Undergraduate Advice: Freshman Year Struggles

     You are away from home, away from what you know- adjusting to college is hard. There are so many new experiences and struggles you will have your first year of college, but we have all been there. A few upperclassmen have written their experiences to share with you on their struggles- so you can feel like you aren't alone. If you ever need help or advice, I am positive they would be there for you.

"Freshman year was one full of chances to learn, to make mistakes, to explore, and to be independent. Living away from home was challenging, but love and care from my peers supported me every step of the way. I had the opportunity to not only engage with my cohort members, but also interacted with upperclassmen. As a result, this cultivation in friendships eased my worries and introduced me to a new and stimulating life. I became more familiar with which classes to take, which cafes and restaurants to spend my Saturday afternoons, how to study, where to go hiking, how to reach out for mentorship, which physicians to shadow, and how to be a responsible, yet courageous freshman. In addition, guidance from BA/MD advisors was an exceptional resource that enhanced my experience. Their remarkable advice and warm hugs helped comfort my concerns. Further, late night food runs, stress of completing study guides, shopping sprees, long conversations, duck pond bonding, studying in the Zimmerman Library, as well as being able to reach out to friends in the dorms, are all memories I cherish to this day."

Name: Anmol Arora 

Hometown: Carlsbad, NM
Cohort: 2012

"I was born and raised here in Albuquerque, so going to UNM really was University Near Mom for me. I had graduated from Sandia High School, and felt like I was prepared for college. But there were many parts about college that no amount of high school education could have prepared me for. One of the big shocks for me was learning how to study. I was used to high school, where I think I only ever studied for like two tests total and still got by with above a 4.0 GPA. I was crazy and took organic chemistry my freshman year (while I still stand by my choice, it was more of a shock for me), so I had to learn how to study and I had to learn it fast. My first ochem exam didn’t turn out nearly like I would have liked it to, and I found out just how much more effort I was going to have to put into studying. This goes for all of your classes, your freshman year you may not encounter this as much, but as you move up in the ranks learning the best ways for you to study is crucial! I found that I am a very auditory person, I love to talk (any of my friends can attest to this), and talking through problems with other members of my cohort was very helpful for me. Other people are more visual learners so they need to draw pictures and diagrams, others are fortunate enough just to be able to commit things they read immediately to memory. The other thing I realized was with moving on campus – it was really convenient to have my parents around to plan dinners, do my laundry, and nag me to get to bed at a decent time. But, none of this is to lead you to believe freshman year sucks. I loved getting to live around my cohort, and made so many new friends that year that I am still really close to today. Also, another big piece of advice is to make friends with upperclassmen! We can only fit so many words onto this blog, but we have so much knowledge to share. So whether it’s a question about a professor (or you need to rant about one – we’ve all been there), a question about what there is to do around campus, or whatever is on your chest, bug us! BA/MD Org is a great opportunity to connect with other cohorts. With all this, make the best of your freshman year because it all will fly by!"

Name: Kylie Disch

Hometown: Albuquerque, NM

Cohort: 2013

“Advice to freshman:

My biggest fear about college before starting freshman year was not having many friends. I didn’t know many people from my hometown going to UNM, so I knew I would have to find people to socialize with. If this sounds like you, my recommendation would be to start introducing yourself to as many people as you can! You’ll never know when or where you’ll meet your new best friends. Mine came from my cohort, my general chemistry classes, and Lobo basketball games! 

Another thing I realized quickly: upperclassmen in cohorts above you are great resources and friends to have. They’ve given me tons of advice about classes to take, teachers to avoid, activities to participate in, and organizations to join. Us upperclassmen may seem busy, but we are most definitely approachable and want to help everyone!

I hope you guys have an awesome and unforgettable freshman year of college! Remember - it only comes once.”

Name: Rushi Mankad

Hometown: Hobbs, NM
Cohort: 2014

"For 19 years, I lived on an Army Base with a population of near 2000. It was lights off at 10:30pm and rise at 6am. My first week in Albuquerque for college was amazing. Maybe too good. My grades were beginning to show the fun I was having. Moral: have fun, but make it second priority to sleep and study.

As for involvement, do get involved. Even if you are shy, joining organizations on campus can really get you out of your shell fast! I met many people, even if I haven’t seen them since. Others, I see everywhere on campus and have come to be really good friends with many. Explore freshman year, see what you like and don’t like. There’s not going to be as much free time later on in college. People often say college will be the best time of your life. Well, there’s not going to be a second time for pre-meds!"

Name: Dang Vu

Hometown: Las Cruces

Cohort: 2014

You may struggle, you may feel homesick, you may feel like you can't do it- but believe me, you can. It is okay if you get your first B ever- I know I had to overcome that feeling. Just remember you are surrounded with people cheering you on to succeed. These people are here to help you, so take full advantage of that!

If you have any questions, feel free to shoot us an email.


Kylee Greider
BA/MD Org President