What is a true freshman?

A true freshman is a student in their first year of college or university, attending directly after graduating from high school. They haven't taken any college courses (except perhaps dual enrollment or advanced placement classes) and are typically 18 or 19 years old. True freshmen are often navigating a significant transition, adjusting to the academic rigor of higher education, developing independence, and exploring new social environments. Common adjustments include managing time effectively, understanding college-level expectations for assignments like essays and research%20papers, learning to live in a dorm or off-campus housing, and building relationships with professors and peers. They are considered "true" because they enrolled immediately after high school, differentiating them from transfer students or older students. Many universities offer specific orientation programs and support services tailored to the needs of true freshmen to facilitate a smoother transition.