It is an interesting topic that brings to light the realities faced by freshers, especially the gap between expectations and reality in the first year of university life. Being a fresher is far from easy; it demands both physical and mental strength to adapt to a completely new phase of the academic journey. As a fresher myself, I would like to share my perspective on the three worlds we simultaneously live in, constantly navigating them within our own minds.
World One – The Past
This is the world where freshers come from; the school, home, city, village and everything familiar. We always hope for change in life, yet when that change finally arrives, adapting to it becomes harder than we ever imagined. When I began my university life, I personally believed it would be somewhat similar to school. However, the reality proved otherwise.
In this past world, our identity and reputation were already defined. Comfort and predictability surrounded us. People knew who we were and we carried labels such as “the smart one,” “the chatterbox,” and many more. But the moment we stepped into the university, those identities were quietly erased within seconds. No one knew who we were anymore and that unfamiliar anonymity felt like both freedom and fear.
World Two – The University
Now comes the world where we perform and act according to specific roles. The university is where freshers suddenly become actors.
Acting confident when we are nervous.
Acting clear when we are confused.
Acting mature when we are still adjusting.
Here, first impressions feel permanent. Every introduction to lecturers and fellow students, feels like an interview. Every classroom and lecture feels like an examination, not only testing our academic knowledge but also the personality we possess. We, as students, are not just studying our modules for the semester examinations; we are also studying one another.
Who speaks well?
Who knows English and who doesn’t?
Who belongs where?
This world slowly reveals our reality. The silent fresher within us begins to fade as we start to feel like we belong to the university. Along the way, we explore not only others but ourselves.
World Three – The Digital World
Meanwhile, freshers live in a third world that runs parallel to real university life; the digital world. This is the space where we share our routines and university life updates on social media. Here, fresher life appears perfect and effortless.
Photos say: “Started the best phase of life.”
Captions say: “Encountering a new life.”
Stories say: “University vibes only.”
But the hidden truth behind these posts is rarely shown.
I feel lost.
I am confused.
Everyone looks more settled. Why don’t I?
These thoughts constantly run through our minds. As digital freshers, we appear confident and happy. Yet, as real freshers, we are still learning, adjusting and trying to figure out our own place.
Personally, I believe the first year of a fresher’s life is not just about finding ourselves or living in three different worlds with conflicting thoughts. It is about choosing which version of ourselves is real and carrying that same version across all three worlds. More importantly, it is about standing among thousands of students with a steady and confident mindset.
In reality, most freshers do not struggle with their subjects alone, they struggle with constantly switching identities. We have chosen this path in our academic journey and therefore, it is our responsibility to make the best out of this golden opportunity placed before us.
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