Starting college is a huge leap—into new classes, new friendships, and countless new possibilities. For the Class of 2029, these first weeks can feel daunting, so we turned to returning students for some advice and words of wisdom. 

We asked them: What do you wish you’d known as a first-year student? 

Their answers—about taking risks, managing time, and reading beyond the syllabus—offer first-year students a roadmap for making the most of their college journey at American University.  

Here’s what our seasoned AU students wish they’d known their first year: