If you’re reading this, you might be a first-year student, still adjusting to life at Brandeis. At this point, you may be trying to figure out your schedule, debating whether to join certain clubs or wondering if you’ve found the right group of friends. The truth is, no one arrives at college knowing exactly how things will play out, and that’s a part of the experience. Over the past four years, Brandeis has taught us that flexibility, patience and a willingness to embrace the unexpected matters far more than having a perfect plan. With that in mind, the following is what members of this editorial board wish they had understood earlier.

The housing lottery really is that deep

Many students assume that housing is a relatively straightforward process — until they go through the Brandeis lottery system. While it may seem like an exaggeration, securing the right housing requires strategy, group planning and intense prayer.

Your first year is simple, as first-year housing is assigned. However, once you begin selecting your own housing, you’ll quickly realize that competition for certain dorms is intense. If you have a strong preference for where you want to live, it’s essential to plan early, coordinate with a reliable group and prepare multiple backup options. Even those with seemingly good lottery numbers can find themselves adjusting their expectations as spaces fill up unpredictably.

That being said, where you live does not determine the quality of your college experience. While some dorms may seem more “desirable” than others, friendships, routines and personal habits matter far more than the specific building you call home. Regardless of where you end up, you will find ways to make the space your own.

Befriend your neighbors

It’s easy to view dorm life as just a place to sleep and study, but the people living around you can make a huge difference in your first-year experience. Even if you don’t become lifelong friends with your floormates, simply knowing the people around you — saying hello in the hallway, making small talk in the common room or leaving your door open once in a while — can make campus feel a little less overwhelming.

Some of the best friendships that members of this board have made at Brandeis began with casual interactions in residence halls. Whether it was a spontaneous late-night conversation, borrowing something we forgot to bring from home or just having people to walk to the dining hall with, these small connections make campus life feel more like home.

If you’re feeling isolated or overwhelmed in your first few weeks, start by talking to the people closest to you — literally. You don’t have to be best friends with your neighbors but having familiar faces around can make a huge difference.

Leave your room

Touch grass! Spending too much time in your room can make Brandeis feel significantly smaller than it actually is. Some of the most memorable moments happen in unexpected places, whether that’s a casual conversation in the library, a last-minute event you decided to attend or an impromptu trip to Waltham.

Brandeis offers a variety of study spaces beyond the library, and taking the time to find your ideal spot can make long hours of coursework feel more manageable. Likewise, making an effort to spend time outside, whether for a walk around campus or a visit to Moody Street, can break up the routine of classes and assignments. The more you engage with your surroundings, the more connected you’ll feel to the Brandeis community.

Join a club for an unrelated interest

Many students arrive at college thinking that they have a clear idea of what they want to study and immediately gravitate toward clubs that align with their academic or career interests. While professional organizations and major-related groups are valuable, some of the most rewarding experiences come from joining something completely outside your area of expertise.

If you’re studying Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, consider participating in a theater production. If you’re an English major, try an economics or technology-centric club. Pursuing an interest that has nothing to do with your coursework provides a creative outlet, introduces you to people you may not otherwise meet, and reminds you that college is about more than just preparing for the workforce. Some of our favorite experiences at Brandeis have come from activities that have nothing to do with our career goals — things we did simply because they were enjoyable.

Don’t spend too much time stressing about next year

It’s easy to get caught up in planning for the future, whether that means selecting next semester’s courses, strategizing for the housing lottery or trying to secure the perfect summer internship. While thinking ahead is important, focusing too much on what comes next can make you lose sight of the present. Your first year is meant to be a time of exploration. You’ll discover new interests, meet people who will shape your experience and likely change your mind about things more than once.

Some of the best choices we made in college were ones we hadn’t originally planned for. A class that a member of this board enrolled in on a whim led them to an entirely different academic path, an unexpected job opportunity changed their perspective on career goals and a pre-orientation event they almost skipped introduced them to some of their closest friends. Let yourself enjoy what’s happening now, rather than constantly worrying about what comes next.

Final thoughts

Your first year at Brandeis will not be defined by a single decision, friendship or experience. It is a time of transition, filled with both excitement and uncertainty. Some days will be challenging and others will remind you exactly why you chose to be here. Give yourself permission to explore, to grow and to change your mind. This is your own college experience and is entirely yours to make the most out of.