Ohio University-Main Campus Top Questions

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

Leah

I would tell myself to get involved with student organizations right of the bat, to keep myself from going crazy with just schoolwork and no social life. I would tell myself to not stress out so much on what classes I'm taking and how hard they would be, since the faculty is so helpful, especially your freshman year, with scheduling and schoolwork.

Michael

Go out and mkae friends immediately. Dont wait for opportunities to come to you, make your own opportunities and seize them. Live like there is no tomorrow, but keep your head on straight and you will make it through in one piece. Dont skip class because it will destroy your grades. Remember to have fun too!

Alyssa

I would prepare myself better by being more involved in activities in and out of high school such as volunteering so that I could continue those activities/clubs during my college career. I would also learn to budget better so that when I would be on my own in college I wouldn't give into impulsive shopping and waste money.

Katelyn

The best advice I can give to a high school senior is to do what's right by you. You're spending a lot of money to get a good education so the career feild you choose to go into should be one that you can see yourself doing happily for the rest of your life, don't pick a major just because it pays well unless that's what you want. Also High School friends are great and going to colllege with them is really nice becasue you already know someone there, but remember to get to know other people and make new friends too.

Connor

Work harder, read often, become an adult.

Celeste

Don't sign up for too many clubs or you won't have time for homework.

Diane

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to take the time to write out the goals that I truly want to achieve. I would tell myself not to rush through anything like I have and to be myself.

Bailey

Don't push yourself so hard. Try new things -don't be afraid to get out of the dorm and meet people, because that's half the fun of the whole college experience. Keep up the no alcohol policy, because alcohol causes way too many problems even if you're not drinking. Be patient with people who ask you for help, and be patient with yourself if you don't understand something. You're going to be reading, writing and drinking more coffee than you ever planned on, so make sure you get a good laptop and an equally good coffee pot. Professors and their assistants usually don't mind if you swear, especially in creative writing classes. Be yourself, even if that person gets passionately angry about the minutiae of religion, politics or literature. Find something that makes you passionate, because that will make learning fun. The library gets really crowded on exam weeks, so be sure to get anything you need printed taken care of way in advance. It's better to be done too early than too late. Mom really likes it when you come home to visit for the weekend, so try to do that sometimes.

Rachael

Relax, do not think about it so much, life is not as serious as you think. Believe in what you know to be true, especially when it comes to rowing. You have worked hard to get to where you are, and just becuase you are young, it does not mean that you ought to accept what other people define you as. Do not be afraid to voice your opinion. Step on your superiors toes if you know that their method is wrong. They will not like it, but it is better than compromising your dignity. Do not forget the adults that have touched your life and helped you to get where you are today. Do not forget their lessons. Fear not the people unlike you, nor being alone. Most importantly; make your own decisions, and do not look back.

Ashley

Don't worry as much. Enjoy the summer before freshman year when everything is new and exciting. Help and resources are available to you , just make the effort to get them. Everyone else is just as worried as you are so you are not alone. In the first few weeks it is okay to get homesick but it will get better. Friends are easier to make because everyone is uncomfortable at first and you can find comfort in relating to other people that feel the same way. College is less cliquey than high school was and people are a lot less judgemental. Appreciate eating homecooked meals and showering without flip-flops. Get involved with activities sooner rather than later. Read the chapters because before you know it, it's week six. Its okay to not know what you want to be when you grow up. Make at least one friend in each class, schedule classes with friends, it makes the classes more fun, and it is a cushion for being sick or if you're alarm doesn't go off one day. Talk to your professors because even though you are a weasely freshman, you still matter.

Emily

If I could go back in time and talk to myself about college life, I would just remind myself that I'm never far away from people who care about me. I would tell myself that as long as Ihonestly try my best and really want to do well in college, then I will do well. I would remind myself not to get caught up in parties and making stupid decisions, but to just make friends who like you for you and join some study groups because they are really awesome.

Sarah

I would tell myself just be who you are. In college there is a group of friends for everyone. Don't worry about fitting in with the popular kids or the jocks, do what you enjoy and do best.

Sarah

I would tell my senior self to not be scared to open up and talk to new people. There will be literally hundreds of kids in the same boat as you. They will be just as scared, nervous and homesick as you... think of it as something to bond over. Also, don't be afraid to ask your professors questions. They're there to help you learn and will be nothing but understanding and helpful. Don't be afraid to tell your roommate when she does something that annoyes you; you have to live with her, it shouldn't be a miserable experience. Don't worry. You'll be fine and do great.

Siobahn

If I could give advice to myself as a high school senior with the knowledge I currently have about college and college life I think that I would just tell myself that having a major you really enjoy is the most important part of college and graduation. Completing a degree program in a field that makes a lot of money but doesn't make you happy won't make for a great life. So, choose a major with care because changing majors multiple times just prolongs your stay and delays graduating on time. Also, that focusing on college academics is a very important part of college but not taking breaks to relax and just be- isn't beneficial and should not be done. Getting involved in campus life, activities and networking enriches the college experience and the soul so get involved! Also, have a list of goals ready to be reviewed so that when you get off track for whatever reason, because this will happen, look at what you want out of your life (all those goals) and work hard to get back on track. But remember, "all work and no play make for a dull girl."

Andy

I would tell myself to find the best available scholarships and funding before ever stepping a foot on campus. The burden of debt is far too serious to ignore. I would also tell him that time management is the single biggest factor for success. Manage your time and you will certainly succeed. Lastly, get involved.

Samantha

What does the right college mean? I think its more about finding a college that's close and finding your place within that college. Find a goup of people that push you to be a better person and push you to learn more about yourself. These people can have common interests or common mindsets. Once you have a group of friends to support you get all you can out of your classes. Don't look at classes as just a way to get good grades. College is about so much more than good grades. Its about learning all you can to survive and make money in your industry. More importantly its about learning about yourself as a person and growing into the person you will be for the rest of your life.

Cayce

After narrowing down your selection to a few schools, the most important part of selecting the perfect college is actually visiting it. Feeling at home is something that will make or break your first year at school. Make sure you check out the surrounding areas and the community base to get a feel for the life you will have for the next 4 years.

Amanda

definately take your time and choose the one that fits who you are. don't just choose one because your friends are going there, make sure it really fits with your personality. and when you do find that perfect college get involved as much as you can because you will make some of the best friends you have ever had and who knows, maybe even your future spouse. :) Don't let anyone hold you back from achieving what you want from life.

Kreg

When it somes to choosing the right college, you need to consider what you are interested in. Does the school have fields you might want to study, do you play any sports, how faithful are you in your religion, what kind of atmosphere would you like to live in, these are all words you need to consider. To make the most out of college, you need to take chances, do new things, meet new people, and be willing to change. College gives you the chance to experience so many things and make so many new friends but you need to take the chance of going out and doing stuff in order to experience them.

Sarah

I think that they should support the graduting seniors choice, but also make sure that their children know what they are getting into, and doing. I think that they should really look at how much they are getting in financial aid and scholarships, and make sure if they don't have enough aid, that they can get a loan to cover the rest if they need to. I also think that they should make sure they like how big/small the campus is, and I think they should make sure they want to be that close/far away from home. Lastly, they want to make sure, they like the class settings, and if they want to go to a 2/yr or 4 yr school. Hope this helps!!

Monica

To find the right college, you have to investigate all that a particular college offers to see if it is a right for you. Once you have picked a college, you have to make sure to experience everything that the college has to offer to make sure that you are making the most out of your time spent there.

Carla

The only person that knows if the college is right for them is the student going there and they need to be able to see themselves at that school. You should love the college that you go to, and in order to make the most of your college experience you need to not focus TOO much on the coursework, but allow yourself to have some fun on the weekends. You will never get to experience the true college life if you never go out and have a little fun. Just be sure you balance your school work with the fun, but most students don't have a problem with that. The student knows when they have found the right school, they just have to keep looking until they find it!

Donald

The best advice for parents and students about finding the right college for themselves, or their sons and daughters, is to find a school or university that truly makes you happy. I was a varsity letterman in football during high school and the best way that helped me really decide what college was best for me, was to picture a college where I would still enjoy the experience and academics; if football wasn't to be apart of my life anymore. If you enjoy the place that you are going to be learning at, you will have a great experience. The best way to succeed is to create a balance between your social life and your academics. If you are doing too much of one of the other, you could find it hard adjusting to the college lifestyle. If you party too much and don't hit the books, you will probably flunk out and if you study too much and refuse to meet new people, you will find yourself very lonely. So find a balance! That's what helped make my decision about choosing a school and how to make the most of my college experience. Good luck!

Lianna

When choosing a college, I think one of the most important things a person should do is visit the campus, and if possible, more than once. Students should definitely try to experience the campus at many different times of the year and witness the current students reactions to their school. Simply reading about a college and viewing their website will not give the student the correct feel of the school. In order to make the best of your college experience, it is imperative to realize that everybody is in the same boat. You are all new, on your own for the first time, and alone. Do your best to open up to people and sooner rather than later you will find some great friends. Study hard, always attend your classes (you're paying so much money for them, why would you want to skip one?!), but make sure to have some fun every once and awhile too!

Benjamin

I would tell parents that they need to start early. They need to talk with their child and first make some key decisions: What's the furthest college you would attend? and How much tuition can you afford? Make a list of 20 or so colleges that fit these guidelines. Then as the student reaches Junior and Senior year, begin to narrow the choices even more by using the majors the schools offer. When the list gets as low as 5 begin to make weekend plans to go and visit the campuses of the colleges. Hopefully after this the decision should be made. To make the most out of your college experience you must get involved. If you are involved in something you will meet new people and make friends. Another tip is to keep your mind open to new and exciting things. College is a lot different than High School and offers a lot more. If you don't make any friends in the first few weeks don't fret. Talk to the kids in your class and ask for a study session. Try new things and eventually you will be satisfied.

Sarabeth

Make you sure you research the schools very carefully. Don't try to be somebody that your not, pick a school that's right for you, not what you think you want to become.

Allison

You graduated high school. Congratulations! Now what..? Now comes college. Choosing the right college to attend can be quite a daunting task. When touring schools, you may get the feeling that "This is where I'm supposed to be". As cleeshay as it might sounds, I agree with it 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c}. Take a step back and realize that this decision can potentially change the rest of your life. Do they have the major that you want? Is it close enough (or far away enough) from home? Although these little details may not seem important now, you might re-think being 4 hours away from home when you have the flu. Okay now, you picked a school that you fell in love with. Once again, now what? Now the fun starts! Forget the reputation you had in high school. College holds one of life's unique opportunities to start fresh. Don't be affraid to try new things. Try a new sport! Join a club! Learn a new language! Most important of all in the hustle and bussle, never forget your family and supporters. A letter home might not seem like much, but it means the world to those receiving your love!

Gerald

You should choose a school that you feel comfortable with and a school that you know fits you all around not just the academics but the surroundings, the campus and the type of people that attend the school.

Suzanne

I think the most important thing for students and parents to consider before choosing a school is to go wander around campus on days when the college itself is not hosting orientations and visits. Sip coffee in the coffee shops, talk to people on the streets, check out the libraries and the Rec centers, and talk to the students you see walking to classes. You'll get a real, honest answer that will allow you to choose the best college that fits not only your academic needs but your social needs as well. Sometimes it is hard, once a student arrives on campus, to overcome the shyness inherent in us all when faced with so many strangers. Universities offer many activities to help break the ice in the dorms and on the campus, but the best thing a student can do is to turn to the people who sit beside them in class and start talking in those few minutes before and after class. Not only will you make a new friend in a more one on one interaction, but you will have someone to borrow notes from if you miss a class.

Brooke

Staying away from home is all about comfort, so find the place where you feel at home, the place you can imagine not wanting to leave in four years. Visit as many times as possible, and ask students, who will give you REAL answers, every and any question you have. Once your choose, get involved! Although you may get straight A's, not having real life experience to put on a resume won't make you stand out. If you join a club, hold a position, if you play a sport, make captain, whatever it is, show your future employers that once you're part of something, you will do what it takes to make your mark on it. And that is what college is about, making your mark, finding out who you are and what you want to become. It truly is the best time of your life, so find a college that the second you step foot on campus you love it, and don't settle for anything less. There are thousands of colleges out there (each with adequate financial aid to help you), so do not give up searching until you find your dream college!

Kayla

I would tell them to make the choice that is best for there needs. Visit many schools to make sure the choice isright for you. Use your time at whatever school you choose to make great friends while also not forgetting that you are going to school to get a education. College should be about life experiences. You should grow as a person socially and educationally. Don't miss out on opportunies because of fear. Take the time to enjoy all aspects of learning to live on your own. It is all about making good choices for yourself. You can have fun and get an education at the same time. The choices you make will follow you the rest of your life.

Tess

Fill out the FAFSA early and fill out as many scholarship applications that you can.

Andrew

I would tell parents and kids whom are trying to find a worthy college to look around the country and try and find that "one" amazing school! Afterall, college students spend between four and six years at college: we deserve to be happy the entire time we are here! I would also tell prospective college students to make sure they are comfortable and knowledgeable with their degree. For myself, I started college in one field and am currently pursuing a degree in a completely opposite field of study. I was lucky to have found my alternative degree. Therefore, I would tell college kids to have a backup plan. I would tell college parents to really help out their kids and remember that most college kids don't drink and go crazy every day of the week. I would tell parents to understand that college is a job and that if college students don't unwind at the end of the week, they will go crazy! Parents should know that most college kids miss home and sometimes really wish they could instantly go home. Parents, college kids learn that there is no greater comfort than that of home.

Matt

Advice I would give students and parents when selecting a cellege would include not being scared to branch away from friends, family, and acitivities that you may have grown up with or are use to. Do not let where your close friends are attending college play an important part in your decision making. In college everyone is in the same boat and essentially, starting from scratch. Parents, try not to hold your kids back because so far, it has been an incredible life experience. When you finally make it to college, do not hesitate to meet as many people as possible, join extracurriculars, and never sell yourself short. Much of our future can rely on college so it is important we all make the most of it.

Elizabeth

For me the first time I saw Ohio Univeristy I knew I was home. I felt comfortable here and knew right away that I would fit in. My advice to parents and students on finding the right school for them or their student is to look at schools that have good programs for their majors, consider the size, and choose the place that feels like home to you. It's important to go somewhere that you will be happy otherwise not only will you suffer but so will your grades.

Kyle

Finding the right college is the most important decision to make at the end of your high school career. The best advice I can give is to visit as many universities as possible. When you find the right one, you will know that you belong there. The atmosphere of the town, the attitudes of the people, and the openness of the community are things that you can only see by actually visiting the campus. This will be your home for the next 4-5 years so make sure it is a place that you are comfortable. Find a school that is in your price range, is the right distance from home, and has an excellent academic record. Once you get to school, get as involved with as many clubs and activities as you desire, and meet as many people as you can. Most importantly, make sure that your top priority is school work and advancing yourself professionally. The main focus of college is to get the education required to get a top job in the real world. Focus on school and your grades and you will be set for life. Don't forget to have fun along the way!

Amanda

I would advise parents to allow their students the opportunity to discover what it is that they want. Students should be 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} involved in the process of finding and applying to schools. My first year of college my mother paid for. I didn't really have the full pressure of the cost of classes that I blew off. It wasn't until I had to start taking out loans in my own name for schools that I cracked down and opened my books. I would strongly encourage students to take that responsiblity and for parents to grant them it.

Krista

When finding a college, look for the one that feels the most like home -- the one that gives you a gut feeling. Most of the time, that college will offer what you are looking for as far as academics, and it will also provide a sense of comfort, which will ultimately help in the journey from high school graduate to confident professional. It is important to look around, see what other places have to offer, experience their cultures, research their psycographics. Every school has a personality, and it's not as important to match your personality with that school before entering than as it is to consider who you want to become closer to graduation. College is a time to grow, and every student and parent need to consider how they want their lives to be in the next couple of years, and how each college could aid in that process both academically and socially. No parent really wants their child to go away to school, but it's very important to remember that each student needs to find a place where they are happy, where they will grow into the person they want to be.

Brittany

Visit every school and talk to students and professors that are regulars in the college you will be in.

Emma

Don't let financial worries limit your choices in schools. And don't declare your major until your freshman and sophomore year; that way, you've taken all your general education classes and you'll have a better idea of what you like and what you don't like.

Kristin

Make sure you visit the campuses for each school that you are seriously considering, and talk to the students on campus about what type of activities they do in their free time; ask for honest answers. If you do not mesh with the social life of a school then your experience will be bland and off-putting.

Alison

Finding the right college can be tedious; filling out applications, finding time in everyone's busy schedule to visit each college, the list goes on. One of the best ways to pick a college is visiting, photographs can only show so much, but do not show that "feeling." That feeling of knowing you belong. I visited each of the colleges I applied to, my top two colleges were a bust, each campus had something I didn't like, but my third pick was perfect. I feel at home when I'm walking through campus and the friends I make turn into family. No one should be able to tell you where go to college other than yourself, but if your parents are paying and they have a specific request -- it's okay, you will survive! All colleges have buildings, dorms, and that mystery meat at the dining halls we all eat but shouldn't. Make the most out of your college experience by joining clubs, going to sporting events, and having an open mind on ideas you are not familiar with. Everyone always says college will be the best years of your life, and so far, it's very true.

Elizabeth

Definitely look at more than one or two schools. Visit the campus, talk to students, not just freshman, but juniors and seniors.

Clarissa

I would advise them to visist and explore as many colleges/options as possible. Picking the right college is about experiencing the campus just as much as it's about finances and academics. To get the most out of one's college experience I would suggest joining or trying out every club or organization that sounds fun of interesting to you. Greek life or intermural sports are great ways to meet new people and there is no such thing as too many friends. Also, keep up with your academics and use the resources offered, such as tudors and professor's office hours. You might as well get your money's worth out of your university and those reources will help you excel in academically which is the reason we are all at school.

Denise

When picking a college you need to find a not only a location you feel comfortable with, but also a university, that immediately when you walk onto the campus you feel like you are at home. When you walk around you will just know that things feel right there, and its the place you will feel comfortale spending four years. Most importantly this place needs to have the program you have a strong passion pursuing, because if it doesn't, you will be easily distracted, and your studies will be taken off of their course.

Brandon

The best advice I have is to not only go on college visits sponsored by the university but to actually go spend a day or so on campus talking to students and finding things out yourself. Most of the stuff that goes on at college visits is scripted and really has nothing to do with what your life there will be like. Talking to the students will be much more informative and valuable. As far as making the most of your college experience, everything is pretty self explainatory. You get out what you put into it. Work hard and get your work done, go the extra mile, and play hard too. Balance is very important. Sleep when you are dead, college goes by fast and the relationships you build are just as important as the education itself. Also make yourself an easy person to talk to. It isn't high school where there are cliques and cool kids and what not. Everyone can get along as long as you put yourself out there and make an effort to meet people. Lastly, take advantage of extra opportunities presented to you. Talk to alumni, go on retreats, join a club, etc.

Anna

When it comes to selecting the right college, it is important to not only focus on what the academics offered, but also activities and elective classes. Especually if you work, make sure you have options for relaxing and having fun. Also when selecting a college, make sure you really do like the place! The surrounding area and how the campus looks/feels does have an impact on how much you enjoy being there. In order to make the most of your college experience try anything that sounds interesting to you. You aren't obligated to stick with everything you try, and along the way you will meet a lot of people. My final advice for making the most is take your academics seriously! Freshman year a lot of students go a little crazy and start out there undergraduate career with a terrible GPA, not realizing that it will take them the rest of the next three years to get it up. If you (or your parents) are spending the money then go to class, listen, and take the tests. If you simply care, show up, and try, you are bound to make it through ok.

Daniel

I would say the most important thing, speaking of a college athlete, is to pick the school on things besides your sport. Yes, you might be craving that D1 scholarship, or you might be really wanting to go to that winning program, but if you get hurt, where are you left? Make sure the school has your major, has qualities you can enjoy without sports and fits your personality. Education is an investment, so you must maximize your potential. With the way the stock market currently is, you want to buck the trend and put your money towards being the best you can be. As always, you must be focused on your schoolwork, as well as learning about living on your own outside the classroom. College is not just about book education, but learning life lessons as well. It's a big time in your life on paper, but once you arrive on campus, all the pieces seem to fall into place.

Erin

Do not choose (or let your child choose) a college based on its looks, and the people that attend it. Make sure that the program that you wish go to into (or your child wishes to go into) is a good progam and something that will help you excel in your career.

Mary

While the college itself is very important, the surrounding city and/or town is also very important. When a student is selecting a college, they should know whether they want to live in an urban or rural environment, and just how big of a school they want. This is very vital to enjoying your experience at your school. Also, as you take college visits, pay attention to the students already there. A major point in my decision of Ohio University was the fact that I looked like the students I saw attending the university. By paying attention to that, I figured I would fit in.