What I Would Have Actually Done Differently In College (Written by a Graduating Senior)

by RJ Edrolin

As the days until Commencement enters the low double digits, I – and most seniors – have begun to reflect on the last four years. College wasn’t exactly what I pictured when I first stepped on campus, and honestly, I’m glad it wasn’t. If you’re earlier in your college journey, consider this a completely honest list of what I actually would’ve done differently (and a few things I’m really glad I got right).

What I Would’ve Done Differently: 

Focused on Completing all my GEs in the First-Year

While I finished most of my GE requirements within the first two years of college, I still had a few stranglers in my later years. And honestly – still having to complete your GEs in your senior year is annoying. GEs typically take up a lot of time in your schedule (usually two lectures and a discussion a week) and when you’re nearing the college finish line, these classes feel tedious to complete. If I could do it differently, I would’ve focused on trying to finish all my GEs within the first two-years. 

Doing so can be beneficial in opening your schedule in the later years for electives, declaring a minor, and internships. It can also give you more flexibility to change your major!

Waiting to Declare a Minor until Second Semester Sophomore Year (at the earliest!)  

I always knew I wanted to declare a minor in college to have a more well-rounded education. But I jumped in too fast, without really knowing what I actually liked or what kind of workload I could realistically handle. Looking back, I wish I would’ve waited until my junior year to declare a minor. Waiting until then would’ve given me more time to commit to something I genuinely enjoyed, instead of rushing into it just to check a box. 

Don’t Enter College in a Romantic Relationship

When I was a freshman, I felt like one of the most common stressors my friends went through was trying to keep their relationships back home alive. I went through this as well and if I could honestly go back and start college over, I personally wouldn’t have entered it while already in a relationship. 

Of course, if you’re reading this and are in a relationship yourself, please take this advice with the biggest grain of salt. It depends on your relationship and your own circumstances. In my opinion, though, college is such a big transition, and it’s hard enough adjusting to a completely new environment and chapter of your life without also feeling tied to someone from your pre-college life. It’s a unique time to explore your interests, meet new people, and figure out your values and goals. Looking back, I wish I had given myself more space to grow on my own before committing to a relationship. Again, everyone’s situation is different, but as general advice, I’d recommend going in with an open slate.

What I’m Glad I Did:

Got Out of Town During Spring Break

During my junior year, I went to Hawaii for Spring Break, and that week away from campus ended up being the perfect mental reset. It gave me the break I didn’t even realize I desperately needed, and it really helped me push through the final stretch of the school year. 

But you don’t have to fly somewhere far or go somewhere expensive to get that same effect. Even short day trips throughout California gave me the pause I needed. For my other Spring Breaks, I took quick getaways to places like Solvang, Big Bear Lake, and San Diego — and every single time, I came back feeling recharged and a little more balanced. Make an effort to go somewhere away from Los Angeles during Spring Break — trust me, the change of scenery does wonders for your mindset.

Learned Basic Budgeting and Credit Early On

One of the best things I did for myself in college was learning the basics of budgeting and how credit works early on. I’m not saying I became a financial expert overnight, but even small steps — like tracking my spending, setting a weekly budget, and understanding how credit cards actually affect my credit score — made a huge difference. It saved me from a lot of financial stress later, especially when unexpected expenses popped up or when I wanted to travel or attend events without feeling guilty. If you’re even a little intimidated by money stuff (which I was at first), I promise it’s worth spending a weekend learning the basics.

Accepted That The ‘College Experience’ Is Highly Subjective  

One of the most freeing realizations I had early on in college was accepting that the ‘college experience’ looks different for everyone — and that’s okay. There’s a lot of pressure to make these four years the ‘best years of your life,’ packed with parties, lifelong friendships, studying abroad, joining a million clubs, and landing dream internships. At first, I felt like I was constantly measuring my own experience against this idealized version I saw on social media or heard about from others. But over time, I learned that there’s no one-size-fits-all blueprint for doing college ‘right.’ For some people, it’s about campus involvement and game days. For others, it’s about working part-time, finding internships, or focusing on family responsibilities. Once I let go of the idea that I had to check every box to have a fulfilling college experience, I started appreciating my own path a lot more. And honestly, that mindset made my years here so much more enjoyable and less stressful.