Georgia Southern University Top Questions

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

Tamia

I would advise students to take colege tours, during class hours so they can get e feel for the campus and see the amount of students on campus during the day. I would tell the parents to let their son/daughter choose the college they want to attend. Once the students arrive at college they should get involved aound campus, thats the easiest way to make friends if they are shy.

Ashly

Don't allow your child to base his/her college choices on where their friends will be! Anywhere you decide to go, you'll make many wonderful new friends! When you do get to college, don't hold back! Show people who you really are, not who you tried to hide in high school because of the fear of rumors flying about you. This is college! No one cares if you were the homecoming queen or the quarterback of your high school, or if you were a "nerd." They care about who you are now and you will find people who are just like you that could become life-long friends! I've heard a quote many times that describes my college experience to a "T"! You don't go to college to meet your future husband! You go to meet your bridesmaids!!!

Lauren

I would advise them to look for traits that they prefer. Do not go to a college because your friends are going there. Find the classroom size that you feel comfortable learning in. Meet some of the professors and see if you like them and their philosophies. Visit the sorority houses and find out about organizations that you can join. Most importantly, visit multiple schools before choosing one. See which one makes you feel and home. Pick the school that you can imagine being at. Also, give a school more than one semester. It is hard to adjust to college life. The first semester is hard for everyone. Give yourself time to find friends and feel comfortable where you are.

Molly

I would adise students to keep an open mind when going into school and to also get very active on campus. Being active on campus opens you up to a world of new opportunities and also looks good on a resume. Also, ATTEND CLASS. There is a big difference among students who fail class because they don't attend and those who pass because they do go to class. Talk to your professor and go to their office hours so that way you establish a relationship with the professor. For parents, keep your relationship with your children open. Know that you have done your best in providing them with everything they need to go out into the world and make smart responsible choices. Also, when returning home for the holidays, there is an adjustment period just as there is when the kid goes off to college.

Cameron

If your looking for a college, look first for a college that you will enjoy attending. You have to have things around you that compliment who you are and what you do. Also, look for the best value for you education. It isn't always the most expensive college that will give you the best education. Consider your major that your looking forward to going into because you can get a degree for a better price at a different school. To make the most of your college, you need to make sure you balance your time well with school and also some personal interest that keep you happy with where you attend school. There is nothing worse than going to school where you don't enjoy the people your around. Get out and find who you are and what you like so you can make the most of college and jump into life with a positive and hopefull attitude.

Jessica

In order to find the right college make sure you at least apply to three or more school and when the university has open house be sure to attend. By going to open house you get to tour the campus and know a brief history of the university then you can see if this is what you would like to attend for four or more years. Once you go and view the campus also check out the envirnoment of the town or city to see if you can fit in there. To make the most out of college make at least one or more friends in each class, but make sure you properly pick your friends and not join in the wrong crowds because some friends can be deceiving. Also in enjoy the college life while you can but don't get sucked into the social life, it's school then it's social time.

Anndrea

The most helpful advice I can offer to the student is to not let financial matters dictate and limit their selection. Of course, with the uncertainty of the direction of America?s economy, cost should be a factor however it should not keep the student who dreams of attending a four- year university stuck at a two-year college. Do not underestimate the importance of having comfort in your surroundings. It can truly make all the difference. The student must understand that the university that they choose to attend will be the environment in which they make the transition into adulthood. College is the fast lane on the highway to self-realization, they will learn so much about themselves and who they want to be as an individual, which is why a majority of students change majors several times throughout their college career. Change is inevitable, in order to make the most out of the college experience you must not view change as an inconvenience but as an opportunity to become skilled at adaptation, a necessary ability in the ''real world".

Elliott

For finding the college that fits you best, I would reccommend first making a list of the top 3 most important things to you about the campus (food, ousing, size, etc.) Then make campus visits to the schools your are considering, and once you have your list of schools narrowed down to two to three schools, you should reevaluate your list and see which school offers the best of what you want. To make the most of your college experience, I would reccommend getting involved on campus with various groups and extra-curricular activities, because it not only allows you to meet new people and increase your network of friends, but it also allows you get practice at managing your time between social and academic activites.

Heather

The right college is the one where you step foot on campus, take one look around and immediently feel at home. That's what happened with me and Georgia Southern. I felt like I wouldn't be happy anywhere else. It was the only place I applied to and I want to even stay here for my graduate degree. I love the people and the instructors and that's what you need to look for. Somewhere you can call home.

Amanda

If I could do one thing over it would have been to get more involved my freshman year, it is much harder. Also, I think it is imperative that as a freshman, students live on campus. I met many people in my dorm that I am still friends with and I wouldn't take back one second of living in the dorm.

Ashley

The advice I would give parents and/or students would be to choose a college based on your intended major, not because of the friends that are going to that school. Your friends may not always be there for you. I would also tell them to use the sources that are provided. At Georgia Southern we have a writing center, academic success center, and free tutoring sessions. They are very helpful and if you get help as soon as you need it, it will pay off.

Kyle

Think about what you want to do, not what others pressure you to do. Find that out, and pursue it! Study hard and enjoy yourself, and you will succeed!

Justin

To parents, I would make sure they encourage their student to give college a sincere thought. Students typically only consider college because their parents force them too. College/Continued education should be a personal choice based on the students decision for higher learning. Parents should also encourage the student to look into other options in the event that college does not suit the person. To students, I would help them understand that though college may not be for everyone, it should be looked into. The proper school is/should be chosen based off of personal interests and expert abilities. Finances should also be considered when looking into a colllege. Once the student gets to college, they should look into volunteer work, or maybe even a job. Any activity other than just classes is a good way to keep the stress levels down and keep the student from being burnt out. If college is really "the days of our lives" we should make the most of it. Good grades are excellent, but they mean nothing if you're too burnt out to enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Kyle

It's all about meeting new people and trying new things. Never be afraid to take that first leap.

Sara

Find the college that fits your wants and needs. Don't go to a college just because it seems to be the new fad or trend, go for the education and job opportunities after graduation. Also, don't sulk in your room if you have a bad day, stay focused on your school work and take a break every now and then to keep your mind fresh. Find somewhere quiet to study and don't cram at the last minute. Set aside time every day to study for specific subjects, no one makes good grades or keeps permanent information by studying at the last minute.

Jenna

Pick a school that has the activites that you want to be involved in and that has what you want to major in. Have fun and stay focused!

Jarmichael

Pick a college that will provide the maximum amount of education for your field. Never choose a college that is just popular or for parties and fun.

Ashley

You should look for the school that is going to meet all of your needs and ultimately get you to where you're going in life. Make sure to look into all aspects of the school. Once you make your decision, don't forget to diversify. Find activities and people to get involved with. Make friends but don't forget that school is the number one priority. Study hard, get help if you need it and you'll succeed.

Alicia

I would suggest looking at a variety of schools and visiting those schools to make sure the atmosphere is something you will be happy with.

Koomi

I think the biggest thing ot think about is the atomosphere. If you don't feel comfortable instantly it is definently not the place for you. For parents I want to say do NOT pressure your children into going to the school you went to. It is their college experience, so let them decide what they are comfortable with. Be it a small community school or a large state university.

Krista

If I were advising a parent or student as to the right college for them I would start with telling them to go with their heart. Choose the college they think will be best suited for them and where they will feel they will get the best education. As for making the most out of their college experience, I would tell them to just get involved. Whatever their interests are, whether it is academic or social, there is sure to be an organization for them. Getting involved around campus is the best way to meet new people and form long lasting friendships. Being involved around campus is also a great way to give back to the community they are living in. In short, I would advise them to choose a college where they will get the best education and make long lasting relationships with the people around them.

Andrea

To parents, especially young parents, I would say really think ahead. If you want your kids to be able to go where they desire, you'll need to avoid uneccessary spending as they grow up. I wish I could have gone to a musical theatre school honestly but it wasn't in our price range. To college students, start with core and get it out of the way, especially if you're doing music! Take out the core then start your major!

Justyne

Go to a college that is recommended for your desired field of study. Do not go to a college because your friends are going there, etc. Go where your dream job could get you!

Susan

My adivce would be to go visit as many colleges that you're interested in as you can. I applied to two colleges and only visited one and thought I had fallen in love with it, but within a year and a half I realized that it wasn't the right choice for me. Take your time in deciding which college you want to go to. In the end, once you find your college, you will enjoy the rest of your college years.

Brittanni

Students should choose a school focusing more on the program that they intend to study. People who keep their priorities in line are more susceptible for success. I believe that any school can be a party school, but it is all about what you make of it. When you get on the campus, one of the best moves you can do to increase friendship, networking, and build a solid resume is get involved on campus. If a university does not have an organization that you are interested in, most of them make it so that you can create your own organization by just finding an advisor. Parents should know that it is okay to worry, but if you are confident in the upbringing of your child it is better to trust them to make their own decisions and 9 out of 10 times they will not disappoint you. Students should know that freshman year is the time to obtain your highest GPA as a foundation and statistics show that most people lose the Hope scholarship their first year and it is very hard to get back. Overall, college is a time to have fun, but not too much fun.

Travis

Do what you want to do, and don't listen to anybody except yourself.

Shelli

When its time to choose the right college it really comes down to dollar and cents. Will you be able to afford this school? What finical aid options are available? What type of education will I receive for my money? How much debt will my parents or I be in? Once you have answered those four questions you list of colleges that you want to attend will narrow down. Then comes looking at the major you want and 3 possible alternates should you want to go back and change your mind. Does this college have other majors that my credits will be able to transfer to easily? By the time you getting looking at what your colleges have to off you will have a much smaller list. When you get down to you top 3 colleges start looking at what events you can get involved in out side of school, and the type of area that your school is located in. Most importantly choose the school that you will be happy to spend the next four years at.

Daniel

before you go to college one must find where their passions are. Then one must search for a major that emphises that passion; so that that person can search for a college with that major. The major is the most important variable because what you learn in and outside the classroom will sink into you and you mindset and being will begin to be formed to your passion. Do not, by any means, go for friends, parties, or for your girlfriend/boyfriend; all those things change like the tide and will not stay the same. You will find yourself when you go to college because you will be alone, but you will love your independence. All you have to judge your future with is your past and present, so use them and do not worry about tomarrow for tomarrow has it's own worries.

Mary

The best way to find the right school is to first make a list of all the qualities you want in a college, and then go visit as many schools as you can. When listing the qualities of what you want in your college think about size, population, location, cost of tuition, cost of living in the area, distance from home, and most importantly available majors. Then you can go visit the schools that fit all or at least the majority of the qualities you want in a college. When you are there at the school investigate everything; including eating somewhere on campus, visiting the places to live both off and on campus, go into some of the academic buildings, exploring the non-academic activities, get information from the student suupport centers, and take a tour around the town that the campus is located in to see the places to eat and shop off campus. Most likely when you actually go to the different colleges and see them in person you will know which one is best.