Starting college is a stressful time. Everything is new and different, so making mistakes is natural. In this article, I share some common mistakes I, and other freshers have made, and how you can avoid them.

Freshers’ Week

1. Joining just one club

At freshers’ week, you’ll get a chance to join as many clubs and societies as you’d like. Don’t make the mistake of becoming loyal to one too quick.

Join all that spark your interest. Clubs and societies are the best place to make friends, and to really enjoy college life. Don’t miss out.

2. Having FOMO – and saying yes to everything

While I said you should try out many clubs/societies and different events, don’t over-commit yourself either. You don’t want the case of freshers’ flu.

Keep your FOMO in check. You will miss out on things. Attend what you think is important.

Believe it or not, time management is of essence in freshers’ week. Check out our article to help you with this.

3. Forgetting your ID

If going to an event that might require ID, then definitely take ID with you. Your student card doesn’t always suffice.

Plan ahead, you don’t want to miss out on the fun just because you don’t have any ID with you.

4. Forgetting to bring cash to freshers’ stalls and events

To sign up to societies/clubs, you may need cash. Keep some on your person just in case.

5. Not setting a simple schedule/calendar

With so much going on, you will definitely want to keep track of all the events you are attending and any other stuff going on.

Make a simple calendar input of any event you are attending to make sure you remember.

Moving In and Settling Down

Moving away from home can be very tricky. This could be your first time living by yourself. Here are some common mistakes you NEED to avoid.

1. Forgetting the necessities

This is the worst case possible. Make absolute sure you have the essentials. Without doubt, the msot important thing to take are the documents.

For a full list of essentials to take to university, I recommend checking out What to take to University 2025 by SaveTheStudent.

2. Losing your flat keys

Again, don’t want to be doing this. If your dorm key is your student card, maybe make a spare. Or if you have the traditional keys, again, make a spare and give it to someone you trust.

You wouldn’t want to be locked out in the middle of the night.

3. Leaving common space dirty

You wouldn’t want to have a fall-out with your flatmates. Clean up after yourself. If you have used dishes, clean them immediately instead of letting them pile up.

Make a cleaning schedule with your flatmates. It’ll make life much easier.

4. Not setting a budget

Don’t spend all your money in one week. Budget. Buy and spend smartly. Obviously that’s easier said than done, but there are very simple ways of making a smart and efficient budget.

Academic Survival

1. Skipping lectures/tutorials

Make sure to try and go to every single lecture/tutorial there is. Remember, your professors are the ones who set and correct the exams.

By going to classes, you can get the upper hand in exams. Keeping up with classes will reduce the cramming pressure near exam seasons.

2. Not making notes

Making notes in college is especially important. Most modules I have don’t actually use any textbooks, and the professors PPTs are never useful.

So, making solid, exam-focused notes are crucial. I personally use an IPad to make notes. You can check out our article: The Best Apps to use for Making Notes.

3. Not having a study plan

Make a simple study plan. Use techniques you used in school; they are still relevant. This will help you stay on-top of assignments.

Check out our article: How to Make a Timetable to help you with this.

4. Forgetting about your CV

Throughout college, try your best to do things that will look good on your CV. Your future self will thank you for that.

Getting internships is the best way to make your CV stand-out. And, there are some internships which are super simple to get as well. You can learn how through our article: The Easiest Way to Get an Internship.

5. Not using career services

If your college offers career services, why not use them? Just book an appointment.

If you go to University College Dublin (UCD), check out our article in which we outline how to use these services, and other things to keep in mind before starting college at UCD.

Social Life

1. Hanging out with just school/known friends

There’s a massive temptation to just stick with the known people, even if you weren’t close to begin with. Definitely maintain relations with your school friends, and hang out with known people.

But make a conscious decision to make new friends and spend time with them. You have no obligation to spend time with just one specific group.

2. Not following-up after a friendly chat

If you have had a lovely conversation with someone, follow-up. Ask for their socials and continue the conversation. Don’t be nervous to make new friends. If you click with someone, go for it. Chances are they felt the same.

3. Expecting instant best friends

Don’t jump the gun too much either. Friendships take time.

4. Ghosting people

If you don’t like being ghosted, don’t ghost people either then. If you aren’t up for a plan, just tell them politely.

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There are many more mistakes you can make. And that’s normal. My best advice I can give you is make mistakes, and learn from them.

I hope you love your college experience. At Student Expresso, we write a lot of articles to help you with college life, consider checking them out, and share this article with you friends if you found it useful!

All the best!