New Mexico State University-Main Campus Top Questions

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

Bethany

I had a professor tell me in one of my first classes: there are three secrets to doing well in college. Work hard, play hard, and don't skip class. I can say it truly made my college years enjoyable!

Keisto

Finding the right college is a daunting process. I think that going away from from home at least two hours is important. Being away from home allows you to grow and find out who you are. Staying grounded to your morals and values is very important so it is imparative to go to a place where you feel comfortable and do not give in to the many temptations that college life offers. I would suggest always keeping and open line of communication between parent and student. In the end go where you will be comfortable and able to take time to study hard in order to be a successful college student. Parties last a night, education lasts a lifetime.

Yvonne

First of all, students should look into the college see what programs they offer. If your looking for a specific program then that should be the colleges that you research. Also, another idea should be to take a tour of the campus, see what it is like and if it gives the student the right vibe. Another thing would be to see how much financial aid could be given for those who need it. If the student is from out-of-state joining clubs or activities would be the best way to make the most of the college experience. Meeting new people everyday is half of the college experience, it is very interesting to meet people from different ethnicites and backgrounds. Also, by meeting these new people you will make friends that could last a lifetime.

Sarah

Decide what you are interested in studying, and pick a school that is strong in that field and is in a location that you will be happy in. Instead of trying to get into "good" well-known schools, focus on what is best for you personally. Be open to moving somewhere new, meeting lots of people, and making new friends. College is obviously about education, but it is also developing lasting relationships with people. Remember , you only go to college once, so enjoy yourself!!

David

Finding the right college is one of the hardest things you will face. Picking the correct instituition is a choice that can only be made by the student. The school has to fit ones personality and goals in life. Look closely at every possible choice. Make a visit to some possible places. Don't just go somewhere because that's where your friends are going. College is about meeting new people that will become your new friends. Also if you do not pick carefully you will lose a lot of money in learning that life lesson.

Marcia

The advice i would give parents is not to worry. Students there get along with each other NMSU has a great activity center and they have volleyball games, basketball games and etc. There kids will be in good hands there. There is alot of studying places and security. As of students i do and would like to tell them that i personnally love this school. there is math centers theres english centers theres a lot of help for classes and there is alot of activities for resisdence at the university. Specially as a freshman. This school brings life to someone who doesnt have family there. When you end up graduating from NMSU you willl have a family created!!

scott

i would have to say that it is what you make of it. anybody can go to college and make it, but it takes even less effort to fully enjoy it. for one you want to go to a place that seems like your cup of tea. it is all about how much you are willing to put in, becuase if you put in the time, the college lifestyle seems to pay off itself off ten-fold. like they say "college is the best damn time of your life" and i truely believe it now

Melissa

Enjoy the learning experience at an university. Make the most of all the resources available. Offer plenty of support in any way possible.

Pedro

Advice I would give to parents and students in finding the right college and making the most of the college experience is choose a college/university that makes you feel comfortable and safe. In choosing this university, also know that you are now on your own. All these things come into play once you reach this level in your education.

Dominic

Where ever you go, the experience will be unlike anything you've ever gone through in your life. So I say go to the place that best suits you finacially, because if you were looking to go there, you were interested in the first place. Even if it's only a block away from your house. It will still be fun. But I do also think that if you don't like a certain kind of weather like rain or snow, stay away from that. And the bigger the better in my opinion. I am from a large town and I now go to school in a small town. It's still bigger, but I feel like, sometimes, I am still not meeting enough people. I hope that help a little.

Jean

Being on your own isn't all it's cracked up to be. You don't realize how much you needed your parents guidance till you've moved out. But hopefully you pick a college where you can thrive both academically and socially. The key to enjoying your college experience is balancing work with play. By the end of your college experience, despite mistakes you've made and because of all your accomplishments, you'll have matured into a true adult and contribution to society.

Jared

When I first came to this campus I walked down the main walk way and into the student union on an average school day. This gave me a good idea of the type of people that came to this school and I saw that there is a wide variety student life. The overall adittude I received was a very friendly and fun one. I did the same thing at other universities and the student enviroment was truely a different feeling, I didn't like it and I felt uncomfortable. My best advice to give is to visit these universities and pick the one that best suits you. Surround youself with student life that works just as hard as you do and through collaboration and cooperation success will follow wherever you choose to be. As far as choosing a college based on the education alone, keep in mind that the course cirriculum is very simular at almost every university in the country. Student life is very important and finding the one that you fit into the best is truely something to take into account when choosing your future home for the next four years.

Ashley

First off, I would definitely advise parents to start saving early for their child's college fund. My mom never started a college fund for me, so I really came into this whole experience having to pay my own way through, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, however, it did somewhat have a part in my college choice. For students, I would advise them to take as many AP courses as they can. Or if their high school offers them the option to take courses at their local university, they should take advantage of it. My general education classes have not been my favorite, so if I could've already recieved credit for those in high school and just jumped right into my major, that would have been much better use of my tuition funds. I would also tell students that college isn't high school- attendence is absolutely necessary for success in any course. Other than that, I would advise students to just have fun and work hard.

Rob

Make sure to visit the campus.

Holly

parents and students need to work together and talk about what they think are the most important things a school should have in order to give the student the best experience possible.

Nicole

Go with your gut feeling and don't let others influence where you want to go. Also don't let money discourage you because if you look hard enough there are a lot of scholarships out there.

Marvin

Take your time and make sure all answers are answered prior to committing.

Dustin

Staying local was a great choice for me. I wanted to go to other colleges to get out of my town but Im glad I didnt. It was nice being close to home and it was cheaper as well.

Rachel

Think about what you are interested in, academically. Make sure that the college you attend has classes in the areas that you are most interested in because if it doesn't and you choose a university that isn't exactly adequate then you may be unhappy during your education, and will have to go through the arduous process of changing schools. Also, it is important to try sports and activities that you wouldn't normally have done before as in college there are all kinds of activities to try.

Brandon

When looking for a college. You need to keep in mind three things. Location, Programs, and the future because if those three things aren't in mind you will not be able to find the best dicision for yourself. I mean you look where the school is located what programs that can help you be what you want to be, and in the future are you going to move over to the next state or stay in the state? Me personally I'm going to stay at NMSU Las Cruces, New Mexico until I graduate then go to Culinary School in San Fransico, California for gratduate school. because thats where i want to live and that's what i want to do. But NMSU can teach me a lot about the restaurant because they offer an excellent HRTM (Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism management) program. Making the most of the college experience you want to get your hands dirty get into clubs, get a job, feel the struggle from finances and homework, learning how to be organized. Just be real involved with everything and anything around you. Have fun with it and whatever problems come around just think. its not permanent.

Christopher

go and spend a weekend at the schools you are looking to attend with someone who is currently attending that college

Erika

The second you walk on the campus you should feel that it has the perfect learning atmosphere. You should feel confident and excited about the University you will be attending.

Lindsey

Be sure to look at the specific undergraduate major you are interested in and its' reputation. See if you can contact any alumni so get their opinion of the time they spent there. Also look at the location, your college experience won't be all it can be if you don't like where it is. I stayed in state for financial reasons as well as being closer to friends and family. While it may seem scary to go to school in a place where you don't know anyone, as long as you have the right attitude and outlook, you will have a fantastic experience. Meeting new people is easiest and funnest to do if you live in the dorms, so what if you have to share a bathroom with one of two other people? The experience outweighs the pitfalls and the memories you will gain will stay with you forever. Most importantly, visit the campus before you decide on a school, you will most likely be able to "feel" if it is the right place for you.

Giovanna

I would advise parents and students to visit the campus. Ask currents students about the school and ask lots of questions about class sizes and activities that happen around campus. The main thing is to visit the campus!

Christina

More than likely you are paying for what you get. Encourage your student to get involved on-campus and living on-campus is very beneficial as well.

Thea

College is the time when children stop viewing their parents as authority figures and begin viewing them as mentors. While making collegiate decisions, my advice to parents is to respect and embrace this new role. Allow your child to make decisions, experience their consequences and rewards, and learn from them. Everything from choosing the university to picking which comforter to put on the bed in the new dorm room should be an opportunity for a child to experience his/her new independence, with the guidance and leadership of his/her parents. My advice to students is to take this independence seriously. With independence comes responsibility, and with responsibility comes consequences. College is full of making mistakes, both in the classroom and out. And although grades are very important, it is not grades that make a successful college student; it is the ability to learn from every mistake and make the most of this once in a lifetime experience.

Richard

Make your desicion based on career instead of money.

Sara

I feel when selecting a college as a student, you need to evaluate what exactly you want out of your college experience. Are you looking for a school in a big city, are you looking to become affiliated with the greek lifestyle, are you looking for small class sizes or a small campus where everything is within walking distance. Once you have your ideas in mind you should then begin your research . You should also keep in mind that your parents probably have some good ideas about where you should go to school as well. For parents, you should do research on what other parents say about the school your child chose. Are the business offices accomidating, do you receive your tuition bills on time and are the people at the university easy accesible to speak with. As a parent you should feel safe about the school your child chose, so doing research on the city they are moving too and what campous security is like are also useful suggestions Making the most of your college experience is most important. Stay involved, be active and don't be afraid to make new friends and step out of your comfort zone.

A'Lora

First and foremost, both parents and students need to open minded about finding the right college. They need to look at what the university offers, in regards to majors/minors, housing, dining, and financial help. Class sizes and professor/student ratio are also very important to take into consideration. I would recommend living in on-campus housing during the first year of college. This really helps students get acquainted with their peers and make new friends. I would strongly recommend looking into collegiate organizations, social clubs, and Greek Life (fraternities/sororities). All of these provide new opportunites for students to meet people, gain friends, and have a sense of belonging and purpose. Orgainizations can range from church groups to even clubs associated with your particular major. These are all opportunities to definitely take advantage of and will certainly enhance any student's college experience.

Sam

This is a great school. Contrary to what many think, i would definitely recommend it to anyone

Kelcy

Make sure you are always financially secure at whatever school you attend, and join a club or a team! You will have freinds for life...

Jessica

I would say go tour the college as well as the town first, afer all you may like the college itself but remember you are going to be living there so make sure you love it. Also talk to students who attend the school ask them questions and get their opinions on things that matter to you such as religion, politics, activities, academics, etc... Once you choose a school GET INVOLVED. In college I believe you get out what you put in, join intermural teams if you like sports, academic groups, sororities/fraternitys, and so on whatever intresets you these things help you meet so many people and also keep you busy and involved so there is no time to het home sick, or even bored.

Cassinetta

do your research early, dont wit until the last minute to decide where you want to attend school

Madison

For students don't be all about getting as far away as possible look at college closer to home. For parents should your child not be happy and is not fitting in during the first semester, listen to them and find one that fits. It's out there just keeping looking it's all worth it.

scott

it has just got to feel ya , and you have to feel it back

Tierney

i would say to really look at the resources available to help students.

Javier

My advice to parents and students about finding the right college and making the most of thier college experience would be that "it is never to early to start looking at colleges." The sooner you start to set your life goals and work towards achieving them the more enjoyable your college experience will be. Just remember to have an equal balance between fun and work and you'll do fine.

Stephen

First of all, make sure that you realize that college is not just about academics. I learned through my experiences as a Resident Assistant that students go through a lot of life changes, as well as academic changes, and there is no way to stop them. Rather, prepare yourself to enter the college atmosphere with the understanding that change is inevitable. Avoid all extremes. Studying too much, to the demise of social interaction, leads to poor mental health. Getting distracted from school will obviously lead to poor grades. College is meant to challenge you, but keeping your mental health in check is more important than rising to that challenge, especially when you have an extremely difficult major. Don't try to be overly competitive, or to do too many things on your own. College is about collaboration and learning, not about hot shot students. Other people are the most valuable resource you will ever come across in life. Take hold of the things that inspire you and never let go - College will be so much smoother if you stay inspired through difficult times. Always form study groups, and IF YOU CAN'T DO SOMETHING ON YOUR OWN ASK FOR HELP!

Diana

Keep your children motivated about school, let them be able to explore different options to find what is their niche.

Gregory

Go with the school that will best suit your child. also, apply for as many scholarhips as you can!

Adrian

Students, pick your college based on if they offer your desired major and try to couple it with an envioronment that you wouldn't mind living in and you feel you could be successful in. Remember if you want to go to school it should never come down to money being the determining factor; there are enough scholarships, grants, and loans to get any one into any school every year.

Bianca

The advice I would give students and parents about finding the right college is that they should not just focus on the academic appeal of a paticular collge, there is more to college than prestige. A college you choose should teach students real world experience and a college should teach students to have an open mind with any subject or topic. A college experience should be meaningful. College is a privilege that not everyone can enjoy, therefore, those of us who have the opportunity to go to college, need to make sure we take as much of that college in, as we can. I recommend joining clubs and organizations. I recommend getting to know the campus and activities that are taking place. I also recommend getting to know other students, especially one's you wouldn't normally speak to.

Dustind

get involved. go to class. meet people, know what you want to do and get into it. college is THE time to do that

Curtis

The best advice I would give to parents or students about finding the right college, and making the most of it is to do your research, find a school that's not too far away, but also not right at home, that fits your budget and has a good program for you or your son or daughter to study (depending on what they want to study). I would advise looking for a school that some of your friends or your childs friends might be going to, because it is much easier to acclimate to the college environment when you can do so with a friend at your side. As I said earlier, I would advise looking for a school that is close, but not too close. That allows freshmen to start feeling independant, yet the parents are close enough to be able to come visit and can help out if need be. You are also more likely to see some people from your home town at these schools as well.

Lauren

My advice would be to visit the colleges during the school year to see if that is the atmosphere you would like to live in as well as check available courses and programs of study to match your career goals.

Simone

Choose the college that has the best surrounding area, the best job availability, and best program for you. You want to be happy when you are in the classroom and out of it. Do not be shy to make friends! Everyone is new and is looking for someone to hang with! I met my two new best friends my freshman year. Be out going and whatever you do make sure you are happy doing it.

Haley

I feel that the smaller the campus the more fun you as a student will have. its a more personal experience knowing that when you walk down the hall you will be able to know a couple people. i also feel that if the college of your choice has your field money shouldnt stop you because the end result is your dream job and that is what should motivate anyone to push harder and thrive for success. when it comes down to it, meet as many people as you can, the friends you meet in college are the ones that will last a life time. i personally will never forget the times i have has thus far in college, the sporting events, the dances everything makes studying that much easier because you know that at the end of the day your one step closer. Never over stress and try to have as much fun as possible!

Stacey

During campus visits, make the most of it. Visit as many departments as you can - even if the department does not immediatley appeal to you. It is possible it had options you never would have thought possible. Definitley do not hesitate to ask questions and take note of how quickly and immediatley they are answered - it can indicate how student serving the university really is. Enjoy campus visits as best you can, and if it feels "perfect" to you, it probably is the perfect place for you for your college educations. As far as the college experience, do not be afraid to meet people and join any activities that interest you. All the cliquish stuff from high school is for the most part out the door, so do not fear feeling like an outsider, get involved!

Katie

Make sure you find the right college for you. Check out multiples and make sure you find a school that is the right price range, has an environment you fit into, and has the programs that intrest you.

Megan

I would give the advice that you should know what kind of campus you want to attend and maybe have an idea of what it is that you want to study, and make sure that you have a good idea of your financial situation. Make sure you'll have enough funds to pay for your tuition, books, housing, and any other expenses you might have. If you're going to get a job, make sure that you leave yourself enough time to get your homework done. I believe that if you work hard and try to succeed, you will, no matter what college or university you end up at.