Hampton University Top Questions

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

JaJuan

The best advice I could give any future college student as well as his/her parents, would be to do as much research on a university as possible. Make sure you take a tour of the campus as well as look into what they offer that will benefit YOU the most. By that, I mean if you are attending school for a degree in business, pay very close attention into what business programs they offer. In addition, try to speak with current students as well as alumni to get a second opinion. They can share their thoughts speaking through first-hand experience. Finally, find out what extra-curricular activities the school offers that you would join because along with getting your education, you should try to have as much fun as possible during these very important years in your life.

Tedra

Your first choice should be based off of what you want to major in. You should pick the best school for your major. Your next choice should be the campus. Is it easy to get around? Is it in a safe area? Is there a lot to do? You should always see the school first before deciding anything. Talk to people, get the feel of everything. College is a fun time and it's a great learning experience. You will learn so much about yourself and life in general. Internships! Your school might not have it as a requirement for graduation, but you should definitely do at least one internship before graduating. That's how you apply what you learn in school and you might even get a job out of it. Always remain optimistic and open-minded. It's never as bad as it seems. If you're having a problem in a class, talk to the professor. They will definitely be more apathetic if you let them know what's going on, than if you don't say anything. Just enjoy it! Have fun, but stay focused. You should live your life with no regrets.

Aminata

Choosing a college is one of the first big decisions students and their parents make. Some important factors in choosing a college are location, programs offered, extracurricular activities, organizations, and cost. The most important thing to remember is to choose a college that suits you and feels right. It is important to understand that what is right for one person may not be right for another. Prespective students should also consider what the uniersity can offer them and what they can offer the university.

Brittany

Research and visit the colleges you intend to apply to/enroll in. Talk to each other about the pros and cons of going to each institution. Remember that the overall decision needs to be the students because they are the ones attending the university, not the parents, and they must be comfortable and confident about their decision so they can succeed.

Branson

Take your time

Piatra

When thinking about college, one must take into account your maturity level and how serious you will be about school. For example, If you arent sure you are ready for college, do not go out of state because it is significantly more responsible than if one were to stay in state close to home. The college experience is what you make it, to enjoy it, you have to try new things and make smart decisons.

Brittany

You should always visit the school first and if possible you should try to spend a school day and a day of the weekend to get a feel of the campus. If a pre-college option is available you should deffinately go to seee if the campus is for you. Also it is important to look at the curriculem of the major you want to pursue to see if the classes are of interest to you.

Mawutor

Make sure parents and students look for schools together, go somewhere you would feel comfortable in all aspects. Smaller schools are good if you dont like large classes etc... i think its more of a feeling thing when you find the right school.

dahlia

Personally I would go and visit the colleg during the school year to see what actually goes on. Participate in many activites to get to know people.

Christopher

Dear parents and/or students, This is the most important decision you will have to make in your lives. In order to make the right choice and get the most out of your college experience you must first realize your goals in life. Pick a college that will benefit you in the major you would like to pursue. This will allow you to be properly prepared for the further you will encounter in the real world. Also pay attention to the tuition. Try to attend a college that is willing to pay the most for you attendance, you'll thank yourself in the long run but don't cheat yourself. There're many grants and scholarships that have your name on them. During your college experience develop a balance between your work and fun. Remember to always put your school work first; after all you are there to get good grades. However, don't over work yourself. Take time out to establish life long friendships and get involved in school activities, clubs and/or organizations, they look great on your resume. By taking heed to my advice, your college decision and experience will be most enjoying. Sincerely, Chris Smith

Stephen

Find a school that caters to what you want to do, and what you need to do it well. Find a college with engaging faculty and staff, and a strong emphasis on student development. Visit your school repeatedly and talk to people. When you actually get to college, try to approach everything with an open mind, and try a little bit of everything to see what it is like before you pass judgement. Be involved in your school's campus life, and meet as many new people as you can.

Charon

I would say to visit all of the schools that you are interested in this allows you to see the actual environment of the school and to see it on a regular day. A lot of schools have special days like High School Day when the school is really pumped up for visitors when in reality it may not be that fun!

Adrienne

Do you want to study near home? Do you have any financial aid offers? What themes would your ideal school emphasize: networking, scholarship, research? It is important to consider such questions as you weigh your college options. Nevertheless, if Erik Erikson?s ideas about psychosocial development were correct, then the average student who embarks on her studies in the late teens will change her mind about a number of these topics during her college journey. Thus, it must be rather difficult for a person in this stage to make decisions about her career path and life goals. Since the challenges that students encounter during this stage in development cannot be avoided, the only other option is to confront and master these challenges. An ideal institution will educate you, while facilitating your self-discovery. Your task is to ensure that you fully comprehend the strengths, weaknesses, and ideals of your college choices. Identify schools that offer programs in your prospective fields, provide academic advising, respect your ideologies and individuality, and that will complement you as you develop. Finally, don?t select your school just to follow friends, as relationships will change during the course of college as much as you will.

Ja-Mes

You can't know where you're going if you don't know where you came from. You should look to find a school that will help to develop you in all aspects of life. Find a school that has a balance of strong academic programs, professional development resources, as well as whatever level of social activity you feel is necessary for your success throughout your four years. No matter how many resources a school may have, they can't be of any benefit to students if they don't take advantage of them. Students should be sure to get involved on campus and participate in events that will allow them to meet other students with similar interests. Also take advantage of initiatives started by your school and any other on campus organizations that are meant to assist with real life skills such as resume writing, interviewing skills, and etiquette dinners. All in all, your college experience is exactly what you make it; instead of sitting around complaining about things, find ways to make a difference and shape your college experience into what you want it to be. You're only in college once so make the best of it!

Rodney

My advice to anyone who is trying to find the right college would be first of all look at the top ten colleges in your major. Take a look at cost which is extremely important as well as financial assistance. Inquire the length of time ( how many years) to acquire your degree. Look at the class sizes as well as the availablity of services in the neighborhood. Look at the crime rate and safety of the campus. Inquire the availabilty of assistance needed and from professors, tutors and office staff. College should be a great experience for everyone attending. The key is to prioritize ( balance) work and fun. School work must always come first and know that fun will always be around. Know that semsters come as fast as blinking your eye. There are quite a few breaks to realx and have fun such as Thanksgiving, Christmas , Spring and Summer.

lauren

find a school that best reflects your spirit and academic views. in addition make sure there lines of communications are open with their students.

Eboni

Choosing a college is parallel to choosing a life path. The choice that is made can be the difference between having a fulfilling career or a waste of four years. Starting as early as sophomore year of high school, look for schools that fit you as a person. Your needs and goals should be well established as you should do your best in a short amount of time. I feel it is imperative to do extensive research; make sure it is affordable, visit the school, set up appointments with staff and talk with students. Ask as many questions as necessary to feel that you are making a secure decision. Making the most out of college depends on what you want to get out of it. Balancing time and fun can create an atmosphere of growth and maturity. I recommend focusing on your goals, trying new things culturally, taking part in activities that will link you with friends as well as networking opportunities, and using every opportunity to grow academically, emotionally, and personally. Make strong connections with professors as well as friends. College is about development and it takes committment and drive to meet your goals.

Adric

Sometimes you may want to go against the grain of where everyone else wants to go. Take your own path and you will learn and develop your own persona.

Tanya

I think the most important things for parents and students to think about when choosing a college is the environment, the emphasis on education and most importantly what the student wants. The environment is important because you want the student to feel safe, ready to learn and socially accepted. College is where most people make their lifelong friends. The emphasis on education is important because you want to go to an institution that will encourage learning and achieving, not a school where the students just lecture and give tests. The student should feel like their education is just as important to the teacher as it is to them. Lastly it is important that the parent doesnt push their opinion on the student or try to force them to attend a specific school. What was good for them may not neccesarily suit their child. All of these factors together shoult make the choosing process run smoother for the student and the outcome should be one both parent and child agree on.

Sherea

When you are at the right school, you'll know it. Research as much as you can before attending, and make sure you visit. Try to talk to more than one person in the program you are about to enter. While in school, work hard, but enjoy every minute of it. Stay open-minded. Help others along the way. You have earned the right to be there, so BE there. Enjoy the luxuries and facilities of your campus. When times get hard, keep your eye on the prize...there will always be good and bad days in life. Make sure you use the time in school to figure out who you are and who you want to be. Do not be afraid of questions or trying new things. Keep reminding yourself that you will never be there the same way again. The transition from freshman to graduate is amazing. Ultimately, if you do it right, you will leave your school a better, wiser person than when you entered. Like one of my Hampton University mentors tells us, "If you come out unchanged, it wasn't ever love."

Bianca

I feel that the academic majors are very important when choosing a college. Distance from home is important but also depends on the student. If youare a student who would feel a need to go homeoften, then dont go far. Finally, parents should encourage children in all their college choices. As for the actual experience at the college you do choose, make the best of it and be ready for new things.

Jasmyn

The advice i would give to parents and or students about choosing the right college is to make sure they visit the college before deciding to go there. They should make sure that the college is affordable, and that the college is giving them enough financial aid.The college that they choose should also be good academically, and have extra curricular activities for the student to do, while living on campus. The college that the Student chooses should be in a well suited environment, where each student is willing to learn, which would help to motivate him/her. The school that he/she chooses should have a good reputation across the country. When the student enters into the college of their choice, they should make sure that they join alot of clubs and activities, and get involved with their school. Another idea that would make the student get the most out of the experience would be to join sports teams, and to go to the games. This would keep them occupied and school spirited.

Marcus

Through out my educational career I have always been a very independent learner, however my parents have given me some good advice along the way. Entering college my parents always reminded me that while I should have a healthy social life I was there to learn, and that should remain my focus. This key piece of advice is truly what I base most of my decisions on while in school. I always think of how my actions will affect my learning experience while here, and if that action will affect it in a negative way then i will stray away from that action. That is why I see those simple words of wisdom as the most important piece of advise my parents have given me while in college.

Avohom

Take you time, do a cost benefit analysis, focus on reputation and subjects of expertise, and make a decision.

Keah

1. Make sure to do your research... and visit the campus before you attend the school. Don't go on a day that's set up for high school people to come, because they will "jazz" it up. Instead, go to the campus on a regular day when class in. 2. Apply for each and every scholarship possible. I know that it's a lot of work, but it's better than being in debt.

Kenneth

I would say find the right college that will support and provide for you the tools that will help you in your future career and goals.

Alana

College is a very revolutionary time in a young adult's life. It is a time when we as young adults make a transition into the "real world" and learn to do things on our own. To make this transition as smooth as possible, it is always good to research colleges the youth would feel comfortable at. Does it have your major, favorite sports or activities? Also check out possible colleges and the atmosphere there. School spirit and pride is always a plus! And hopefully the college has an extra-curricular activies of interest for the youth because getting involved in colleges allows for more pride and respect both inside and outside the classroom. Lastly check out the alumni! They are good people for feed back and networking with career opportunities. Don't forget to HAVE FUN! You only live once so stand out in the crowd, go to alot of functions, participate, and appreciate all the comes your way!

Patricia

Visit the school on a random day. If you come during a tour day, you will see what the school wants to show you instead of what you need to see. When you get to school, get involved and make the best of your four years. This is the only time in your life where you will have maximum freedom with minimum responsibility. Make friends and keep an open mind. You'll be fine.

Kandace

Make sure you go and visit the school and talk to students that currently attend.

matthew

Make sure too visit the school you're thinking about attending and also doing strong research on the school.

Quintina

I would have to say look long and hard before choosing a school so that you will not regret your choice once you get there. Take everything in consideration when making a choice.

Scottie

Be open to a variety of career paths. You need to be willing to take the classes that are not necessarily in your major, because you may acutally like the subject matter.

Rajae

As a College Freshman, I faced many obstacle during the school year, from the partying to friends and most of all studying. I was very sheltered my whole life and when your in college, your definitely on your own. Free to do the right thing or wrong thing. Now, as a college sophomore, one thing that I know for sure is that my college is the school for me and there is no doubt in my mind about wanting to stay three more years. When choosing a college parents must look your child's point of view and vice versa and in reality, we know what's best for us. It's not about going to a school in the ACC like alot of my friends or being far far away because you want to be free. In the end its about where you feel comfort in education and social life because after all college friends and faculty are your family for months on hand. When I think about my school, there's no other place i'd want to be despite the little things. I know my school isn't big but it's my home by the sea.

Jovanna

Try your best to check out the school first.

Amber

I think every student should go visit the school of choice before applying and interact with students there already. They should check into their major to see if its the best school for it. And also they should check out the class sizes before accepting.

Savannah

For rising college students and parents, I recommend you to get involved. Enjoy campus life and the special activites your college offers for you so that you can meet new people and not feel so alone. Having and making friends at your school is very important because they are going through thte same thing as you and the support really makes a difference. Just make sure you make the right kind of friends. Its okay to enjoy off campus social activites but never let anyone or anything hinder your focus on your future.

Candice

Just make sure they research as much as possible, don't be last minute about your choices or only focused on a certain type of school.

Kayelyn

Dear parents and/or students, College is a once and a lifetime experience. I encourage aspiring college students to pursue a college that meets all the students needs which inlcudes distance from home and prospective undergraduate majors. This is important because in college, kids have are given the opportunity to grow into young adults and develope new responsibilites that will be vital for the future. During the collge experience, get involved in social activities and make friends at every chance available. Each new person met will help students to learn about themselves and how to survive in the real world. Take class courses seriously and never be afraid to ask teachers for help because the more a teacher is aquainted with you, they will never let you down. Most importantly, always look into internships and career fairs because these are excellent sources for future jobs and references. The college experience should be valued and treasured so take many pictures and always show appreciation to parents.