Southern New Hampshire University Top Questions

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

Audrey

Dear Audrey, Remember your senior year of high school when you were the stage manager? Remember how much you loved being able to use your creative talents, leadership abilities, and outgoing personality to affect that cast and crew? Remember how you told yourself, that's it! I want to go into Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations because I love working with people, being organized and planning events? I'm here to remind you to not let other's sway your opinion. You're going to get told all the time what people think you should do, or what you would be good at. Don't let them influence you in a negative way. Stick to what you're good at, and follow through. Don't give up. The road won't be easy, but it will be fufilling. Have confidence in who you are and the talents you are given. Stand up for your goals, dreams, and aspirations, and don't stop until you've acheived them. Advice for college: study, study, study, and don't let people make fun of you for being that over achiever. That's something you should be proud of! Good Luck Audrey!

Destiny

A couple things I would tell my high school self would have been to keep my head in the books. Being on time for my deposit would have been the smartest idea and I wouldn't have to struggle figuring out how the commute to campus would work out. Making all deadlines is very important but moreimportant than that would be to start preparing ahead of time. Procrastinating on the work produces sloppy work that could have been better if it was planned and done a little at a time. Grades are everything when it comes to college cause grades and open doors to things such as free room and board on campus and scholarships that all lower your debt in the long run.

Shana

I spent a lot of time alone my senior year. I didn't have any friends because of some things that took place in my life the year before. So if I could go back to talk to my high school senior self, I'd tell myself not to walk with my head down. I'd tell myself that after high school graduation, I'd be a stronger person than I ever was because I made it through that long year. Not only that but I would remind myself that life is short and it's silly to waste time trying to please everyone when half those people willingly walk out of your life soon after. I'd ask myself what is most important in life and then point out that I need to live for those things and not what the people around me say to live for. And lastly I would tell myself to chase the career that most makes me smile because after changing my mind a million times, I will always end up with that same decision. I'm going to be a teacher, whether there's money in it or not, it makes me happy.

Diva

If I were to go back in time to talk to myself as a hgh school senior; I would tell myself to thoroughly prepare myself to be a more successful student. As a community college student, I have learned to be more focused on my studies and to prioritize. Although living at home is easier as student, you still have to make proper preparations to be successsful in school. College instructors have a higher standard of responsibility than high school teacher. However, this helps thestudent ot be more responsible of school work and meeting deadlines.

Maura

I would only give myself the advice to think about my major more and really make sure I know what I want to do as a career and do internships to help gain more real world experience. I would make sure I gain all I can to help myself get a job once I graduate so paying back my student loans wouldn't be such a financial burden.

Nicole

Just live in the moment because these past four years flew by! I was nervous about going off to college because I really enjoyed high school but a part of life is moving on and college is a great way to start my future. I also wish I knew what major I wanted to pursue because that definitely helps a lot. Ultimately follow your heart and pursue your dreams. You only live once so enjoy the ride!

callie

I would have given myself the advice to stay strong. What is typical is not alwasy best for you and it is okay to do something unconventional. I would also tell myself not to give up and to love myself no matter what. I would make sure I knew it was okay to ask for help right away and that most people realy do have a hard time transitioning and picking a final major. It is okay to make mistakes and it is okay to change your mind; just be true to who you are.

alex

stay programmed, discpline yourself, be committed to excellance, save money for mistakes, know yourself and find a major to stick to.

Jeffrey

I would tell my past self how important an education is for your professional career. In todays world, you need all of the education you can get. It can be the difference between having a job or a career. There are hardly any uneducated jobs that pay well anymore. With a college degree, you are more likely to find better paying jobs and it can be the difference when you are in competion for a job with other applicants.

Rachel

Life is going to be tough. For a long time, you won't be sure of what the next step for you is, so take the baby steps and enroll in college. I know the thought is intimidating. Start off with some basic courses, see what you like best, and go from there. You haven't yet grasped the concept of paying for your education, but once you realize that you'll be paying your own way, that will be motivation enough to get you through. Which reminds me: take your job with a grain of salt, because in the long run it's just a paycheck that gets you from point A to point B. It will provide you with a little money to put towards tuition, and that's going to be expensive. Know that the love and support you have from the family is always there for the taking. Remember to give yourself a chance to be something without assuming you'll never make it. But most important of all is this: believe that you have the power to become anything or anyone you want.

Danielle

College is expensive, but it is well worth it and actually needed for so many careers. If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would give the advice of preparing early. I would have started saving as much money as possible and applying for as many grants and scholarships as I could in order to reduce the size of loans and the amount I have to pay out of pocket. The cost of college intimidates so many people, but where this is a will there is a way.

Erica

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to pick a college that had all of my interests. I came to school as a graphic designer but took classes and ended up not enjoying it. Another one of my interests is Biology but the university that I am attending now does not have any science offerings. Therefore I have to transfer to another university in order to fullfil what I really want to do. If I picked a university that had all my interests I would not have to stress about the transfer process. I would also tell my old self to contact recruiters for lacrosse because then I would be able to have athletic money and not have to worry about a huge lump-some of money to pay. My financial issues would be a little less stressful than they are today. There are a lot of situations that I wish I could go back in time and change about my college career but with a positive attitude and my friends to help me, the college exprience is definetly one to take in and learn from experinces.

Ashley

Keep an open mind. Like me, you may end up in a major you love but then realize it's not for you after you start taking some of the classes. Don't think you have to stay in a major you don't enjoy! Starting college for me was honestly fairly easy. I made a lot of new friends the first few days and a lot of them are still my friends a year later. Just be outgoing and you'll be okay! There are tons of on-campus clubs and organizations that you can join to enhance your presence on campus and to make some more new friends. They're a great way to get involved and they look great on resumes! College is a place for discovery. You discover what you want to do with your life, what initially you want out of your life, and you figure out who you are. My second semester in college I came to terms with a piece of myself that I was unsure existed, but after I "discovered" myself, I became more comfortable. Don't stress about college because it's really enjoyable!

erin

start applying for scholarships as a freshman

Diane

I would have decided on a major then, instead of figuring out what I want to do and be in life 10 years later.

Caitlyn

Right now, you think it will be easy. A piece of cake. Life isn't really like a piece of cake though, it is much more like a rollar coaster. You will face things you hadn't thought would effect you, so prepare yourself. -Stand firm in your values. They will have theirs, and you will have yours. Don't be a jellyfish and conform and be noncontroversial. It is not always bad to be controversial, and people don't have to get hurt. -Don't forget your family. They've always been with you, and certainly have not forgotten you. You don't need to become independent all at once. -Getting out once in a while is a good thing. Take some interesting classes, like learning guitar or a new language. Make new friends and build new bonds. And most importantly remember this, Jesus is your best friend. No matter what changes come in your life, if they are good or bad, he will be right there. He won't leave you, even when you're hurting and doubting. Take hold, and don't let go.

Stephanie

Go for it. If something seems like it's completely out of reach, try it anyway. I wouldn't be at my school if they hadn't given me so much scholarship money. I didn't think they would give me as much as they did. The scholarship money was the tie-breaker between SNHU and a community college... needless to say I'm glad I went to SNHU!

Ashley

The most valuable experience I have been able to attain during my first semester of college is most definitely my time spent with the international students. They have taught me that material items really have no meaning. They are so thankful to have been given the oppurtunity to learn English and I have taken being a U.S. citizen for granted. These overseas students know more about the United States and its history than those of us who were actually born and raised here. The people I have met, the friendships I have made, and the cultural shock I have experienced has left an imprint in my heart. It was not the learning in the classroom that affected me. Learning about other people and their lives in other countries has inspired me to finish my life dream of joining the peace corps. I will be forever grateful to have met these people.

Emily

I have become a changed person. I have made so many friends and I have the best times with them. Before college, I liked being alone a lot, and even though I had a lot of friends, I would much rather hang out by myself and relax. But in college, I am always around people! It's such a great experience to live in a dorm and I would never reccommend for someone to be a commuter. You really get the full experience living with all of your friends. From late night Wendy's runs, to staying up until 3AM on a Monday talking to your rooomate about everything you love about the school, it's so much fun and I woudn't trade the experience for the world.

Paige

While i have been in college I have learned a lot. The college experiece has showed me that it is important to study but also to take your time. I have also learned that waiting until the last minute and mean the diffrence between an A and a B. It has been valuable for me to attend college because it lets me get the education I need in order to get on my feet after school. I am the type of person who wants a big family and to be successful. Going to college will allow me to live out my dreams and provide a life for my future family that is both comfortable and successful.

Kitera

Originally I had planned on attending a four-year university right out of high school, but I soon found it in my best intrest to take a year out at the local community college, Shasta College, due to financial issues. In doing so, I found that it has been very valuable to my understanding of how college works and the importance of attending. I am now familiar with college class structure and its system as well as teacher-student interaction, which will help me succeed as a transfer student attending a university. More importantly, I learned that college is setting me up for a bright future and teaching me all that I need to know for my profession and more. College has kept me motivated by encouragement from my teachers, counselor, peers and college staff. Attending college has given me the sense that I am doing something meaningful with my life and is helping me so that in turn I can help others and become a healthy and productive member of society.

Kayla

College had given me entire new look on life. Before I attended SNHU I was very closed minded, the outside was more than the inside to me. Because of the experiences Iv had and the people I met my mind has expanded and I know see people for who they really are not what they have or look like. I also realized what I wanted to do with my life and have become fosuces on my school work and what I learn and how it will help me in my future and become a better person.

Jessica

Through my college experience, I have gained valuable insight to my abilities and where my strengths lie. I am more focused as an adult in my studies than when I was younger, so now I feel as though I am truly attending for me and not for my family. I always felt as though I was attending for my family as I am the only one to have graduated from high school.

Jessamyn

I feel as though I have recieved and am recieving a solid education. I have had to apply myself, but acheiving my academic goals have so far been attainable. The requirements for my program of study have allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and experience new subjects and acquire new skills. I have a good self image regarding my grades and acheivements since beginning my education.

Christine

My college experience, which is based on attending evening courses while maintaining a full-time job, without a doubt endowed me with a stronger sense of worth. Although it took me seven years to earn my degree, college afforded me with the opportunity to broaden not only my academic knowledge, but to also strengthen the job skills I already possessed making me the more accomplished, career-minded woman I am today. I always stress the value of attending college to anyone who wonders why I decided to go, being over the age of 30 and already possessing ten years of professional experience. My typical response is that no matter what one?s background is or how long it has been since one has attended school, it is never too late nor a waste of time to experience the personal satisfaction of knowing you have earned a college degree. The knowledge I gained at college made me a more enlightened individual and a stronger, more self-confident person. I enjoyed my college experience and the value of attending college gave me the self-assurance and composure I now need to begin a doctoral program as an adult, non-traditional student.

Jennifer

This year I have learned more about myself in attending Rhode Island College. Although I did not enjoy being there, it did show me many things. I have gotten a better understanding of who I want to be as a person, and who I hope to be next year in my new school. Rhode Island College taught me to go for what I want, and to not let others affect me. Also, I have learned to not let the people who surround you in every day life are not people who you should let get to you. Avoiding the problems and working hard in school will lead one to success, which is the last thing I learned at Rhode Island College.

Sean

I know you have spent the majority of your life in school and it may seem like it is never ending. It may seem like a good idea to go have some fun for a couple years and take a break from academics. The issue is that time flies, life happens and before you know it you have been out for fifteen years. Although you are very good at what you do and well respected in your profession, you need to work twice as hard as anyone else to move ahead. You will also worry about bieng replaced by someone that has the piece of paper you neglected to obtain. Do me a favor and get your degree within 5 years. You will help yourself obtain your goals faster and save yourself a whole lot of stress.

Allison

If I could go back in time and talk to my high school self, I'd tell myself to apply to more schools. I was wait listed then rejected from my first choice school, so SNHU was really my only option. I'd also tell myself not to be intimidated during the first week or so of classes, when everybody is nervous and awkward, even if they don't show it as much as I do. Take advantage of this and be open with new people; don't be shy like you usually are, just get out there and start talking to people. They'll talk back; it's a proven fact. Just be yourself. High school's over, and you have a chance to redo your identity if you want. Get involved, make friends, and try new things. In the long run, it'll all be for your benefit.

Ashley

I would tell myself that the work you do is not as scary as teachers in high school tell you it is. If you budget your time wisely you can get it done without stressing. You will be living with 60 other kids on your floor so it will be crazy and entertaining. You will never get use to sharing a bathroom with 30 other girls, and you will learn that girls are really messy. Don't forget to bring your fan when moving in because your room will be really hot! Join as many clubs as you can. It gets you involved and gives you something to do. It's college. Have fun, try new things, make new friends and find who you really are. You will find positive changes to you as a person, and you couldn't be any happier. You'll learn that your friends from high school will still be there for you through some tough times. Most importantly know that Walmart and Target are located 5 minutes from campus, and it will be the place to shop on your college budget!

Nicole

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to apply for as many scholarships as possible and to save my money. Money does not grow on trees. My parents offered to pay for my first two years of college and they have always helped me out with money, I figured they would help out with my last two years as well. Boy was I wrong. My dad had an accident at work as has been out of his job for over a year. They don?t have the money to help me out. I am a part time student and was working full time so that I can pay my rent and hopefully get some of my college loans down. However, the economy made a turn for the worst and I, like many others, got laid off. Times are really tough and I just wish I learned earlier to save my money and apply for as many scholarships as possible so that it would make things easier in the long run.

Brandi

Being that I have spent 10 years of my life pretending to go to "college", I think I would remind myself that learning is supposed to be fun. Don't just enroll in courses required for your major, branch out and experience new things. You never know what you may learn to love. I would also remind myself that this life is about who you know. Rush a sorority even though you think everything they stand for is ridiculous, one day all that foolishness will catch up with you in the most positive way.

Samantha

If I had the chance to talk to myself as a high school senior I would first say keep up the good work and stay strong. I would advise myself to get to really know who I am and be proud of it, because when you head off to school your inner strength will be tested. The only way to succeed is to be true to yourself. I would suggest weighing what is most important to you and putting these things first so as not to be distracted later. Meet as many people as you can but choose friends carefully. These will be some of the most influential people you will ever know and the bonds you form with them will last a lifetime. Get to know your professors and don't be afraid to speak up because they really do know what they are talking about. Most of all I would like to tell myself to take a deep breath and enjoy. These will be the most memorable four years of your life and it is up to you to make them the best.

Jo

"Hey, Jo, I know this sounds crazy but trust me, I'm you...I know, it's weird but just listen. You've got some tough years coming but everything will work itself out...No, it gets worse than that but it'll be okay...I know, just listen. What I came here to tell you is you'll make it to college, just don't rush it. Figure out what you want first and if you would read and write more you'd discover what you love a whole lot faster. Oh, and by the way, photography isn't your strong suit. Go ahead and take the course if you really want to but don't plan your future around it...Trust me, you'll thank me later...Anyway, don't go nuts when your first college attempt fails. You'll get a second chance it just won't be the traditional college you think you want but you've never been a traditional kind of gal. You'll love it just the same, though...Yeah, well, I better get. Later tator, don't skin yourself...One more thing, New Hampshire is an hour ahead...You'll understand later."

Faith

I would tell myself to relax and think about my major and my career path a bit more before making hasty decisions because the university is flashy and easy to get into, and I would urge myself to have the courage to follow my dream the first time and not be afraid of wasting four years on a useless degree because its not what some think it's not worthwhile.

Melia

If I could go back in time and give my high school senior self advice, I would say first and foremost, to enjoy the time I have in college. Do not be in such a rush to grow up and get a job. I should take time to attend courses on campus, join clubs and make friends. There will never be another time like your college years, slow down and enjoy them. You will be an adult with a job the rest of your life. Enjoy the time you are alloted to be in college.

Benjamin

What would I tell myself? Well Ben do not spend the surplus on the tuition on anything except books. Apply for a few more schollarships before January. The housing charge will be semsterly. Use the free day planner you will get in snhu 101. Avoid the Lounge and internet when you need to get homework done.

Victoria

I would advise myself to get started right away in college. I did not have encouragement to go to college while in high school. I grew up on an island and did not have much opportunity around me. My father worked up to three jobs at a time to support us; including my mother's drinking habit. I have done alot on my own, but wish I had started at an earlier age. I am currently 41.

Lauren

Knowing what I know about college life and making the transition I would tell myself to stay calm and relaxed. I would tell myself to apply for as many scholarships as I can because college wont pay for itself. I think I did well on my essay when applying to college, so I wouldn't worry about that. I am very happy with my choice of college. I would remind myself that a college education is needed to achieve my goals as a teacher, but with the economy in the state it is in and the high price of education, I need additional financial assistance. I want to be the role model to children to show them that with hard work and determination anything can be accomplished, even tasks that seem so far out of reach. This scholarship means a great deal to me, as it was put me one step closer to making a difference in so many children?s lives.

tanya

If i could go back and tell my highschool self something about the transition in to college life i would tell my self to live on campus and make sure to enjoy my time in college. Living on campus would give me more time to hang with my new friends and make better connections to those whom i dont get to see very often. I would tell myself to enjoy college life because im sure if i just got out of my comfort zone i would have made more freinds and would spend my time enjoying all my college has to offer.

Nicholas

College life for me is so different. I attend college as a night student. Because I was so set in my mind about how I wanted to attend college and work full-time, I may tell myself to reconsider this decision. I have had to move numerous times with numerous people ever since my senior year. For the sake of sanity and familiarity, I would tell myself that I am young and should not have to deal with only having one parent, my only parent moving eight hours away from me, or having to pay all my college expenses on my own wallet. An 18 year old should not have to be asking all his friends if they have an empty room that he can rent out. Also, because I did work full-time and went to school at night, I am not part of the "college experience" that everyone mentions. It's not so much that I have a regret about the path that I took, because the Financial Aid process would be so much more difficult, but there will always be that thought in my mind about how different I would be if I took a different path.

Angela

Stop getting sick over one point. Everything in college is graded on a letter system: you get four whole points for free! Plus, you?re going to go to your first lecture and sit down with people who can hardly read, but who will graduate because they have the money while you?ll have to quit because you don?t. Grades are unimportant. Sleeping is the most important thing you can do: really. Start sleeping. Your mind will clear, and you?ll control your temper and your tongue much more effectively. Exercise will help you sleep, so take that up too. Learn to be at peace. Your instincts about that are very good, so trust them. Don?t try to reinvent yourself. You?ll fail miserably, and be ashamed for the rest of your life. Show some respect for yourself, even though you don?t feel it. I give you my word that the rewards for being the best are quite small, so enjoy the process of learning, simply because it brings you pleasure and that?s a big part of who you are. Learn fortitude, learn patience, and learn to forgive yourself. You really are going to be okay.

Kelly

I would tell parents to Listen to their kids when they come to them to talk about college, be open minded and make sure they understand what they want and where they are coming from. To students: take your time and know what you want, don't feel pressured and don't think that just because your parents or guidance counselors don't think you can, you should still strive and go for what you want! Always do what feels right.

Jacquelyn

I would suggest that students get out there and try visiting a variety of different schools, and I would recommend that their parents go with them. Incoming college students may know what they want, but one never really knows until the have a variety of experiences at different schools. I would also reccomend that the incoming students makes the decision on there on, and not to let anyone else decided for him or her.

Kiera

The advise that I can give is to take campus tours, sit in a class, ask alot of questions, take teh time to look at colleges, and never limit yourself when deciding on the college that is right for you. I just chose this one college and never went anywhere else. Now I am looking at other colleges and taking campus tours. This made me realize that I should have taken more time in deciding which college I wanted to go to.

Samantha

An education is extremely expensive, but it is something that everyone should be given. Universities and colleges do not necessarily mean that they are any better than a community college. The more expensive the tuition does not always mean it is that much better of a degree opposed to a more affordable school. It's not about where you go, it is about what you make of where you go. I would suggest any college student take the opportunity to live on campus and get involved with as many activities as you can. Join a team, run for student government, become a member of a club, participate in a school event, meet other students, etc. Work hard, have fun, make the right decisions, and prepare for the future of your choice.

Shabaz

Take a visit on a weekend, during class, meet current students. If I had done this I would not be going to this school. Look for a very diverse student body, more diversity breeds more openness to difference. Also look for a good value for education, I feel I am getting extremely ripped off.

Niccole

Find something that you truly enjoy, it makes studying and the whole four years go by so much faster, and you will probably be anxious to start on your new career!

Michael

Get really involved with your major. I do some stuff, personally, but it'd be better to do way more. Do a *ton* of stuff.

Erin

Some advice I would give to students and parents about finding the right college is to absolutely visit and tour the campus. The student especially has to feel comfortable on the campus and when the student is content then the parent will be too. When you are on a tour ask questions because that is what the tour guides are there for. Even if you feel embarassed, this place you are touring could end up being 4 or more years of your life and you should try to find out the most you can about it. Getting involved in anything that strikes your interest from the very beginning is also a must. Taking this advice will make your college experience that much more enjoyable.

Eric

Student and parents should research their college choice by determining the school that best meets the academic requirements for the intended major, the school size, financial costs, class size, and any special services needed. There are several online sites that will aid in matching the needs of the student. After selecting several schools, they shold visit the campus and arrange for a tour of the school. When possible observe classes, interview current students and sample the dining hall food. Extracurricular activities are also an important aspect of college life. Students should research the atheltic, academic, social, and political activities available.