As a graduating senior, I started thinking about what I would tell my first-year self if I had the chance. The transition into college can be overwhelming, from figuring out your major, finding your friend group and learning how to live on your own, there’s a lot that doesn’t come with a syllabus.

I’ve found myself walking around campus a little slower these days, soaking in the spring sunshine, passing my first-year dorm like it’s a museum exhibit from a former life. It’s crazy how fast four years fly by. If I had the chance to go back in time and give my younger self some advice, it would be this: Everything happens for a reason, so don’t spend too much time worrying. Be present, do not wear that outfit, a bad grade is not the end of your college career and most importantly, know that you will wind up finding your very best friends at SMU, people you can’t imagine life without.

I asked my fellow graduating seniors what they would tell their first-year selves. What advice do they wish someone had given them before they moved into their dorms, said goodbye to their families and tried to act like they knew what they were doing? Their answers are honest, thoughtful and exactly what I would’ve wanted to hear four years ago.

Whether you’re nervous, excited, or somewhere in between, here’s what the Class of 2025 wants you to know:

Olivia Fuller from Villanova, Pennsylvania
“Don’t be scared or nervous,” Fuller said. “It’s meant to be fun, and everyone you are talking to has been in your same exact shoes. Lean on the people around you—it’s all their first time going through it too. Everyone’s on the same team.”

Mac Gordon from Chicago, Illinois
Gordon reminds new students that it’s okay to have a rocky start. “Your experiences in the first few weeks aren’t going to determine your four-year experience,” Gordon said. “Make sure you study and get your work done, but make sure you have fun with it too, because it’s a four-year experience you won’t have in life again. And call your parents once in a while.”

Ava Bates from Jacksonville, Florida
Bates says, “Study hard, make as many friends as you can, try new foods, buy new clothes and call your friends from home and remind them you love them.”

Shea Hobbs from Greenwich, Connecticut
“Say yes to everything,” Hobbs said. “Don’t forget that this is new for everyone—you’re not alone. It’s gonna go by really fast, so make the most of every day, even the bad ones.”

James Platek from Chatham, New Jersey
Platek says: “Don’t be afraid to meet new people and try new things you haven’t done before. Go to all [the] Boulevards and football games. Don’t be afraid to reach out to older students for advice. Everyone always loves helping others.”

Alexis Ambrose from Scottsdale, Arizona
“Make sure you balance school work with your social life,” Ambrose said. “It’s easy to get caught up in going to events, but it’s key to prioritize school and downtime for yourself. Lastly, be present and enjoy every moment because it goes by quick!”

Clare Coleman from Nashville, Tennessee
“Don’t take anything that seriously like your life depends on it,” Coleman said. “College can be a stressful time, but don’t confuse the stress of situations and make them larger than they really are. Surround yourself with people who will bring you back down to earth when things feel overwhelming—and remember to always take a deep breath.”

Pace McLendon from Mountain Brook, Alabama
McLendon offers a few practical tips: “Wake up early on Saturdays. Go to every sporting event possible. Use Rate My Professor,” McLendon said. “And take as many classes early as you can freshman and sophomore year.”

Charlotte Esping from Dallas, Texas
“Go to every event you can, even the ones you think might be a waste of time. Some of the best memories come from sporadic decisions,” Esping said. “You never know what could lead to a new friend, a good story, or both.”

Will Mahon from Greenwich, Connecticut
“Manage stress by being with friends even on school days—get food, don’t isolate,” Mahon said. “Try to decide what you’re most interested in academically by the end of sophomore year by taking lots of different types of courses. And don’t panic over a bad test score or quiz—mistakes happen.”