

“The events my RA threw have been such a great way to make friends and meet everyone in my hall,” Golovin said. “I’m so grateful for my RA and all that she does, I can’t imagine freshman year without (her).”

Coming into college, it is normal to get overwhelmed by the changes and countless opportunities in freshman year. Part of what makes Chapman exciting is that nearly every time you leave the dorm, something will be happening on campus to participate in, whether it’s clubs, special events or auditions for productions. That excitement, however, can also feel intimidating.

Many freshmen find themselves hesitant to step outside of their comfort zones for fear of being judged or not fitting in. But for many, that fear quickly gives way to growth.

“Freshman year taught me to be very open,” freshman writing for film and television major Oliver Pardo said. “I came into college pretty sure of what I wanted to do and who I thought I was gonna be, but after trying new things out, I found a real love and passion for things that I hadn’t even previously considered for the future.”

That said, when coming into a new experience such as college, it is easy to try to blend into the crowd, especially with the pressure to make friends, find clubs to belong to and make a good impression with professors. In a time so critical for self-growth where teenagers become adults, it is vital to remember who you are and hold close to who you want to become.

“Don't change who you are when you go to college; let yourself grow and experience new things, but never compromise what makes you you, because that’s what got you into this university,” freshman screen acting major Andy Jenofsky said. “If you keep trying to be someone you're not, you're slowly going to start to drift away from yourself.” 

However, while freshman year is often framed as a time for major personal growth and self-discovery, as important as the big moments are, it's the smaller day-to-day adjustments that can help get you through the changes. With new experience comes new routines, priorities and responsibilities, so the little things can end up making all the difference.

“Always have Liquid I.V.; you're going to thank yourself later,” Jenofsky said.

Between walking from class to class and taking in the SoCal sun, hydration becomes vital on the day-to-day — and not just from the soda fountains in the dining hall. 

“The Brita is a really worthwhile purchase because it keeps me hydrated and I don’t have to walk to the water fountain in the middle of the night,” Golovin said. 

Along with hydration, having easy access to health resources makes all the difference. Chapman’s health center is available to all students, but having quick fixes in the dorm can save the day. Trust me, you will use them … the “freshman flu” is a real thing.

“Make sure to bring a care pack of ibuprofen, other medicine and (have) Band-Aids on hand at all times in your dorm room,” freshman broadcast journalism and documentary major Aivree Watkins said.

Freshman year of college is an adjustment. But somewhere between the new schedules, homesick days and late-night conversations with your roommates, you'll begin to grow into the newfound independence that is college life. 

So, incoming freshman, bring the Brita, loads of Liquid I.V. and late-night study sesh snacks, but more importantly, bring an open mind and confidence in yourself as you grow into this new chapter. Before you know it, Chapman will feel less unfamiliar and more like a new home.