The long and cold winter has passed, and the first semester of 2025 has started. This semester marks the beginning of university life for the 2025 freshmen. Having graduated high school with lots of expectations, they likely want to do lots of things. However, this new beginning can also bring worries. To help ease those worries, we’ve compiled advice from senior students about their college life.

1. How would you summarize your university life?

 I focused on minimizing my financial dependence on parents. However, I believed that solely focusing on finances would undermine the meaning of university life, so I joined the Student Council and clubs, making new memories by hanging out with new friends and enjoying college events.

 My primary goal was to have many new experiences and enjoy my university life. I wanted to try many different activities, meet new people and experience all the emotions.

 My primary goal was to manage my grades. Most of the time, I tried my best to focus on studying. Although there were a few mistakes along the way, my attitude to try my best helped me maintain my grades. By staying committed to my goals, I was able to develop academically and personally.

2. If you could go back to your freshman year, what would you change?

 As part of the class of 2020, I spent my whole freshman year attending online classes due to the pandemic. While I had no choice under the circumstances, I regret not enjoying my freshmen year more. I believe I could have had more exciting experiences if I tried to make friends, even online.

 One thing I regret the most is I was being hesitant to interact with seniors. Now that I’m a senior myself, I realize how much I could have learned from them. I could have gotten all kinds of advice and tips about university life which would have made my university life even more efficient and fulfilling.

 If I could return to my freshman year, I would prioritize enjoying university life alongside managing my studies and part-time job. I regret not making time for school events, club activities, and exploring different interests. If I had embraced those experiences, I could have connected with more people and gained a deeper appreciation of university life. By learning from these reflections, freshmen can make the most of their first year at university —balancing academic responsibilities with the opportunities to explore, connect, and grow.

3. (Double Major Question) The reason you decided to pursue a double major and your thoughts on the experience.

 Majoring in the humanities, I worried about limiting my job market options with only my primary major, so I pursued a second major in business administration to seek broader opportunities. Business administration offered many different fields like marketing, human resources, and finance. For those considering a double major, I advise identifying your interests early and tailoring your academic path accordingly.

 Balancing the demands of two majors, each requiring 42 credits, was challenging and required significant time and energy. Overlapping assignments and exams often felt overwhelming, but I overcame these difficulties by creating detailed plans and managing my time effectively. This experience improved my self-management skills.

4. What doyou think is the most essential on-campus activity?

 School-club activities were the most meaningful part of my campus life, offering invaluable experiences and connections with many different people. As aclub leader, I developed confidence and leadership skills by taking initiative. These experiences contributed significantly to my personal growth, making club participation the most impactful on-campus activity for me.

5. A word ofadvice for freshmen.

 Enjoy your college life to the fullest by joining events, making friends, and building relationships with your peers and seniors. Consider joining groups like the Student Council, as organizational activities can be valuable for your future. Lastly, drink in moderation to avoid bad memories. Best wishes for your collegejourney!

 University offers the chance to meet people from diverse backgrounds, making relationships key to enjoying college life. Engage actively with others and build meaningful connections. Joining clubs or campus activities is a great way to meet students from different departments, enriching your overall college experience.

 College life is a journey of personal growth shaped by your choices and challenges. Listening to the experiences of your upperclassmates can be a valuable way to adapt quickly to a new environment. Through this KGU Talk section, Pharos hopes that you cultivate a meaningful and memorable college life.

Media Management Editor • KIM TAE WOO • jerryfighter27@gmail.com

Planning & Marketing Editor • LEE CHAE EUN • leechaeeun0318@naver.com