Hi, Stroll readers! I just finished up my first year of undergrad at the University of Texas at Austin as a biology major. It was a crazy ride with lots of highs and lots of lows. College is a very exciting time but it is also a big change and can be daunting as a freshly graduated high schooler. This article is for all the seniors (congratulations!) who are simultaneously excited and scared for college! I’ll be debunking some of the biggest myths about college using my personal experience. Be sure to take everything with a grain of salt and remember that this is what I’ve learned so far, as I’m still early in my academic journey!

Myth #1: “You must have a 4.0 to succeed.”

Truth: It’s easy to get caught up in grades especially when starting out in college, and grades are oftentimes how we’re taught to measure our success. However, I’ve found that connections and experiences are far more important when it comes to advancing your career. Take any chance you have to attend departmental seminars, professional conferences, and mentorship programs in your field. These will allow you to meet people, learn from their experiences, get introduced to other professionals, and potentially have someone advocate on your behalf for a position.

Myth #2: “You should say yes to every social outing.”

Truth: As an only child, the biggest shift for me in college was constantly being around people, especially as I was living in a dorm with a roommate. I went from spending plenty of time alone in high school to sleeping, eating, going to class, doing homework, relaxing, and having fun with other people. While I am so grateful for the friends I made and the experiences we’ve shared together, it was also important for me to find a balance. One of my favorite solo activities is taking a walk downtown and trying a new coffee shop on the weekends. These walks were where I processed my thoughts, decompressed, and worked through emotions like homesickness and overstimulation. Taking intentional time alone allowed me to better appreciate and enjoy my time with my friends.

Myth #3: “It’s too late to make a drastic career change.”

Truth: If anything, now is the time to explore different fields and learn what you like! Several of my close friends have made major changes to their academic track including chemistry to business, neuroscience to pre-law history, and math to chemistry. It is never too late to change and if you’re not happy where you are, don’t be afraid to try something new.

Myth #4: “You have to do everything alone.”

Truth: College is a great place to develop your independence as you step into the world as an adult on your own. However, it comes with a lot of challenges, many of which you have never seen before. Don’t be afraid to ask for help because it is more important now than ever before to lean on your mentorship network, family, and friends, and the rest of your support system. Take care to develop your relationships, both personal and professional, with others because the people around you have the skills, tools, and capacity to help when you need it.

Myth #5: “You have to have every step planned out.”

Truth: There are a lot of unexpected twists and turns that come with college. If something doesn’t go according to plan, try not to let it derail you too much. Everything tends to work out with time, even if you can’t see it in the moment. College is full of unforgettable memories, priceless experiences, and special people. Try not to spend so much time worrying about the future that you forget to fully experience the present.