Purdue University-Main Campus Top Questions

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

Alex

I'm a returning student after twenty. What I've gained so far is immeasurable. I should've never dropped out when I was younger. What I've gained is a sence of identity. So far, I have gained more wisdom than knowledge. I've also learned about myself and the limitations I've allowed myself to slip into. Now that I've had to go back to school I'm breaking through the things that hold me back. I feel like a kid again where nothing seems impossible. I have also considered furthering my education by going to a major university when I get through my certification program for surgical technology. I have seriously considered beconing a physician's assistant. I finding that I like to learn.

Casey

The most valuable thing I have learned, other than the obvious of getting educated in my classes, is how to live on my own. You are responsible for going to get food when you run out of the food you have in your dorm. You have to make yourself focus on studying when it is easy to go out with friends on school nights because you do not have your parents there telling you what to do. College makes you grow up alot.

Paige

Since I have only been at Purdue for 3 weeks, I can only say in these 3 weeks I have learned more than I did in 12 years of public school. I have made new friends, developed new interests, and found myself a little more. I hope to continue this journey for the next four years, and ultimately become a Boilermaker Alumni. Boiler up!

theresa

My experience at Purdue has been so surreal. Not only have I learned to challenge myself academically, but I have learned what is it like to establish the connections of a lifetime. Because Purdue is such a greek oriented school, I have met numerous people within my sorority and throughout the entire greek community. I was not someone who was involved in a lot of clubs back in high school, but after going to Purdue, all I want to do is be involved in as many things as I can be. I have met people from all over the world and have made so many connections that not only helped me during my first year, but will help benefit me for a lifetime. I would not trade my experience for anything in the world. Boiler Up!

Ashley

My college experience has opened numerous doors. I was the first in my family to attend college and it truly opened my eyes to the world around me. I became a critical thinker and well rounded. I found new interests and met many new friends. In all, my educaion made me who I am today. It made me realize that I can do many things in my life and to never give up. If nothing else, I gained pride and life experiences. It was valuable beyond words. I found that I enjoy being in an academic environment, which led me to my current job of admissions for a career college. I wouldn't have traded my experience and it was bittersweet to walk the stage with such an accomplishment. Through my experience, I convinced my mother to attend herself and to seek out a degree. At this point in time, she is litterally months away from having her associates degree in Nursing. In all, my education affected my life in many ways and even those around me from strangers to family.

Melissa

Focus is what I have gotten out of my college experience. I switched majors this past year, at first I felt it wasn't the right decision but since doing so, I know I have made the right decision. This college experience has open so many doors for me as well as giving me more opportunities than I can imagine in finding what is right for me. I didn't know anyone when I accepted to attend Purdue, but I believe that has become a value of my college experience because I have met so many amazing people and has caused me to step out of my comfort zone and try things I would have never otherwise done if I had not gone away to school. I've also learned to deal better with stress since I am not the only one going through the stress of college and academics, I always have someone to turn to and it has also taught me to ask for help when I need it to where now I am able to admit I am struggling and do something about it. Lastly, I have gotten unforgetable memories which will be with me forever.

Paul

From Purdue University I have recieved a greater understanding of who I am and what I want to do when I graduate. I have also learned a great deal about engineering from Purdue.

Lori

With my college experience, I have realized just how important it is to have an education. All around me I see family members who never went to college struggle every day just to feed their families. Being the first child to ever go to college, within my family, I've really gained an appreciation of how much different my life will be from theres, just based on a few extra years of schooling. Because of this, I plan on going in academia, and hopefully I will be able to become a professor and inspire students the way that I have been. My college experience has been so valuable, not just in that I will have a decent career when I'm finally done with school, but also because I found myself as a person here. Being away from my family really forced me to find myself, and really decide what it is I want to do with my life. I wouldn't change a thing.

Kimberly

The most valuable thing that I have gotten out of my college experience has been real-world engineering experience both in a research setting and plant setting. This is very valuable because there are a wide variety of career opportunities for chemical engineers and time actually trying out some of the options is great.

Ben

School has taught me a lot about what I want out of life. I've learned what I'm most interested in and the type of people that I enjoy being with. Even though I've had exceptional grades my entire life, I never really cared much about grades. School has taught me that using your talents to acheive high grades is something to be proud of.

Danielle

I have gained a greater knowledge in time management.

Lauren

Coming to college was one of the scariest days of my life. I honestly had no idea what to expect, but little did I know this would be one of the most fulfilling years of my life. I was never a stand out student in high school, I maintained about a 3.0 cumulatively. After my first semester in college though, taking 15 credit hours, I earned a 3.88! It was probably one of the most rewarding achievements thus far in my life. Not only did it boost my confidence, but also it showed me that I was smarter than I thought I was. If I didn?t attend college, I don?t think I would have nearly as much confidence in my self. It helped me grow in ways that I never would have anticipated. I have made so many new friends and accomplished so much in only a year. Being at college has made me really excited for my future, and given me the confidence I need to know that I can be successful.

David

Given the current and past history of tragic events (earthquakes in Haiti, and tsunamis in the Pacific) that have affected the health and very lives of our fellow human beings , college thus far has given me an in depth opportunity to create a path for myself to help. I was circumspect about continuing on with my education having worked after high school. My views of previous educational administrators and teachers was somewhat tainted by high school. Thus, it came as a pleasant surprise to find that not only were my college professors well educated having attended well known and respected institutions, but they were also readily available to help me with my newly discovered thirst for knowledge. Besides answering my numerous questions regarding course content and lab issues they recommended additional sources of reading. The latter has given me an in depth look into current people that are providing compassionate care for those less fortunate. My readings have given me cultural information about other countries, religions, and ways of life that I had not experienced before. In closing, my college experience has given me a much broader background of education that will help me prepare for my lif'es journey

Shelby

College hasn't been easy. In fact, it has been one of the most difficult things I have ever done. I have had to apply and motivate myself at times when I just want to quit, and I have had to learn the meaning of the word perseverence. If you want something bad enough, you will give anything to get there. To be on top and to make a change in this world requires one to have ambition, drive, goals, and passion. It insists that no matter what, a person is to fight as hard as they can to get to an end result. In this case, my end result will be a college education, and a chance to make an impact on the world.

David

I have learned that education is everything especially in the current economic state that we are in right now. It is beneficial to attend college for the education that you receive today is going to help in the long run in finding a job.

LaToya

I have learned to interact with other cultures. I have become a global citizen. I realize that everything isn't just about me and in the grand scheme of life we are all connect. And it is up to all of us to strive to be our best and to push others to do the same. I have been afford opportunities that if I hadn't attended college I might not have had. It exposed me to things that I was undware of and molded me into the person I am today.

Chad

College has been a valuable asset to my life in ways that help me become a better and more keen individual. Giving me knowledge that will help me achieve greater challenges and guide me up some of the steepest mountains. Without college I would most definately be lost. In other words, most people would not take me serious in the fact that I was uneducated.

Brigid

In college, I had the amazing opportunity to meet people of all different backgrounds. Not only did I learn about business management, but I also learned very valuable life lessons. It has made me the person I am today. I aspire to achieve the best while maintaining a robust social life. The people in my life have taught me as much about business as the books that I studied. Purdue provided me with the opportunity of meeting others that sought to excel in life and inspire me to always live my life to the fullest.

Emma

I have become more responsible and more driver to suceed. It has encouraged me to do my best and try hard.

Brandi

My college experience has not only offered me and amazing education thus far, but many experiences to not only entertain me and help me find a close group of friends, but to challenge my skills in other ways besides academically. I have gained numerous friendships in my year and a half here at Purdue, and these are friendships that will last a lifetime. I have gained experience as a leader and helping others get comfortable with their lives here at Purdue. I have gained knowledge on my future and how I should go about pursuing my dream job. Had I not come to Purdue, I would not know about the millions of opportunities in the field of law that are available to me. My experience here at Purdue is extremely valuable to me, more valuable than most things. My experience has prepared me for the future and helped me to meet people who are willing to travel the journey with me.

Bailey

College life gets so much better after the first month. The first month I was at school, I hated it. I came in not knowing anyone and I was terrified that I would't find any friends. The first month is an awkward stage for most people. Everyone is in the same boat, so don't feel like you're the only one who's lonely. After the first month people start getting more comfortable at being at a new place and you become closer and closer to the friends you have made. So don't give up the first month, wait it out and then the fun begins!

Melinda

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to jot down a list of all of my fears pertaining to college, and then order myself to rip it to shreds! Before leaving, I was teeming with emotions. Knowing that I soon would be breaking away from my family and friends would often send me into a fit of hysterics. The thought of saying good-bye to my boyfriend made me nauseous. Worst of all, I had no idea what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. It has now been five months, and I am happier than ever! I still have my wonderful boyfriend, and I visit my family and friends at least once a month. All of my worst fears have faded into the distance, and my true ambitions have been brought to light. Never again will I let my little fears bring me down, and thanks to the enlightening experiences I have had here at college, I know that I will succeed no matter what new obstacle comes my way.

Cody

The advice I would give myself as a high school senior is very simple. Its words are straightforward but the meaning behind them is truly profound. This simple advice is "be yourself." It appears that every teenager is desperate for a way to fit in with society. This often means transforming ourselves into something we simply are not. We rely on revealing clothes, fake actions, and artificial friends. Sometimes under pressure, we simply conform to the stereotype that everyone has of us. In high school, i was known as the smart boy with no popular friends, who did nothing but study to get his usual straight A's. However, my peers could not have been more wrong about me. Unfortunately, I was too concerned about upholding the impression that everyone had of me, and found myself unable to break out of my shell. To my surprise, I soon found out during my transition into college that all I have to do is be myself. There is no need to impress anyone and no stereotype to uphold. When I am myself I am active, involved, and outgoing. I am loved by my true friends and I am simply the real me.

Kara

Looking back, I would have to say that my senior year of high school was the most confusing time in my life. I actually ended up going to freshman orientations at 2 universities and decided at the last minute to attend Purdue University. I had no idea where I wanted to see myself in 4 years, yet alone how I would get there. However, once I began my studies and worked extremely hard, my goals became more apparent and achievable. Amidst all the chaos of being a freshman, I discovered a class that sparked my interest. After the first day of my forensic science class, I knew that I wanted to study law and the rest fell into place. As a first semester freshman I excelled, and I believe one reason is because I am studying something that I love. In conclusion, this past semester I have discovered that my future is entirely up to myself and the choices I make along the way. Looking back, I wish that senior year I would have known that what university you attend isn't what is most important, what is most important is that you are studying something that you truly love.

Natasha

NATASHA!!! FILL OUT THOSE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS AND GET INTO THE HABIT OF STUDYING. Those would be my exact words if I could go back in time to my senior year. It feels like I have run into so many financial hardships ever since I walked on campus. If I would had simply filled out more scholarships like I know I should have I probably wouldn't have had all this hardship and stress. I guess I didn't know how serious and important it was to get money for school but boy do I know now. I would have also told myself to get into a study habit. At my high school we called senior year the highway because everyone cruised right through it. Coming from a year where I did nothing to a year where all I do is go to class and study two hours for every hour I'm in class was a very big transition. I do regret not knowing or doing these things, but they were a life lesson well learned.

Leah

I would tell myself to get more involved with the many activities at school. I don't thinkit would be wise to sign up for every opportunity that came along. It would be best to pick a few groups that would fit me best and stick with them. There are so many options there would definately be a match somewhere. Getting involved will definately enrich any college experience.

Kristin

I would tell myself to search for a career in which I'd want to work in within the future, and with that, I would tell myself to search for strong and renown academic programs within the US in which I was planning to study. Also, I would tell myself to search more for scholarships and grants available for undergraduate students. AND I would also tell myself to make the most of life when I attend college; college should not only be a time for studying and getting good grades, but for also making life-long friendships and having a good time. I would also stress the fact that if I don't feel comfortable at a university, I should consider transferring to a different one. And in regards to living situations, I would tell myself to NOT live with strangers, even if I would save money in the long run. I'd rather pay a greater rent rather than living in stressful, uncomfortable living situations.

Shaderen

I would say I, make sure that you keeping checking on your school statis. Make sure you sign all promisory notes, since you applied for financial aid. Attend all of the meeting the college has for incoming students. Apply for every scholarship and grant that the college will accept from you. And save some money for college, so you buy college material and things you think you would need.

Nichole

Oh high school. If I could go back and talk to myself about college, I would say that all the homework you have now is easy and there is not much to it. All of what is going on in high school will disapear when you graduate. All the extra time you have will be used up for studying, and you can' get away with not studying in college if you want to succeed. I would tell myself to take every piece of advice from the teachers, yes they may be hard on you sometimes, but you are a jewel and all they are trying to do is help you shine and be as brilliant as you hope and are. You succeed and you fail, but you learn from each failure and they strenghten you and help you to strive harder for what you want. You have to work for your goal. You are your own hero, and if you know you can make it, and never give up, you will shine. Observe, listen, learn, and never give up. They will help you to your goal.

Marissa

If I could travel back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to study for every class no matter how easy it seems. When I came to college I studied like I did in high school, which turned out ineffective with rigorous college level courses. After my first round of exams I realized my studying habits had to change quickly, or my grades would suffer. In high school you have so much homework that it rounds out any bad tests or quizzes. But in college you have a couple quizzes and four exams, which count as your entire semeste grade. I never knew one test could affect your grade so deeply, until now. Although I've learned through my mistakes, it would have been nice if I came to college with this knowledge of studying. I could have prevented many stressful and anxious days if I would have known this from day one.

Kerri

If I were to go back in time and give myself advice about college life, I would simply say that I should always be true to myself. Regardless of the situation, be it picking the right college or the choices you make once you arrive on campus, you must be true to yourself. When you are deciding on what college is right for you, you must think about what you truly want and desire from this experiance. If you pick a college because a parent, sibling or boyfriend/girlfriend pushes you to then you may greatly resent them for that choice later in life. You have to set limits and goals for yourself as a student and at this point in your life its a challenge, because for the first time mom and dad arent there to make you clean your room or do homework or even go to class. The best advice I can give is that you find your fit when picking a school. Because, college isnt just about going to class and getting a degree. Much of what you learn while in college is about social and emotional growth.

Senate

Do NOT take any time off, going back is harder than it sounds. stay in school!!!

Sarah

I would have a lot of advise for myself. First, do not under any circumstances let yourself get off track with your classes and distracted by the excitement of your new found independence. Second, remember what kind of student you are and what motivates you to do well. Dont let those things slip out of your mind for even an instant. Third, remember that being away from home is going to be good for you, dont look at it as if you are living two separate lives but as if this is a new and very different part of your current life. Fourth, forget all your insecurities and become more confident in yourself because you can never hope to acheive everything you have always dreamed about if you dont. Finally, let yourself enjoy every minute of your new life. Dont let fear or hesitation let you pass up any opertunities at all. College is going to be great but you can make it even better.

NiNi

Walking down the 3rd floor hall, I turned left into the library. I saw Mary and Sue, and I stopped for our usual 20 minute 'whisper and tell' conversation, as I made my way to those rows of shelves that held extensive information I knew nothing about. It was time for the old finish-that-term-paper due in 2 days. I loved knowledge, I loved exploration, but acting class and rollerskating held my attention even more. Maybe I could delay my research an hour more? Yet, having access to the knowledge of college life and making the transition from high school, I talked to that girl between the rows of shelves in that library. "Girl!!!, Sweet child, return to your post. The days are short, they past by soon. Every action, every choice impacts your tomorrow. Stay put, and do the essentials of responsibilities. Learn quickly what you have to do, find out how to do it, and do it. Yes, even this term paper will influence the grades that distinguish you in this world and create a doorway to opportunities for your very life."

Tabitha

The advice I would give myself is to be certain of what I want to do. I changed from nursing to psychology and wasted alot of money doing classes that I didn't need. I would have also decided to go to Purdue University my first year of college also. The major thing I would have said to myself is to save money and to not get the paret plus loan. I also think I should've gone to financial aid office earlier and discussed my options instead of assuming that I had no choice, but to get the parent plus loan. The other major thing I would've said to do was to sign up for more schloarships. In conclusion, I should'e told myslef to be more reaistic and use my money more wisely.

Madison

Before entering college, I had been friends with the same people since elementary school. It was a shock when I first started attending school. I would study, eat, walk, and do everything else by myself. I wish someone would have told me to try and make friends immediately. I now have different groups of friends who I can relate to. My grades have improved because my friends are able to help me in my classes. I am involved in more clubs and outside activities because of my new friends. Most of all, I have met people who are understanding and fun. I wish someone would have to told me to be more open when meeting new people because, in the long run, I will have a better college career and life.

Brandon

I would have told myself to be more outgoing and open when meeting new people. I didn't meet a lot of new people my freshman year and I think that I was left out on a lot of things. I would have also told myself to enjoy the time I had in high school because college is definetly a lot more challenging. It also would have been helpful if I had good study habits before getting here.

Tyler

Prepare yourself and treat high school as prep for college. Learn study tactics that will help you succeed and don't consider yourself to be so smart that studying is not needed in your top subjects.

Kaia

My advice to myself would be quite simple: Don't worry, everything will work itself out. When you go to college, it's an easy transition. You'll find friends, you'll lose some friends, but everything will work out, even if it seems like the end at the time of the rocky steps. You'll fall into a fantastic hobby, find out who your true friends are, and find out what you're destined to do with your life...and realize that Purdue University was the best decision. Without it, you wouldn't have found out your true self and never would have discovered how amazing life can be. If there is one thing to remember it's this: Don't be afraid, for there will only come good things, even if the good comes through a loss.

Margaret

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself that the people I met in high school, none of them will really be my friends once I leave the state. Going to Purdue will change my outlook on everything, friends, family, how I view myself. Coming here will make me learn to live on my own, make decisions I never had to make before. Being a full time student and getting good grades is more important than thinking about getting a job and trying to handle that and being a full time student. I would tell myself that there will be moments that I will want to give up but I mustn't. The hardest part of being at college is realizing that I'm on my own.Learn to make friends, be open to new people, their ideas, who knows who will become your new friend(s) and you'll hangout with. Try not to hold onto high school life, it's not worth looking back on. The future and dental school are much closer and in reach now that I'm in college. Work hard, never give up.

Megan

If I could go back in time to myself as a high school senior, I'd have a ton of advice to give myself. I would've told myself to apply for more scholarship because then I didn't realize how much I would need them. I would've told myself to spend more time with my friends before I left, because I wouldn't realize how much I'd miss them. I would've told myself to look deeper into my career choice and discover everything that it entails. I also would've told myself to spend more time with my family, because they would miss me the most when I left. I would advise myself not to come very much once I got to college, because then it would make adjusting and assimilating to college life harder. I would have encouraged myself to work hard and have fun.

Tiffany

I would tell myself to take standard testing more serious, such as the SAT and the ACT, because I didn't score so good on my tests and now I'm a year behind in school and I have to take theses tests again. I would tell myself to study harder in class, because I have to attend and technical college in the spring of this year just so I can have some college credits so I want be compete out of loop when I go to an university. Bottom line if I had to talk to my self again as a high school senior I would basically tell myself to take advance of the time I have when everything is free and when people are helping me. I should have been be studying for these tests and not playing around, thinking colleges would just come to me. They want to see what I can do

Ben

When one is forced to look back and call to mind past life experiences one often thinks of how one could change things if given the chance. When I look back I often think about how I could change my life, if only I could talk to myself as a senior in high school. If given the chance the first thing I would tell myself is that everything is going to be all right. Life is funny, before going to college my greatest fear was the fact that I am or rather was a very reserved, and shy person. I wondered how people in a college setting would take to me. But I've realized that it doesn't really matter. Living with new people and getting to know people who are just as worried about the same problems really forces you to open up. I've made so many more friends in college than I had in high school. I've joined clubs, and sports teams without the slightest hesitation and hang out with and have fun with people all over campus. Life is funny, and I know this sounds cliche but i'm glad.

Heather

Studying is an important aspect in any college education. However make sure you enjoy what you are doing and have fun. Don't make it all about studying or all about partying, have a good combination of the two and your college experience will be very rewarding.

Carl

Perhaps, when you first arrive you will be overwhelmed by the sheer number of social and extra-curricular activities happening all around you, all the time. There is a good chance that you will want to get involved in every single club and organization on campus, however it will eventually become too much and you will need to lessen your involvement in them. Be willing to make this sacrifice, because academics must come before extra-curricular activities. Also, treat each and every project as if it was a portfolio piece, because it very well could be.

Todd

If I could go back in time and talk to my self I would tell myself many things. I would try to prepare myself better for college life and life away from family and friends. College is a pretty hard environment, theres a great deal of pressure put on you all at once. Once you have your ways set though it becomes relatively easy. I would try to prepare myself better for responsibility with school work. In highschool our teachers pretty much did everything for us. In college we have a responsibility to folow up and check whats going on constantly. Overall my tansition into college wasn't that bad. If I could've prepared myself more for the responsibility and the stress that college brings on, it would have been much easier though.

Jane

If I could go back and give myself advice my senior year, I would tell myself to study a little more and to try a little harder. My senior year was very easy for me. I didn't have to take finals the first semester and the second semester's finals weren't difficult. When I got to Purdue, the exams were a lot harder and it was hard to get back in the routine of studying. I had, and I'm still trying to, teach myself good study habits. Also during my senior year, I didn't have to work as hard as I do in college. Homework was easy and most of the time I could do it in another class and get it out of the way. I didn't have to read much for my classes to understand material either. It's a lot different in college. It is very important that you pay attention in class and to try hard. And even more important, studying is key for doing well.

Cathie

If i could go back in time and tell myself anything I would tell myself not to be afraid. I would tell myself to be more social and outgoing when it comes to meeting people. I would tell myself to enjoy and relax, not to be one track minded on school only. I know that school is important but so is having a great time while being there. I would be sure to tell myself to tell my family that i love them more often and to thank them for all that they have and will give me. To tell them you won't let them down. I would tell myself that it isn't the end of the world when you don't get where you want to go, instead make a new trail and to enforce the idea of never giving up on my dream.

Rickey

That i should of learned more in high school. Try to get a lot of scholarships. I would try to take the act test more times.

Eugenia

Eugenia, when you get to college you are going to meet the finest man you have ever seen in your life. Not only will you think this but he will also think this. Here is a hint, he is the guy that will try to talk to you from the piano. You are going to marry him and have four kids while still in college. After you have your first child, find a daycare that will be able to watch him for you. Do not try to do everything by yourself. Allow others to help, this will allow you to follow your dreams. Do not go into engineering, you think that is what you want to do, but you will come to realize that is what your parents want you to do. Remember this is your life. Live it for you not for anyone else. Get involved on campus. Do not just sit in your room and study all day. You will miss out on so much if you do that. Focus on God!. He will take you where you need to go. Read the bible daily and pray daily. When your relationship with him is good, everything is good!