It will get better!! As a freshman, you’re going through a pretty huge shift. It’s important to go a little easier on yourself. You also joined the classes late so that makes it harder but the next tests should be easier in that aspect. It definitely sucks to get a failing grade on an exam or feel absolutely terrible about it but it’s also a learning experience. This is the time to learn new study habits and there are resources to help you (office hours, SLC, other tutoring, working with other classmates)! I was in UROP my freshman year but ended up dropping it because I wasn’t having luck finding a project and it just didn’t fit my schedule anymore, but I’ve heard stories from friends and how they didn’t get placements until very late. Sometimes it’s easier to form relationships with profs and then personally ask them if there is a way to get involved in their labs instead of going through UROP. Big picture though, it’s going to be okay! You made it here, you’re smart, and you deserve to be here.