Honestly play however you think you would get the best experience! Self-inserting is the design but people absolutely make OCs to go through routes with all the time. Plus even if she isn't romancable if you play as yourself, you can be her BFF! And you can have a more than happy relationship with someone as just friends!
So by all means play your preferred way ^_^
Alrighty 07
Think I'll go as a self-insert just see where I'd end up and who with. I did run through the whole orientation thing too by the way, and the characters all seem like amazing fun!
I did figure I could be her friend though at least, wouldn't be far from reality. I'm the token straight cis dude for a few friend groups of mine haha. And I guess in this case it leaves some room open for future runs to see everything!
Thanks for the advice by the way, I appreciate it!