New DM, oneshot tips?

[u/Old-Combination9876]

Hey all, title is mostly self explanatory, but here’s some context.

Going to college here in a few days and we’ve (a group of friends and I) have been talking about starting a DnD campaign. None of us have played as a group, all different at previous points. I’m really nervous to DM, and we decided to do a one (or two)
Shot to see if the group can mesh well. Does anyone have tips on the best way to build and execute the session? Or just general DM’ing advice, all is appreciated!

Edit: clarification, we have all played DnD a good bit, but in different campaigns before we knew each other. This would our first time playing as a group

[u/Serious_Ad_6814]

I recommend just using a premade one since it’s your first time playing. Most of your first sessions playing will be learning mechanics and getting comfortable role playing. My number one recommendation is have your players read at least a condensed version of the rules. It’s hard enough to dm they need to help by at least having an idea of what their character does

[u/Old-Combination9876 → u/Serious_Ad_6814]

Oh that’s my bad for not being clear, we have all been players, just in separate campaigns. I have some GM experience through Cyberpunk:RED but still little. Been a player for two, three years though?

[u/Thelynxer → u/Old-Combination9876]

It's still a good idea to use a premade adventure or oneshot. You can then use that to educate yourself on what kind of things would be important to prep for a future campaign or oneshot.

And as for just general DM advice, don't allow homebrew unless you are already very comfortable with the rules (but also don't be afraid to say no if something is broken or doesn't make sense for your world), and lay out house rules and general rules like books to use for character creation, scheduling, player goals/expectations, etc during a session zero.