Plymouth State University Top Questions

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

Dorothy

I would tell myself that it is OK to be myself. I spent part of first semester trying to impress everyone and make good impressions. While this is important, when people found out what I am really like they were shocked. Quality people will like you for who you are, not for who you pretend to be. I would also tell myself to learn how to budget my time better. Part of the reason that I was not as successful as I could have been in high school and my first semester of college was that I did not apply time-management skills. It caused me to get lower grades than I could have in several classes and means that I will have fewer scholarship opportunities. If I had known during senior year what I know now, I would be doing much better and would have more opportunity.

Megan

Knowing what I know now, I would tell myself to go farther away from home to go to school. I am attending college in the same town that I went to High School in and I wish that I had gone to a new are to experience a more diverse culture. I would have lived on campus too. Living on my own is fun, but it is a whole different experience to live on campus. Also, I would have told myself to make more friends at orientaion. I was shy coming into college life, and although I have many friends from the clubs I have been part of, I wish that I had been more open to the variety of amazing people who were entering Plymouth State the same year I was. Lastly, I would tell myself not to worry about college life. It may seem overwhelming, but the time you spend in college can be so rewarding, by participating in volunteer groups and campus organizations.

Jocelyn

If I could go back to my senior year of high school, I would tell myself to start working hard and saving money. College is expensive and I was not prepared for the financial burden that comes with being in college. I would also tell myself to relax and not worry so much, because Plymouth State makes the transition from high school to college very easy on all of the freshman and allows us to express ourselves however we feel. I would tell myself that I was going to make the best friends in the entire world and that I had absolutely nothing to worry about. I love my life here at Plymouth State University and I wouldn't change a thing about it.

Rachel

I would tell myself that I was making the right decision, when wanting to go to Plymouth. Also, that Music was the right choice, and turning it into an Education major and being a chorale instructor was what I wanted. I'd tell myself not to second guess myself and not to wait a year and a half and be almost two years behind my life's schedule. I would also tell myself to be more responsible and think more for myself. Grow up, be an adult and make the best out of going to school, by not worrying about the major or finances.

Kristopher

Try and get yourself out there. The worst thing you can do to yourself is to not get out there and try new things. If you do not, you will not feel a real connection to your college community. That does not mean you need to go to that party, trust me it will not end well. Even at Plymouth there are plenty of ways to meet new people besides at a party. Join some clubs, it is the best and healthiest way to meet people and become part of your community. Avoid the cafeteria when possible; the food will only taste so good for only so long. When you can get out and eat around town, like that $4 at the downtown pizza shop. If someone offers you free food you must make every possible effort to get to there. Last, but perhaps most important is to put in a solid effort in your classes, yes even the general education ones. While they may not seem important, it is necessary to a quality education to be well rounded. Put in your most now, or else never will when you graduate. So long, and good luck.

Matt

Tour the campus and ask lots of questions. Make sure it is a place where you can see yourself fitting into and enjoying the best times of your life. Ultimately, if you put in the effort to succeed and thrive in school, you will benefit in the long run. Choose a school that fits your personality and liking because it will make it that much sweeter and beneficial.

Ashley

Go with what you want to do. If you don't then you'll be miserable.

Jennifer

definately look around at different types of schools: urban, suburban, large, small. definately go on tours and do orientations at schools youre interested in. the first week of school is the best time to make friends, everyone is in the same position as you are so you shouldnt feel alone. get to know the community, eat the food, see the dorms, and even off campus apartment areas.

Lauren

Visit as many schools as you can so you have a solid idea about what exactly you like and don't like. Don't settle for anything less than what you want. Make friends, do things you wouldn't normally do and have as much fun as you can. It flys by.

Elyse

at the end of the day you are going to get the same education at any school, make sure the campus, environment and location are right so that you are able to learn as much as you can as comfortably as you can.

Jedrzej

Do as much research as possible! College isn't just another school to go to after elementary and high school, like a lot of people think. Know why you're going on. Try to foresee the future as much as possible. Parents: know your children's desires and and personality and choose a school that they aren't just comfortable with but will challenge them in ways unique only to them. Once you guys are at school, use this time to make the transition from home to a life all for yourself. Cut loose but be disciplined. Know what's good for you and take full advantage of everything the school has to offer. You're paying a lot of money for not just education but for career services, arts, social networks, geographical advantages (like mountains and cities), student discounts, database access, and much more. If you have dreams, use this abundant amount of time to refine them and find ways to bankroll them in the future. Transfer if the college doesn't feel right after a year. Remember, there are plenty of underprivileged people who would do ANYTHING to have themselves or their kids go to college. Appreciate it.

aaron

i love my school plymouth state everybody is very nice i met alot of nice people and i play football the coaches are very nice i major in sports physiology they have very good teachers its great

Jonathan

You should be open minded to activities that are going on within the campus. Don't judge the campus by the size because bigger schools sometimes aren't always the better choice.

Dee

Visit lots of schools. You will never know what kind of experience youre going to have unless you acctually go to that school and see it for yourself. While youre there take advantage of every opportunity the school gives you. Most colleges organize events for the students and they might not sound intersting to you, but its a great way to make new friends and find out more about what your schooll offers. Also to find the perfect school for you, you need to know more about yourself. I myself am a transfer student. I moved to the city because I thought thats where I wanted to be and after a couple of months I realized that near home and in a more rural area is what was best for me. I dont think anyone knows right away where they are going to be happy and where they will get the best education, just like not one person knows what the best major is for them. Reaserch your school choices, visit them, attend orientations, and put yourself out there to meet new people. College is one of the greatest experiences in life. Make the most of it and enjoy!

Andre

Have a good idea of what you want to get out of college before you choose a school to go to.

Katherin

I would suggest that parents take campus tours with their son/daughter and talk to the parents and future students about what campus is really like. Tour guides are "scripted" to only talk about the positive aspects of campus. It's the students that can tell you the truth about the social life, academic life, and how easy/tough the school really is. By talking to students on campus, both parents and future students will have a better insight on whether or not the school is right for them. They may find the school they are looking at is too much of a party school, or there isn't sufficient study space, or that the school actually is as great as it sounds. Just by asking around campus a family can really find the information that they need to decide on whether or not the school is right for their son or daughter.

Kimberly

Go visit. And if you have the opportunity to go to college with a friend from home, do it! it makes the experience more comfortable.

Heather

Make sure you VISIT the colleges you are interested in. Choosing a college is like buying clothes. You can't pick out your favorite pair of jeans from a magazine without ever seeing them and trying them on. If you visit a college, and get the, "I belong here" feeling, than its the college for you. If you don't, than you may not be happy attending there, or you may not do so well. Don't feel discouraged when you see the price tag of a school. There are ways around it. A lot of colleges offer good finiancial aid packages. Look into it.

Nicole

I think it is most important to keep in mind when choosing a school is to think about where you would be the happiest. You should consider all your options and know what type of environment is best for you to learn in. A big peice of advice I can give new students is to get involved. Most students think that theres not much one person can do for the community but this is not true. Getting involved will also keep you out of trouble, because for some it is way to easy to get into partying and have your grades slip and that's not why your in school. Students are paying boatloads to attend college these days so make the most of it! Meet friends , tryout for teams and clubs, your only here for a few short years so make it the best experience possible!

Trisha

Find a school that has all of the programs you want. Get to know your professors and use them as a resource.

Kevin

Enjoy the process. Enjoy school. Live the life you dream.

Amanda

The best advice I can give to parents and students about finding the right college to attend is to figure out who you are and what environments and activities best support you. Find a site online that narrows down your search based on a personality and professional goal survey. If you feel you learn better in small groups and with one on one instruction, pick a small school with small class sizes. If you play a sport or specialize in a certain aspect of the community, find a school that has your club or your sport that will encourage you to be involved. Define who you are and pick a school that allows you to be yourself. Once you pick the school and pay the tuition and fees, it is up to you to get the most out of your experience that you can. Some people don?t realize that a percentage of your fees go towards activities, so get your money?s worth and be involved. Choose classes, activities, clubs, and friends that are in line with your personality and professional goals. Make these choices in ways that challenge you to succeed, compliment your personality, and develop your individuality.

Lisa

The advice I would give to parents and future students is to visit the campus and attend a class in order to fully understand all aspects of the future school. Think about the top expected characteristics of the school and while visiting determine if it fits your way of learning and social atmosphere. Another important part of choosing a school is to be knowledgeable about the soundings. Drive around and find out what is located in the town and determine is the city feel is not for you or that you may be shutting yourself our by choosing to go to a school in the mountains. I have always had a side job so for me it was important to find stores, but for others it is important to have something to do. Either investigate on campus activities or other activities that would be appropriate for you to spend your free time. Finally the last piece of advice is that as a freshman it is important to live on campus to get familiar with the people and the environment. Not emerging with the new surrounding could result into isolating yourself, and missing the opportunity to make friends for life.

Chris

you can get a great education for almost any school, but you can not fit in with every school, find the school that you feel like you can meet good people at, that is what college is all about

Jilienne

Parents and students have a very difficult decision to make when choosing a college or university to attend. The best advice I have is to take your time and don't make a decision in haste. Research and visit as many possible campuses as you can, preferably while school is in session. Sit in on a class, meet the teachers, and observe the students around you. Hopefully, you'll find a place that just seems to "fit" you. Once you find that campus, take advantage of the many options you have. You might decide that a different direction is for you, and that's okay. Now is the time to find and pursue your passion.

Dana

make sure that u have made the right decions before comitting

Ashley

Parent I would tell them, support your child in what school then want to go to. Students i would tell that have an open mind and pick the school that you feel is right for you.

Eric

Start early and visit all your schools and try to spen a night in a dorm room. Also try to stay calm and not stress because in the end you will end up somewhere that you will love even if it is not your first choice.

Katie

You should always get to know the people around you. Be open and friendly and you'll have an awesome time

Patrick

Take your time, visit alot of schools, and try to know what you want from the school you want to attend (academics, surrounding area, ect.....).