Network! It's so important and I didn't take advantage of it, even though I should have.
Don't set too many expectations for what you want your college experience to be right out of the gates. While it's good to be ambitious, keep an open mind and take opportunities as they come. Some will be challenging while others may completely alter your path of study. You never know where things may take you. Reflecting back, I would've never thought I'd decide to go to vet school, study abroad in East Africa, learn to ski, or become a fashion designer. Even so, I couldn't be happier with where I am now. Life has funny way of getting us where we truly need to be. Have faith, embrace new experiences, and enjoy the ride!
Don't be afraid to email professors and ask what research opportunities that have!
Just reach out to professors! They are human and despite what High school teachers have told you, want you to succeed in college! The worst thing that a professor could say to you is no so just reach out!
Find a research job that pays ok and do only that for your part time work. It is too difficult to go to school full time, have a part time job, and do research. Also, find a mentor early in your collegiate career.
Feel free to jump from lab to lab and give all of your interests a try. Just because something isn't exactly what you had envisioned doing doesn't mean you won't fall in love with the field/work.
I think one of the best things about research as an undergrad is that you can explore. In grad school, at least from what I've heard, you have to be a bit more focused about what you want to study. You can't change from one topic to a completely different one just because you're curious. But as an undergrad, you have more freedom. Now, that's not to say that you should be flighty. It's important to bring projects you start to a logical stopping point before transitioning to something else, and it's SUPER important to keep in mind how your involvement or lack thereof affects other people on a project. However, there is still a lot of flexibility. At least in my case there has been. You can work on one project for a while and then when it's finished or at least has reached a logical transition point, you don't have to stay focused on the same topic. You can, but you don't have to. If you want, you can research something completely different. So, my advice would be try to get at least a glimpse of many different topics you could research if you're not already sure what you want to focus on. Then, once you've "tasted" a sample of them, you'll have a better idea what you want to focus on in the long run.
Find something that you find interesting and makes you feel fulfilled.
Say yes to as many opportunities as possible!
Don’t miss a sports event, powder day, or free food event on the quad. College can (and should) be fun—and much of your growth will occur outside of the classroom and laboratory.
Start your final paper earlier than you think you need to! And do the random silly college things. It's your one chance to take a ping-pong class or go to a free concert!
There are lots of cool opportunities for grants and funding to take advantage of at USU. Always go for it, even if you don't think you'll get it the first time. Writing those grants helps improve your science writing skills and is essential for graduate school. Also, don't be afraid to shop around projects and see which one is the right fit for you!
Go out of your way to talk to people, especially if you are an introvert.
Don’t be afraid to try new things. Growth comes from stepping into the unknown!
Find great mentors and show them you are willing and anxious to work well and hard. Be open with them about your hopes and goals and ask for their guidance in achieving those things.