A month before move-in, I hadn’t even started packing. Instead, I was adding clothes to shopping carts across half a dozen websites (none of which I purchased), scrolling Pinterest for outfit ideas and watching TikToks in search of everything I “needed” to know about college — from what to expect to unspoken rules. It wasn’t about being prepared; it was about becoming a different, “better” version of myself.  

Social media’s obsession with self-care, glow-ups and meticulous routines took off in the 2010s and continues to be a viral sensation, with the hashtag #glowup on Instagram generating over 4 million search results. Whether it means changing your skincare, hair, habits or physique, the idea of becoming a better version of yourself has started to become another item on the to-do list, rather than something done to genuinely improve physical or mental well-being. 

But why college? What is this milestone that makes people feel the need to reinvent themselves? Maybe it’s the blank slate, the idea that no one here knows who you used to be, and suddenly, you have endless possibilities for who you can become. Or maybe it’s the urge to stand out before you even settle in. After all, when adults have spent your whole life telling you that “college will be the best years of your life,” it’s hard not to feel overwhelmed by the pressure to make the most of every moment. That’s why first impressions feel so important, because they’re the first chance to start living up to that lofty expectation and set the tone for what those “best years” might really look like. 

The pressure to make a strong first impression doesn’t just exist in real life; even online, it feels impossible to ignore. On TikTok, videos with college-related content have garnered billions of views, with the hashtag #college alone reaching 10 million views. These videos cover everything from productivity hacks and dorm tours to aesthetic routines, vlogs and outfit inspiration. I remember scrolling through TikTok and coming across a video on glow-up tips that was part 12 in a series. I thought to myself, how many changes do people really feel they need to make if it takes more than a dozen short videos to cover it all?

Amid all the perfectly staged dorm tours and flawless morning routines, it’s easy to forget that real growth happens in moments no one sees. But despite that, this constant stream of curated content can be overwhelming, often setting unrealistic standards for how college life should look. If you’re not thriving from day one, it’s easy to feel like you’re already falling behind. This relentless cycle of comparison doesn’t just affect how students present themselves; it also impacts their mental health. 

According to a 2018 survey by the American College Health Association, over 60% of college students reported feeling intense anxiety, with social comparison and academic demands cited as major contributors. This constant need to prove yourself can turn college from a time of personal exploration into a nonstop performance, where keeping up appearances feels more important than genuine growth. While ambition is valued on most college campuses, the stakes can feel especially high at schools where excellence is the norm.  

At Vanderbilt, the intensity feels especially real, even before stepping foot on campus. With a reputation for high achievement and a culture that values ambition, it’s easy to imagine how students might feel the need to constantly prove themselves. The expectation to show up as the best, most polished version of yourself, academically, socially and personally, only adds to those unspoken pressures. Students often find themselves navigating a culture that demands taking on double majors, multiple clubs, internships and leadership roles simultaneously. These choices are often driven by a desire to meet the high standards of being “Vandy enough.”

Balancing academics, extracurriculars and a social life can seem like an overwhelming juggling act, especially when you’re still figuring out where you fit in. And part of managing that balance is learning to accept that growth isn’t always neat or immediate. Recognizing that early on can make the juggling act feel a little less intimidating.  For incoming Commodores, the excitement of starting fresh comes paired with the weight of expectations, making the transition feel both thrilling and daunting. 

That’s why all the talk about “glowing up” before college, whether you’re supposed to change your look, habits or mindset, can feel like just another checklist. But for me, the real glow won’t come from a flawless skincare routine or the latest fashion trends. It’s not about presenting an upgraded version of myself the second I show up on campus. Instead, it’s about giving myself room to grow naturally, without the pressure to have everything figured out right away.  

I’ll probably make countless silly mistakes. I might take the wrong classes, join clubs I don’t end up liking or feel out of place more than once. But that’s part of it. No one really tells you that the real adjustment isn’t about your appearance or your aesthetic, it’s about learning how to advocate for yourself, manage your time and stay grounded when everything feels new. College isn’t a clean slate in the way people make it sound; it’s just a new place to keep learning who you are.  

It shouldn’t be about performing as someone you think you’re supposed to be. It should be about embracing the messy, imperfect process of becoming yourself. If there is any kind of glow-up worth chasing, it’s that.