First-year students from the Honors College embarked on a trip to Raleigh where they engaged in an escape room experience. This immersive activity provided them with the chance to collaborate in solving puzzles and overcoming challenges within a set timeframe. The experience served as a valuable opportunity for the development of essential life skills. It prompted the students to engage in analysis, pattern recognition, and logical deduction, fostering the enhancement of critical thinking abilities. As they navigated challenges and employed creative thinking, their problem-solving skills were finely honed. Emphasis on teamwork promoted the importance of effective communication and cooperation. Meeting the time limit required effective time management, while handling the inherent pressure contributed to the development of stress management skills. Careful observation improved attention to detail, adaptability was tested as circumstances changed, and perseverance was instilled through multiple attempts at solving a puzzle. First-year Honors College students will leverage this enriching experience to design an on-campus escape room experience as part of the upcoming Chowan University Student Research Conference.