Northern Arizona University Top Questions

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

Suzanne

Understand all the financial aid opportunities available. By knowing what aid you qualify for you can reduce your expenses significantly.

Josephine

Take your classes seriously and read what they assign because it is tough when you get behind. Don't let your social life take over your focus and don't drink too much. Get more sleep than you think you will need, go to bed early and wake up early you can get more accomplished that way. Make a to-do list every day, it will help you more than you could ever imagine.

Kate

I would tell myself not to worry about the future. I would remind myself that I have moved several times and that I have always been able to fit in and make new friends without difficulty; therefore, college will be no different. I would tell myself to buy my textbooks from somewhere other than the campus bookstore. I would also warn myself about grammatival errors and about the importance of proof-reading my essays before submitting them. Finally, I would tell myself to relax and smile because I was going to be fine.

Lindsey

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would recommend becoming very familiar with an academic advisor early on because there is nothing like being an upperclassmen and feeling lost because you didn't take advising seriously. I would tell myself that you only get one opportunity to take a test, so don't blow off studying. Remember, there is the pain of discipline now or the pain of regret later! Get involved in school any way you can! Join a club or Greek life, play intramural sports or even join the robotics team! Just do SOMETHING! Go to your professor's office hours even if it is just to introduce yourself. Trust me, having your professor know your name is a good thing! I would also tell myself to enjoy dorm life! It is a crazy, fun environment and a place where you can meet a bunch of great new people! Finally, I would let myself know that the "freshman 15" really can happen if you're not careful!

Emily

I would tell myself many things. The first thing I would tell myself is do not room with your best friend from high school your freshman year in the dorms. I believe I missed out on a lot by already knowing my roommate. Another thing I would tell myself is to not get carried away with the drinking. Living in the freshman dorms I saw a lot of people get taken away on stretchers and driven away in ambulances. It was a real eye opener for me and made me realize how precious life is. The last thing I would say to myself is to make the most of it. Have as much fun as you can and meet as many people as you can. You only go to college once and you don't want to regret not doing something or missing out on something exciting.

Sara

This answer may not be exactly what was looked for, but if I had the opportunity to go back in time to give myself advice about college and what I know now, I am not sureI would take it. Of course I would want to warn myself about those difficult courses like Organic Chemistry and that it is crucial for one to be self motivated, but at the same time I would want to be given the chance to learn on my own. As a senior I was excited about graduating and going further with my education. It?s the anticipation of not know what?s going to come next that makes college so intriguing. I mean yes I was prepared academically thanks to my high school faculty and teachers, but as for the rest of it I had no idea. I was so unsure if I would do well, or if I would even like it. Without any preparation in that field I discovered on my own that I do love this school and it?s the feeling of self accomplishment that keeps me going. The choice I made to attend Northern Arizona University was the right one.

Alex

Study hard in the beggining rather than party.

Christopher

If i could go back in time and give myself advice about college i would say one thing, "prepare ahead of time for your classes and tests because college is ten times harder than high school was."

Beatrix

I would assure myself that going to school with no one I know was a good decision and that it would lead me to metting many great people. I would tell myself to stop hanging out with my boyfriend all the time and get the best grades I could. I would suggest that I visit Flagstaff a few times before moving there! I would tell myself to apply to a lot more colleges than I did. I would advise myself to being more upbeat and excited about transitioning to school. I would tell myself to not have any expectation that college is like high school at all. In additon, I would tell myself that school can be really fun, even though high school was not. I would tell myself to look more at the catalog before selecting my classes, because you can't really choose random classes for an undecided and expect to enjoy my schedule.

morgan

Collge isn't for everyone right out of high school. Take your time andget your priorities strait. There is no reason to start collge right away if you are to lazy to rollout of bed, go to class, and get decent grades. A 3.5 GPA leaving college will get you more job offers than a 2.5. Mke sure you have the drive to do well or you are wasting your time and money

Kelcy

It goes by so fast, so enjoy it while you can.

Danielle

Do not go with what is comfortable for you, go out of your comfort zone, it only helps you in the future.

Jennifer

I would be more prepared for how different my life is about to become. And also I would have chosen to go to a differnt college.

Katherine

Although attendance isn't completely neccessary to get a good grade, be sure to go to class, and do not come up with small excuses to miss your classes. Make sure you follow your degree progression program, and if any classes you are taking are not neccessary and do not appeal to you, it would probably be wise to drop the class. Prepare and study for your classes, quizes, tests, and exams to make sure you are trying you're hardest. If you don't do well even after studying as hard as possible, then know you did your best and accept it.

Melanie

If only I knew then what I know now! Such a typically thought, I am sure, for so many people. To start, think before you act! Is this really such a good idea? Will this affect my future? Simple questions that would have made a world of difference if you had actually thought about the answers to them. Second, all those really "cool" people that you just had to hang around with, remember the ones who took advantge of you, the ones who convinced you it was cool to break the rules and get in a little trouble. Ya well, those people will most definatley amount to nothing later on in life and they will be wishing they took the road less traveled. They will never admit to it, but they will for sure be jealous of your achievements. Last and probably the most important, don't be afraid of making mistakes and don't beat yourself up when you do (you will, trust me). Those mistakes are a huge part of who you are. Remember, it is never too late to stand up, dust yourself off and start over.

Kassie

I know it seems like NAU will suck, expecially because you just got your acceptance letter to San Diego State, but you will meet great friends, you future husband, and find who you really are at NAU along with finding the degree you heart really desires. The school will not challange you to the point of frustration, but will challange you enough. You will get to continue snowboarding, hiking, camping and fishing just like you love to do. On campus living is not that bad, and afforable. Oh and did i mention your really cute future husband??? haha. NAU will be lacking a bit in the advising department, and it will really piss you off at first, but it will challange you to become a better future educator and teach you amazing things to bring into your future classroom. Oh, and there is a really great community college nearby where you will imporve you dancing skills and passions greatly! You will have the best time of your life! :)

Destiny

I wish I could tell myself to apply for more scholarships and get straight A's throughout college so I would have had a better chance at scholarships so I wouldn't have to work 20 hours a week just to pay my bills and still be broke.

Megan

I would've taken 6 classes instead of 5 one being AP Biology being that it's my major in college now. Also i would have got more help with my college essay and applied to more scholarships because im now taking out loans that i will have to pay back. I would have taken more college visits although i toured many,but more wouldn't hurt.

Whitney

If I could go back in time and talk to myself when I was in high school I would tell myself to find a better job. A lot of money gets put into universities and if I would have known that one of my parents would soon be unemployed I would have gotten a better job and started saving years before college instead of just assuming that I had enough money.

Jennifer

It only gets better after high school. College is a place to break away from the role/character you were in you hometown. Its a place where you can be who you want to be. Yes it can be difficult, but it's worth the fight.

Austin

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to put myself out there more in the beginning of my college career and to meet as many people as possible. Knowing people around your campus is beneficial both academically and socially. If you wait too long or stay with the same people, you deprive yourself from the true college experience. Also, I would tell myself to take a wide variety of classes my first semester, because what you think you want to study in college is often much different than what you actually end up studying.

Aimee

Stand up for what you believe is the right thing to do. Just because someone is older than you and supposedly "wiser" does not mean that they know the best path for you. Make your own mistakes, you will learn. Make decisions and choices with your whole heart put into them. Be passionate about what you say and do. Do not let others get in your way. Do not doubt yourself when your dreams are almost within reach. Challenge yourself, It's the only way you will learn anything, and who knows ... you may have a the time of your life while doing it. Learn to embrace others and their divsity. Some of the strangest people you meet may just come out to be your best friend. But most of all, have confidence in yourself and your dreams and do everything with 110 percent.

Rachel

People always told you that college would be the best time in your life, and it is. Make sure you put the book down sometimes and set aside part of your week to remeber your duties to your friends. They may be strudggling more than you know. The new friends that you make in your classes will be your friends for life and they are just as important as the ones that followed you to college. Classes are the path to finishing your college journey, but don't forget to look around and enjoy what's around you: a great campus, a great town and great people. And one more thing, always do what your triathlon coach tells you.

Nathan

I would tell myself to manage my time better. and to stay focus through the whole school year.

Teryn

RELAX. You have nothing to worry about because your classes in college are fun and, although they are demanding, are worth it. your GPA will be better than you've ever seen. Don't party too hard but be outgoing and talk to people so that you can make new friends. Don't let other people tell you what to feel about others. Let your own thoughts and emotions guide you to the right choice. Don't let yourself be seduced too easily by dorky, cute guys. They are usually not worth it. Just have fun and don't get stressed out.

Cydney

Calm down. No matter what you chose you'll be happy. You can find your niche anywhere. Even if you chose wrong you can always switch and try again. When you get to school don't be afraid to be outgoing. Talk to people, they'll talk back. Join a group or club, its how you make good friends. Don't be afraid of the academic work load. You can do it. Work out and watch what you eat otherwise you'll feel disgusting at the end of the year. Keep in touch with family and friends and those that matter most to you.

Destiny

If I could go back to my senoir year I would change a lot of stupid decisions I have made. I have made decisions that I deeply regret. These decisions not only affected me but my family as well. My deepest regret is that my little sister looked up to me and when I slacked off last year she was dissapointed in me and I had to earn her respect back and that was the hardest thing for me. Last year I slept and watched tv instead of going to class and by the time I started going back to class it was too late to bring my grades up. The sad thing is, is that when I went back I loved the classes and the things I was learning. I wished I could go back to that first day I decided to sleep through class and get out of bed and realize that I can sleep in after I retire after a successful career. Fixing grades is hard work but after I did over the summer I promised to never let myself hurt my family or myself again. It took a lot of work but i am finally happy!

Kristin

To major in a scientific field, not get involvrd with the social sciences as a major.

Jenna

" Senior year? First semester is the time to really focus on school; second semeser you're kinda off the hook! Thats when you start shifting your focus to scholarships. If you find scholarships you are eligible for, apply for them now, because as you get higher in your education, the less there are that are open to you. Don't skip out on Ferbuary. You'll regret it... and when you finally get to school...(college) don't be afraid to just randomly start conversations with people around you. Remember, hanging out in the freshman dorm does NOT make you lame. Its where you'll meet your best friends. They're new too, remember? And they want to hang out just as bad as you do. In May of your freshman year, say this to yourself again: You're free! NOW is the time to start focusing on the now. It isn't just about the future anymore. So long as you focus and get work done when you have downtime (like when everyone else is in class and you're free), you'll be able to find funtime. Just remember to relax; enjoy this. Its only here for now."

Brandon

The biggest advice that I could give to my high school senior self is: buckle up. I went straight from graduating young to college life at the age of 17. The transition was a huge growing point in my life and I matured more in my first year of college than I had in most of my life. I would also advise myself to keep in contact with as many friends from high-school as I can. This advice would not come from lack of friendships at college, because I have found many, but because nothing is more relaxing after finals week than sitting around with old friends and remembering good times. These friends and family make the college experience not only bearable, but enjoyable. They inspire the confidence necessary to rise to the challenge. Confidence plays a big part of college life, I would tell myself, so always keep your head held up, know that tomorrow will come whether you get an A or a B on the next test, and the snow is always deeper than it seems.

Lauren

I think the biggest advice that I would give to parents and students trying to find the right college is to pick a school that you feel at home at. At NAU, I feel very much at home, and I love spending my time here. To make the most out of your college experience, I would suggest just being involved. Join clubs, a sorority or fraternity, and study groups. These are great ways to meet new friends and will also help you find what your niche is.

Torrey

Advice I would give to students is to choose the college that fits what they want to do. Not a school in a city that they like, or because its by the beach, or whatever their love for that city may be. Really focus on the school and what it has to offer you. If you just choose a school your friend is going to go or a city you like, you might get there and totally hate it. I would really encourage students to leave their home town and go out of state. It allows you to get away from your parents and learn the responsibility of living on your own, and you will meet so many new people. Check into the school programs as well so you can get involved in the school. Advice for parents I would say help your student and encourage them but do not make the decision for them. College is a wonderful experience if both of you work together to find what is best for your student, and we all know thats what a parent wants most for their son or daughter.

rocio

In order to find the right college and campus for the student would be to visit the many different campuses that are out there and that the student is interested in. By visiting the many different campuses one will be able to get a feel for what the campus has to offer with its surroundings. The atmosphere and its surroundings play a big part in making the most out of the college experience. Attending college classes if the professor allows it, is also a good way to finding the right college. By sitting in a college class, it will give the sudent a feel for what the classes may be like and how big the class sizes are as well. And its also a good experience, besides the usual campus tours. In makin the most of the college experience, it is a good thing to take classes/electives that interest the student and that are outside of their major. Joining clubs is also a good thing to do, becuase besides that college experience, one will also meet new people and new friends that share the same interests. Studying abroad for a semester or year is also a good experience.

Garrison

Don't let your parents be too controlling about it, absorb their input and advice but when it comes time to apply and make decisions, just follow your heart and go where YOU think will be best for YOU. Have fun at college, be outgoing and meet new people, but remember, the main reason you are at college is to get a degree! Become organized and learn how to plan ahead and you will be fine. The faster you get out of your shell and meet people, the better your experience will be and you will not get as home-sick. I got slightly home-sick because I am from Hawai'i and went to school in Arizona but I learned to make friends fast, focus in the classroom and enjoy the outdoors which all led to an awesome freshman year at college and cast away and home-sickness. Goodluck with your college experience!

Kelsey

When students are looking for the college that suits them best, they should look for schools that mesh with their own ideals. For example, if a student is a very religious, they might be more interested in a private school that is associated with their church or beliefs. By narrowing the selection through their own personal criteria, there is a greater chance that the student will feel more connected to their school, their peers, their professors, and the community around the school. Likewise, if a student wishes to become an artist, they should look at schools with a more artistic reputation, or stronger art programs, rather than one with a business/technical reputation. This also ensures being immersed in a community of like-minded students, that they will be able to relate to, and learn from. Another aspect to consider is extra-curricular activities. Many of these activities are geared to enhance the learning that goes on in the classroom, and some are as close as being within the dormitory life. These programs bring students together to have fun and learn at the same time. These are just a few ways to ensure a rewarding experience in college.

Hailey

Visiting a college/university campus in person is one of the best ways to determine if it is the right fit for the student (and the family). This provides the student with the opportunity to determine if he/she likes the climate, physical topography, environment (socially, academically, and physically), services that are provided, classrooms, outdoor and indoor facilities for extracurriculars and physical activities, dining halls, residence halls, etc. of the campus. Taking tours of the campus are an excellent way to get an overall feel and to learn more about college/university offerings. Talking with students, professors, and advisors are also a great method to determine if the college/university caters to the student and meets the student's needs. My biggest piece of advice that I offer to incoming students is to become involved. The environment or degree of involvement is entirely their choice. If there is not a club or organization that suits their needs or interests, create one! Universities foster education through extracurricular activities and outside of the classroom experiences. By becoming involved, students develop friendships, make long-lasting connections, and conceive ideas that may change their futures and their lives. These are all growing opportunities.

Melanie

Compromise with your parents on choices and consider cost. Don't base your decision on a campus tour.

Kiley

As I have grown up, I have always been told that I will go ?find myself? in my perfect college. However, I have discovered that, while in my first year of college, the most important rule of searching for the perfect college is this: you do not go to ?find? yourself; you go to ?create? yourself. When searching for your perfect school, take into interest the aspects that will create you, not simply let you loose to find yourself. College is an intimidating new chapter. But if you take the appropriate steps to get into a college that will build you, construct you, and erect the person you want to be, college will not simply be another chapter, it will be a new foundation to whatever you want to be. The reason why I chose my college and why I have been able to thrive so successfully is because of the enriching environment I knew this college could provide for me. The campus is my second home, the teachers have become my mentors, and my grades reflect my happiness and satisfaction in my work. I love my college choice because it has helped me create who I am today.

Margeaux

Honestly, the best part about going to college is that it is really a place where you get to explore a new life, independence, and responsibility. Pick a place that you think that you will be able to accomplish those tasks among your own goals. Networking and making friends is going to be about the same everywhere. College is a very open minded place and finding a group of great people to hang out with is easier than you would think. Keep in mind whether you want to go far away or stay close to home and also what the bet fit for your major is.

Brieann

Start out at a junior college! Even if you have the money, it'll give your child a chance to earn some credits and transfer in some prerequisities where the grades "don't matter." At the same time, they can transition from high school to college without jumping off the cliff to independence. Don't hand everything to them--all my friends who flunked out were usually hand fed by their parents and never had to work for their spending money. A part-time job can easily be balanced and show a student how to balance the real world and academics and social desires.

Hannah

My one suggestion would be to visit the campus and stay for a day. Become a regular student by sitting in classes, eating campus lunch, and visiting all dorms and buildings. It would also be helpful to ask other students about their satisfaction with the school and their education. You will recieve and honest opinion from the current attending students. Do not just trust a school's word, go and experience it for yourself.

Andee

The best advice that i could give parents/students of finding that perfect college is patience and research. Read about and research the college; and even more get to known the suffounding area of the college. Make sure that you as a student (and a parent of a student(s)) feel comfortable there and supported buy the administration. And do not be afraid to ask questions because how else would you learn.

Arjan

The main things to consider are, first how much money the student or parent is willing to spend. If cheaper is the answer and the student doesnt mind, community college is the route to go. If not universities are really great. Also if the student does not like where he or she is living currently then maybe consider what type of climate they would prefer. Think about the size of the school desired, and the size of the classrooms. If the student wants a sorority/fraternity based school, research ones that provide that. Think about whether or not it matters to the student if the school is concerened about the environment, or has a lot of sports and or clubs to join. But, if the parent(s) dont have a strong heart, and cant handle their kids being far away, they should try to convince their student of staying closer to home, but keep in mind, your kid does not neccessarily want you around often. This is their chance to learn what it is like in the real world. It may be scary at first, but it is worth it to have a college education along with new friends.

William

My advice to parents first of all is to make sure your child chooses the school he or she wants to go to, since they are the ones going to the college, the decision should be theirs, but I'm not saying don't give them ideas, but make sure they choose. For students, look for a college that may have what your looking for in a major, but make sure the school has a variety of majors not just the one you want, because you never know if you find something else that is better than the major you intended to do. Also try a variety of classes to get the feel of different types of things. Sports is a great way to interact with others and enjoy your campus, intermurals are very fun. Most college students tend to think drinking is a great thing to do, but it is very harmful, I'm not telling you not to, but I'm not saying you should, there are plenty of other ways to have fun. Don't mess up your education because you got busted with alcohol. Make sure you get to know your professors, they help a lot.

Elizabeth

The advice I would give to students about finding the right college would be to visit the college campus, and walk around it. Find out about the method of transportation that most students use, discover how far it is from town, see if you would be comfortable living there. Then, talk to the professors in the department you're going to major in: see what they value in a student, and ask them what they think makes a good professor. A good professor should always make time to help their students, and should be friendly and willing to answer any questions. See what sort of jobs are common amongst the students as well, and find out how they balance that with their other obligations. To make the most of their college experience, a student should stay organized, stay ahead on their homework, and determine what their priorities are. A student should also explore the town their university is in/next to, and learn to become independent. That's the greatest lesson a student can receive from college.

Kayla

To scope out your potential college, get in touch with some of the students who already go there. You already have a certain personality and lifestyle, and your college should be able to offer an environment conducive to that, that celebrates that, even. Through your contact in that college, get to know the town a little bit. It helps so much to be able to live in a place you love, and to find work there if you need it, and to know what kind of transportation will work for you. Get connected as soon as you move in. Find a community, find clubs that you will add something to, that accept you. Find a good study spot, somewhere that you won't have distractions, and when you're there, you can focus on schoolwork or be creative. Don't be way too engrossed in your studies so that you ignore people, and don't get so caught up in socializing that you get nothing done, because then you'll be constantly stressed. Be a step ahead, try and organize even if you hate it, and manage your time so you can do fun stuff, too.

Megan

The importance in finding the right college is finding the right one that fits you personally. Yes it is a plus if they carry your major but the college you choose to attend should be an extension of you and what you hope to achieve in this world. It should be a campus that not only do you want to succeed in academically but have fun at also. Because college, while academics is a main part, should be be fun also. You should not be afraid to have a social life, but make sure it is not entirely booze and drugs. Choose a college that is close to things you like do socially like dancing, hiking, eating, or biking. College is whatever you plan to make it, so make it what you are positively.

Timothy

My advice would be to make sure the classes you are taking at junior colleges will transfer (if you are transferring any classes) the way you expect them to. Contact the university registrar to confirm their transfer eligibility. Visit the school , take tours, and interview with applicable department heads. Find out how your college compares to others in the field of study you are persuing. Tour the campus, the town, and the surrounding area to see if it's a place you want to spend for a few years. Look into housing and the cost of living. If you know anyone that is attending, or attended this school, talk with them about their experiences. In order to not waste your time at college, plan on working hard and do your homework ahead of time. When you are at your school of choice, get to know upper class students. Become familiar with the potential difficulties with classes you will have to take. This will help you to schedule classes so that you will not have too many hard classes during the same term. You should get student opinions about various professors, but still realize that they are only opinions.

Maria

I chose a college that was close to my house, had my major, and fit all of my needs. I found it important to stay close to friends and family, although your student, or you, may want to get away from home. Location is important to consider. I would also advise looking into schools that are known for having your major and teaching it well. Lastly, ensure that the housing situation and economic consientiousness fit your specific needs.

Jeremy

Find a place where you feel comfortable with the school's reputation, student body, and surrounding community. Job opportunities are important, but not as important as a fun and interesting school.