What I Wish I Knew My First Month at Penn
/If I could go back in time and talk to myself during those first few weeks at Penn, I wouldn’t hand over a how-to guide—but I would share a few honest lessons. These are the things I wish someone had told me when everything felt new, exciting, and a little overwhelming:
Say yes more—but also don’t be afraid to say no. In your first month, you’ll be invited to what feels like a hundred GBMs, dinners, study groups, and late-night adventures. Try things—especially the ones that scare you a little. But don’t feel guilty for turning down plans to recharge. Your time and energy are valuable, and you don’t have to be everywhere to belong here.
Talk to your professors. Office hours aren’t just for when you're struggling in class—they’re an underrated way to get to know some of the most brilliant and supportive people on campus. I was surprised by how approachable so many professors are. Sometimes a ten-minute conversation can lead to a research opportunity, mentorship, or just a renewed confidence in your academic path.
No one has it all figured out. It’s easy to look around and feel like everyone else came to college with a roadmap and a master plan. But behind every polished LinkedIn post is someone who’s still figuring things out, just like you. The truth is, part of the Penn experience is learning to be okay with not knowing everything—and trusting that clarity will come with time.
Bring shower shoes. I know it sounds minor, but trust me on this one. Dorm bathrooms are... an experience, and you’ll thank yourself later for being a little over-prepared. Sometimes it’s the small things—like a good shower caddy or a cozy blanket—that make the biggest difference in your day-to-day comfort.
Trust that you’ll grow into your place here. Those early weeks can feel like a blur—new faces, new routines, and the quiet pressure of trying to fit in. But give it time. The people, the passions, and the sense of belonging you’re looking for? They’re coming. You won’t just find your place at Penn—you’ll shape it.
The transition into college is overwhelming, but it’s also exciting. And while the first month is full of uncertainty, it's also the beginning of something really, really good.
- Tsering S.