A recent survey of current college students and recent graduates highlights the biggest things people wish they’d approached differently during freshman year—from social pressures to study habits, major choices, career planning, and mental health.
The transition to college brings intense pressure: make friends quickly, earn strong grades, pick the “right” major (especially with AI reshaping careers), and figure out your life path. Yet hindsight shows many of those early worries were overblown. In a Sallie survey of 529 students and recent grads, 93% said they stressed about at least one freshman-year concern that ultimately didn’t matter. When asked what they wish they’d taken more seriously, respondents pointed to study skills, time management, internships, networking, and mental health.
Part of the challenge is that society expects 18- and 19-year-olds to lock in major life decisions while they’re still forming their identities. As developmental psychologist Jeffrey Jensen Arnett notes, emerging adulthood is a time of exploration, not instant certainty—yet young people are often pushed to “decide the path of their life” right away.
Here are the five most common freshman-year regrets shared by those who’ve been through it:
1. Worrying Too Much About Fitting In
Fitting in topped the list of freshman worries, cited by 45% of respondents. This makes sense given the major social upheaval of starting college. Young adults are still developing relationship skills and identity at the same time, which naturally creates anxiety.
The reality: Not finding your people immediately doesn’t mean you’re failing at college. Social circles and a sense of belonging often take time to form. Everyone else is in the same uncertain position, looking to make new connections. Give it time.
2. Not Building Strong Study Habits Early
Nineteen percent of respondents wished they’d focused more on study habits and time management as freshmen. More than half (51%) said building solid study routines early is advice they’d give incoming students. Another 33% recommended asking professors and advisers for help sooner rather than later—office hours exist for a reason.
3. Obsessing Over Choosing the “Perfect” Major
Nearly a third (30%) said they worried too much about picking the “right” major, and 14% felt pressure to know their exact career path from day one. Arnett points out that identity exploration is a core part of this life stage—most people don’t have it all figured out at 18. The smarter approach is to stay open to changing direction, explore different fields, and seek mentors rather than treating your major as a permanent life sentence. A college degree remains a strong asset even as AI evolves the job market.
4. Waiting Too Long to Think About Career Planning
Not knowing your ultimate career doesn’t mean ignoring practical steps. Sixteen percent wished they’d taken internships and networking more seriously, while 29% regretted not using their college career center earlier. In today’s competitive job market, early engagement with career services helps students test interests against real-world realities and make course corrections while there’s still time.
5. Neglecting Mental Health
Thirteen percent of respondents said they wished they’d paid more attention to their psychological well-being, and 38% felt they’d under-prioritized it. Twenty-two percent wished they’d used campus counseling services sooner. Colleges almost universally offer mental health resources—use them if you need support. You’re not alone in navigating the social and academic transition.
The bigger takeaway: Nearly half of survey respondents (49%) said the best advice they could give new freshmen is simply to give yourself time to adjust. You don’t have to get everything right in the first year. Focus on building habits, exploring options, taking care of yourself, and allowing room to grow.