I had never taken a psychology class prior to starting my undergraduate, so when I would hear fellow students talk about what field of psych they were interested in, I felt behind, even though I had just started. I never realized how many fields there were and it still surprises me.
The imposter syndrome never went away and I can’t be sure it will, but I can say I have learnt enough over these past four to five years to help new psychology students feel more confident starting university or college. Therefore, I have compiled a quick list of the most important things a first-year psychology student needs to know.
1
Participate in Research
No one really tells you in high school how much of psychology is based in research. At my university, almost every psych major I talk to has either been a participant in research or, most importantly, been a Research Assistant. Research is critical if you are considering to pursue a thesis-based graduate degree, such as a master’s in clinical psychology.
2
Be a Strong Volunteer
Now, if you are planning to use your psych degree for community outreach or course-based education, volunteering matters. First, make sure the place is relevant to your goals. This means volunteering at a crisis line if you wish to be a counsellor. Second, stay consistent with the time you dedicate to the organization and build a healthy amount of hours. Don’t try to volunteer at multiple places in your last year, spending little time or too much time at each.
3
Be Mindful & Prioritize
Although all this information is sorted as a list, please be mindful of what you are planning to do after your undergrad as some tasks may not be important to your journey or interests. It could also be that all these tasks are important to follow, but in different priority.
4
Join an On-campus Initiative
Joining a club or campus-run role seems like an obvious step, but not for the reason you might think. In addition to making friends, it helps you network. Hanging out with students who may or may not be in the same major as you allows you to learn about developments in your department and field of interest. It also helps you learn what is happening in the departments that impact or are impacted by psychology, such as business, and your university or college. The information you gather from others helps shape your needs and wants, which is critical as you progress to your senior years.
5
Take Your Time
Most psych students I come across are perfectionists, including myself, which means that the thought of not fulfilling something right away causes them to ruminate, thinking they messed up their future. However, just as how some research studies have different ethical processes, student experience can look different. For example, a researcher whose participants are snails won’t need to complete an HREB (Human Research Ethics Board) form. Take the time to learn what is relevant to you because when the path is clearer, that’s when it becomes easier to believe in yourself.
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