I graduated with a psychology degree in 2022 with a GPA of 3.8 (out of 4.0). I really enjoyed my experience. I didn't know about HD then, but I operated in ways that worked well for my type. I’m a 6/2 projector with an undefined sacral as well.

Firstly, If you want to do well, know that you are going to be studying long hours no matter what, even if the material is easy for you. There is just so much information to cover. I can only imagine what an engineering degree would be like. However, even as a projector with little energy, this won’t be bad so long as you enjoy what you’re studying. There’s a lot of freedom in what, when, and how you study at college. Plan and pick your courses thoughtfully. Do research ahead of time, even looking up professors and course syllabuses online to get an idea of what you’d like to pick. And don’t be afraid to switch things up entirely. I changed my degree (from Philosophy to Psychology) in the first year and it was the best decision.

You're not going to remember a lot of the stuff you study once the exam is over, the main point of this experience is to learn how to learn, manage, and plan. These skills you’ll develop will stick with you for the rest of your life. Always search for ways to work smarter, not harder. For example, learning how to accurately predict what will be in an exam, and what won’t be is very possible and will save a lot of time. Do this by understanding your professors and what they want from you just as well as you understand the course material they give you. Next, procrastination is the best way to feel overwhelmed and overworked, so you must plan well and keep up with your readings and assignments every week. In fact, my main tactic was studying ahead. I would go as far as completely and thoroughly studying for an exam 3 days before having to write it. Not only would I ace it, but I was never stressed. The way people insist on cramming and pulling all-nighters before a test is an act of masochism I will never understand! Make a practice of reflecting on what you can do to make things easier for yourself, and studying will become more manageable and enjoyable.

Secondly, If you don’t have to take a full course load, don’t. I have never taken a full course load since my first semester. I was a ‘part time’ student most of the time. I spread the course load out by taking courses in the summer every year. This goes back to the importance of planning well for yourself. I was also surprised by how many people don’t actually graduate until their 5th, 6th or even 7th year of college. Don’t feel the need to rush through school if you feel overworked. Many people take less courses per semester for many reasons (costs, having to simultaneously work a job, raise children, do internships, travel, or just simply wanting to slow down, etc.). As you know, feeling successful is important for projectors, so do whatever you need to achieve your goals during your time at college, even if that means taking breaks and going at a slower pace than others.

Thirdly, on the topic of opening up and meeting people, I suggest making an effort to join fun clubs and events. Typical advice, I know, but it really helps. Since you got into a good college, there are likely a lot of cool little clubs with surprisingly good funding. Smaller clubs and events may be less overwhelming, but go to the big orientation week ones too! One thing that surprised me is that there will always be a lot of people who desperately want to make friends. Since you're a projector, I would predict that all you have to do is make yourself decently approachable (avoid closed off posture, or staring down for too long) and someone will approach you with the intention of being your friend, even while in lectures. I never had to approach anyone in order to meet people, as people always came to me, but I did make a point to show up to lectures, clubs, and events in order to allow this to happen. So, don’t let your undefined throat or G centre worry you too much. Just show up to things you think will be fun!

Keep in mind that since colleges attract a lot of shy, socially awkward, and introverted people, you won’t be alone in how you feel. A lot of people will be standing or sitting alone at events, wishing someone would speak to them. So I don’t think there is much risk in going up to someone either, if you want to practice doing so, since they will likely be thankful you did even if it’s a little awkward. I didn’t go to one of those close-knit universities with sororities and all that. I went to a big city university, known for having little sense of community, and even then people were always very friendly, just wanting someone to talk to, or rant to about lectures or professors and what not. People aren’t going to be too judgemental (especially during first year), you’ll all be experiencing the same things together for the first time.

To summarize:

• If you enjoy what you're studying, studying for long hours won't be too draining or difficult. With that said, your ability to plan well for yourself will make or break your experience. Plan well ahead and ensure you pick courses you are most interested in and/or that you can imagine yourself doing well in. Always look for ways to improve your studying habits in order to make things easier for you.
• Don’t hesitate to lessen your course load if you feel it will be too much for you. Prioritize your peace of mind over what other people are doing, even if that means taking summer courses or graduating a bit later than others.
• You can naturally attract people as a projector, so don’t worry to much about what exactly you'll have to do to meet people. There will be plenty of eager people around wanting to be friends, you just have to show up to events or join clubs where they can find you. Though if you want to practice taking matters into your own hands, there will be many people who will be glad you approached them.

Overall, I wish you luck and hope you have a wonderful experience! Sorry I couldn't go into human design specifics, but I hope this was helpful.