Florida Gulf Coast University Top Questions

What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

Kelly

The most important thing to look for when choosing a university is to find one that meets your needs. Before visiting a campus, make a list of items that you either need or want in a university. Talk with parents and colleges about the need for financial aid, the ability of jobs in or around campus, the types of social activity found near the campus, the size of the student body, the size of classes, and the variety of majors that they offer. Also, it is important to both speak with faculty in your prospective major and talk with administration about the ease or difficulties associated with transferring to a different college and changing majors. Although you may be set on a specific career path now, things change and it is important to know your options.

Heather

Look for a school with alot of majors.

Stephanie

make sure you visit the colleges before hand. see if you can audit a class for a day so you can get first hand experience of what the school is like. talk to current students they will give an unbiased opinion of the shcool they go to. join clubs and get involved on campus, put a lot of effort into school work but remember to balance it out with plenty of fun. and dont give up maybe that major isnt right for you find the right one and give it your all.

John

find where you will enjoy yourself

Melissa

Travel to schools and the surrounding cities. Hang out for a few days and see what it's really about.

Katherine

I would look at all of your options and choose wisely.

Caitlin

Definitely pick a college where you feel like you will be comfortable. Don't be afraid to move away from home, because sometimes moving away can make the college experience that much better. One of the most important things to consider is the availability of the classes you will need to complete the degree you are seeking. Also, choose a college that is going to help you if you ever should have a question. Make sure that they have the resources available (advisors, library, etc) that you feel you will need to better your education. Don't rush into the decision, ultimately your future is on the line. Make the choice that you will be most comfortale with, and parents--make sure to support your student 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the time. It's going to be a learning experience for both of you.

Santiago

Go to see the college more than one time. Get into contact with students who are currently enrolled at the school and ask them about ther experience. Also contact those who have graduated from the school and ask them about their experience. Read Publications that rate the best colleges fro a particular degree. Visit the website of the University and contact the professors who could possibly answer any questions in regards to a specific field of study a potential student is interested in.

Michael

Do something you could do for free everyday.

Nikki

Get involved, make friends, have fun, stay in touch with your family, learn who you are and learn who you want to be. You DO have time. Start off on the right foot and live life to your fullest. Be safe, be careful and stay out of trouble;) Live life with no regrets, every journey begins with a single step, set your goals, reach them; have a dream and fulfill it. Oh, and avoid parking tickets and always wear your seatbelt. Its okay to smoke, its okay to drink, know your limits and chose your decisions wisely. Its your life and the only one that can and IS willing to screw it up, is YOU! Good luck...Have pride, have hope and be you...

steven

take alot of campus tours!

Arley

It is really difficult to know if you're at the right college until you're into your major classes.

Ashley

Pick the college that you feel most comfortable with. Don't pick it because your friend is going there or your parents are pressuring you to go there. Pick it for you. Because ultimately it's you who is going there. And also, be brave. Dont be scared to pick a college a little ways away from home. I did... and I'm so happy with my decision! I feel independent. It's an awesome feeling! And I love the school I chose, because it's small and that's what I wanted. In the end it all comes down to what you want out of your college experience! So choose wisely because it's hard to transfer your credits if you change your mind!

Chelsea

I feel that both the student and parents should visit each school they apply to! I believe that in roder to find the school that best fits you you have to feel at home and excited when visiting that school! I also feel that the parents should be very involved in finding out the finacnical obligations and also the safety of the campus.

lashim

Pick a college that is right for you. The college should have classes for your degree and be safe. There should be fun activities to do and there should be a shopping center close by. The school should be friendly and have professors that care.

Nola

The advice that I would give to future college students and parents is that it may seem really hard to know what is the right school for you or your son/daughter, but I highly recommend taking a tour of the campuses that you are looking at applying to. Also check out the college's website and consider location for housing, grocery, shopping and also jobs available.

Kristy

Going away from home is a big decision. Make sure you're ready. There's nothing wrong with starting out close to home and working your way into the college experience.

Tiffany

After giving it your all in high school, choosing the right college can be a bit of a burden. Many students can overanalyze minor details and overlook vital essentials. When making the final decision about which college to attend, students and parents have quite polar preferences. Parents should feel comfortable about the institution they are allowing their child to attend. It must be affordable if financial aid is not an option for the student. Safety, as well as the potential to thrive in the environment are also mandatory. Since the student is most likely living on his or her own for the first time while attending college, he should take interest in a job, greek life, or a sport. This will provide stability when the fear and discomfort of a new situation tries to overcome the student's confidence. When the student's first semester starts, it can be quite overwhelming. Learning how to balance life and coursework is something that every student must master, but also yields much success in life. Student's who maximize the amount of knowledge they gain from both classes and life experiences will find the life of a college student beneficial and unforgettable.

Shannon

Make sure to visit each college and imagine if you could see yourself there. It also helps to find clubs you are interested in when you get there.

Meghan

Take as many tours as you possibly can. You'll know when you find the right college, you can just feel it. Explore their clubs and activities. Check out the living spaces on campus and make sure you can feel comfortable and safe in them. It's always a good idea to live on campus the first year. Make sure the school is woking to create a better Earth for all by implementing recylcling and has proper disposal units. You don't want to walk in a dirty school. Make sure the surrounding city is what you feel comfortable with. For example if you come from a small town with hardly any traffic you may not want to live an a big city with huge roadways, unless of course you want to explore something new! Make sure you explore everything new in college, it will help you grow. Be open to diversity and listening to other peoples opinions and beliefs, you can make amazing friends that way. And last, utilize the staff at the school. Find out all the perks of going to that school and use them for everything.

Beth

I would advise students to get involved as much as possible and focus on their career after college so to not have a full time job because it is super hard to balance school work and homework.

lashim

Pick a college that fits your style and has the things you are looking for.

megan

in order to find the right college i believe that visiting it before you make a decision is a most, mainly because you can get a feel for how the acutal school works and how the people intreact. when i came to fgcu i knew it was right by just the size of the school and how close everything was.my advice for parnets to behind your child no matter what because picking a college is hard enough added pressure from family to go to one they might have attended isnt required they have to realize that their little baby is all grown up with different experiences which can lead them to a very different college then there own. also to make the most of your college experience is really be active meet new people go to many of the events that school has to offer. yes college is for hard work and learning but in order to be successful you need the best of both worlds fun and hard work.

Rachel

Ask students who currently attend your school of choice

Patricia

During the application process, make sure that you apply to alot of different colleges, and visit the ones you can. A college looks alot different on the website than it does in real life. Also, apply for the fafsa ahead of time, even if you don't need financial aid. You never know when you might need a quick student loan to replace your computer or buy books. Try to get an on campus dorm if you can. You make alot more friends living on campus and you also save alot of money on gas mileage. Get to know your professors! You are paying for their time, so take advantage of their office hours. Ask alot of questions during class and email them if you have a question. Don't be afraid to speak up. More often than not, other people have the same questions and are too afraid to ask them. Last but not least, avoid the party scene. You can still have fun, but avoid the alcohol and drugs. Not only can they get you in alot of trouble, but they can distract you from your studies. Above all, have a good time, make friends, be yourself.

The most important question to ask yourself is: "Can I see myself here? Walking these pathways? Is this where I want to spend at least the next four years of my life?" If the answer to all of these questions is yes, then you've found your home!

Kera

For anyone who is trying to find the right college for them, make sure the school has your major, or many other interests that you may have. Make sure living situations and environment that the school is surrounded by is how you would like to live for the next 4 years. Make sure the size of the classrooms are to your expectations. Furthermost, make sure you are comfortable with the people around you.

Danielle

visit

Julia

The best advice that I can give on finding the right college for you is to visit the school. I have known many people that enroll in a college or university, attend orientation, and realize that they don't want to go there. In order to avoid this situation i would always visit the college first. Have a campus tour and see the sites around the campus where you will be living. It will make all of the difference in finding the right fit for you or your child. In order to make the most of your college experience i would suggest getting involved in as much as you can. The first couple of weeks can be hard on a freshman at college. The only person you usually make fast friends with is your roomate and that isn't always a given. The more you get involved in, the more people you will meet, and the more you will be making the most of your college experience. College truly is the best time of your life. Getting actively involved in clubs, organizations, and sports will help you to have the most fun that you can through your college years.

Eryn

When looking for the right college, find the one that pertains to your major the best. Look for one that has outstanding academic oportunities as well as excellent sources for resources as well as studying areas. Find a school where the advisors for your major are helpful and leave you with NO questions after visiting, a thourough advisor that encourages you is of the utmost importance. Also, find a college where you can relax and feel at home, eat healthy food to keep you energized for the work loads, and have a good and SAFE time with friends.

Thomas

make sure you go to college with an open mind and get involved i as many clubs, sports, and organizations that your can handle. and if you can afford it, dont work.

Molly

Live on campus for at least one year. It is extremely important in order to find friends at your new school and to stay involved in your school work.

Melissa

Do not select a school based on its popularity, or where the "big parties" are at. Pick a school thats in an area you like, and you will have no problems adjusting to college life. College is one of the best experiences Ive had so far.

Cady

Find a school that means something to you and that has your program and major. You are at school to learn and you can party later in life so find a school that is serious about education.

Marta

Be prepared for the rising cost of college because it will shock you if you aren't prepared when you come in. The university life is very expensive and make sure you are firm with your financial aid offices and get the help you get because they will not help you unless you go to them and express exactly what you need.

Christina

CALM DOWN! It is not the end of the world if you don't get into your first choice. As long as you have the drive, will, and want to learn, it won't matter which school you go to, you will be successful. The first year at college can be overwhelming, some things good, some bad. But just take your time. Become adjusted, and don't try and throw yourself into everything. Remember, you have 4-5 years of fun ahead of you so please don't feel the need to binge drink the entire time, it's really not as much fun as it looks (well the next morning anyway).

Kimberly

My advice is to do research on not only the college but what surrounds it. Make sure that as a parent you know that your child knows where to get groceries, gas, and everyday needs. As a student dont choose your school based on your friends, it might cause you to be there longer then you want. Above all if you dont have a major make sure you choose a school that will give you options and maybe in the end help you decide on one.

Stephanie

When going on college tours - ask the current students what they like about their school. Be sure to ask how hard it is to graduate, whether it be qualifications or even class availability. Also look into the on-campus housing options, schools focus on activites for these students because you live there and will be mre likely to attend.

Stephanie

Deciding when and where you want to go to college can be a very diffcult choice. You have to think of the location, costs and of course the value of the education. However, during my experience of a college student, I believe there is only one thing that can make or break your college choice. You should pick a college where you feel the most comfortable with, with yourself, with your friends, and etc. Do not pick a school based on the football team or the most parties, because in the end, those nights of memories will not get you a job.

Jen

The strongest advice I would give to college bound students is to make sure when you visit the campus you explore the campus for yourself. Don't just take what the person giving to tour says for granted. I have had quite a few friends who were miserable at their chosen college because they didn't explore the campus for themselves. After you finally choose a college the piece of advice I would give is to be yourself. It's very easy to loose who you want are when you are in a new environment like a college dorm. But if you just act like who you are you will make true friends that will be there for you.