“Things I Wish I Knew Before First Year” exists to share the advice, truths and tools we all wish we had before starting university. It is designed to help students navigate their first year with clarity, confidence and access to support in academic, social and emotional aspects.
by Casey Byano Akase
Authors Note
When people talk about first year, especially first year in residence, it is often framed as the most exciting year of university. You are constantly around other people, meeting new friends, and learning how to live more independently. I went into my first year in residence hopeful and open to the idea that it would be a time of growth and building community.
Writing this blog reminded me how easy it is to romanticize that experience. From the outside, first year can look like constant connection, packed calendars, and instant belonging. Through these conversations, however, I was reminded that growth is usually quieter than that. It happens in the small decisions, like applying even when you’re unsure, introducing yourself, asking for help, or choosing to slow down when you feel overwhelmed. My hope is that this piece does not add pressure to “do more,” but instead offers a more honest perspective; first year can be exciting, but it is also a time that shapes you in quiet and meaningful ways.
This blog looks at first year through the perspective of student leaders in residence, highlighting both the excitement and the adjustment that come with the role. These honest conversations highlight how getting involved early can strongly influence a student’s university experience.
Get Involved and Know Why
Getting involved early played a meaningful role in shaping these students’ experiences. Taking on leadership roles opened the door to mentorship, created smaller communities within a large campus, and introduced opportunities they may not have found on their own. What stood out most, however, was that involvement wasn’t valuable just because it strengthened a résumé. It mattered because it provided structure and direction during a time that can often feel uncertain. Being part of a team or council offered a sense of community.
Taking Initiative Inside and Outside of The Classroom
One of the biggest adjustments students described was not just the difficulty of university coursework, but the expectation of initiative. In university, no one reminds you to start your readings or follow up on assignments, and professors are not constantly checking in. That independence can feel intimidating, especially in the first year when everything already feels new. Taking initiative often sounds confident in theory, but in reality it can feel uncomfortable. Going to office hours, sending an email to a professor, speaking up in a lecture, or applying for a leadership role without knowing if you are qualified all require vulnerability.
These students shared that leadership pushed them to grow in these moments. They developed time management skills, learned how to problem solve, and became more comfortable asking for support. These skills were not instant, but they were built through experience.
Ambition Requires Boundaries
Across the interviews, many students spoke about the pressure to do everything at once. Many of the students were highly motivated and genuinely excited to take advantage of every opportunity available to them. However, some quickly realized that holding multiple commitments and managing a heavy course load at the same time could lead to burnout. The pressure to stay involved in everything often came from a good place, but it was not always sustainable.
Importantly, their advice was not to lower expectations or stop being ambitious. Instead, they emphasized the importance of pacing yourself. University is four years long, and growth does not happen all at once. Protecting your energy, whether through time blocking, setting boundaries, asking for help, or simply taking quiet time to reset, is just as important as saying yes to new opportunities.
Use The Resources Around You
Another clear theme across interviews was the importance of leaning into the support systems already in place. From dons encouraging students to apply for leadership roles, to upper year mentors, to professors available during office hours, resources are consistently present. The students who felt most grounded and confident were the ones who chose to reach out rather than navigate everything alone. Using the resources around you can make the difference between feeling overwhelmed and feeling supported.
Advice : As one student put it, “A little goes a long way.” They explained how something as simple as talking to the person beside them in their first class turned into a meaningful friendship. Others shared similar experiences of finding belonging through residence council or student organizations. Community was not something that appeared overnight; it was built through small, consistent actions. First year may be full of people, but connection grows when you take the first step.
Thank You To This Month’s Guests: A big thank you to this month’s guests for sharing your experiences so openly. I really appreciate you taking the time to be part of this conversation. I have no doubt you’ll continue to do great things at Western and beyond!
Joanne He - VPF of Lambton Hall Residence Council
Andrew McMillan - President of Medway-Sydenham Hall Residence Council
Jane Obiyan - VP Promotions of Alumni House Residence Council
Eliza Sanni - VP Finance of Elgin Hall Residence Council