18 words of advice from last year’s grads to this year’s new students

Hindsight may be 20/20, but it isn’t always your own experiences you have to learn from. Sometimes, when you’re lucky, you’re given the chance to learn from someone else.

This week we see the return of New Student Orientation (NSO). With all the eager young faces arriving and starting a new chapter, it seems a good time to offer them a chance to learn from those who have come before them.

This past May, the 2025 graduates completed a survey and shared their wisdom, in just 18 words, with those who will follow in their footsteps here on the Hilltop. So, in the words of Cornell’s newest alums, here’s their best advice to prepare you for the first 18-day adventure (of many) on your own journey toward graduation.

A group of Cornell students plays a board game

1. “Create ‘work-life balance.’ Don’t get caught up in schoolwork; make time for friends, yourself, and hobbies you love!” ~Natalie Zenk, archaeology and art history double major.

2. “Take organization and planning seriously, so that you’re able to experience college life to the fullest without consequences.” ~Aurora Elliot, politics major.

3. “Grow wild; trust your own path; rest without guilt; and bloom freely—beneath the shifting skies and wandering winds.” ~Raissa Jacobs, German studies and ecology and evolutionary biology double major.

4. “Get involved on campus. Also, become familiar with your professors; they’re there to help you succeed in life.” ~Amelia Anderson, gender, sexuality, and women’s studies major.

5. “The more effort you put into being involved and making connections, the more memories you’ll end up making.” ~Josalin McKeever, biochemistry and molecular biology major.

6. “Prioritize your studies and don’t overcommit yourself. Go to office hours. You can do anything in 18 days.” ~Laura McLees, biochemistry and molecular biology major. A student uses equipment in the biology lab

A student uses equipment in the biology lab

7. “Try new things, expand your comfort zone, and find joy in discovering the unfamiliar parts of the journey.” ~Emma Rowe, biochemistry and molecular biology major, pre-pharmacy.

8. “Appreciate the moments that you'll never have again once you leave. Time goes by quicker than you think.” ~Peyton Bainbridge, psychological studies major.

9. “Believe in your potential, don’t be afraid to fail, prioritize your mental health, and enjoy the little things.” ~Gracie Erickson, English creative writing major, with a secondary education certification.

10. “Get to know as many people as possible. You can learn a lot, inside and outside the classroom.” ~Samantha See, kinesiology major, with a minor in psychological studies.

11. “You should be adventurous, outgoing, create a good group of friends, and always say YES to doing things!” ~Krystin Kamrath, finance major, with a minor in kinesiology.

12. “Do things, even (and especially) when you don't feel like it, because it goes by so so fast!” ~Tess Cooper, art history major, with a studio art minor.

13. “Have fun with your friends and roommates. These are the years you guys are in the same space.” ~Aina Phelps, applied psychology and studio art double major.

14. “Take advantage of as much as you can! It’s truly over before you know it, so have fun!” ~Adrien Kaplan-Mazur, gender, sexuality, and women’s studies and religion double major, with a minor in Spanish.

15. “Always stay true to yourself and don’t forget to take care of your mental, emotional, and physical health.” ~Abby Burns, psychological sciences major.

16. “Take time to enjoy every moment, because these four years will go by much faster than you think!” ~Lilly Dierkes, biochemistry and molecular biology major, with minors in psychological studies and kinesiology.

17. “Try something new every chance you get, because you never know when it could lead to your future.” ~Joana Persiani, kinesiology major, with a minor in psychological studies. Two students try to knock each other over at Ramapalooza

Two students try to knock each other over at Ramapalooza

And one last piece of advice, from Caleb Schopen, kinesiology and German studies double-major, who said 18 words wasn’t enough:

18. “There are countless ways to be involved on campus, and that should be the first thing to look for on day one. Get involved with a group, because you will meet lifelong friends in these groups—but don't overbook yourself. Leave time to take care of yourself and relax so you can be present in the moments that matter most.”