SUNY at Albany Top Questions

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

Samantha

My experience at the University at Albany has been an irriplaceble experience. It has given me the opportunity to advance myself academically in a setting that encourages a variety of options and has something for everyone. I was able to explore many avenues with my education and then narrow them down to choice my major and two minors. During my studies as a history major I gained important skills that will benefit me in my future academic as well as professional career. In addision, I formed relationships with faculty that lead to whole hearted references when it came time to apply to graduate school. The ability for me to live in campus housing, helped me feel like part of a community as well as helped ease me into my new life. I was able to form lasting relationships with those whom I shared my living space both in my room as well as in my hall and quad. I was able to grow academically, professionally and personally and I tribute it to my time at college.

kilsi

What I have gotten out of my college experience is diversity, I have learned how to appreciate different cultures and people and most of all value them dearly. I am so happy that I attened this school, I have learned so much.

Lisa

Attending university has helped me become a harder working person who is better at managing her time. It has been valuable to attend because I have become more independent and learned more about myself. Attening college has taught me that I can truly accomplish anything that I set my mind to -- I am graduating a year early with two majors, and will possibly be spending the summer studying abroad in Russia. College has been a positive experience and I am very glad that I have been able to attend.

Geneva

My college experience has given me exposure to so many things and people I likely would not have experienced on my own. I've developed a new found appreciation for other cultures. I'm more social than I was before college and my association is more culturally diverse. College has not only given me the avenue to expand academically, but I've also been able to expand my views as an individual. Now when I go out into the real world of business and career, I'll be better equip to communicate with and serve a more diverse group of people. College has also taught me a great deal of discipline. Learning is a lot more independent on the college level so time management and good study habits are the key to success.

lauren

From my college experience so far, Ive learned how extremely far i can puch myself to reach a goal i have set. Ive learned to be independent and to think about every choice i make because I'm responsible for them. Ive also made amazing friends who i will continue to be friends with for the rest of my life. But i think the most valuable thing ive gotten out of college is how much more i appreciate my family for everything they have done for me, because I dont get to see them everyday.

Janet

As a college student, I have made new friends and been to parties. But at the same time, I study very hard in college and manage my time well. It has been valuable to attend because I have learned alot in the courses I have taken such as Nutrition or business courses such as Business Law. I am able to learn courses that I am interested in at the University of Albany. The more I learn, the more my knowledge of life enhances.

Markisha

I have learned to appreciate being social in school, it is important to be associated with your peers. To get the full experience out of living and life, you have to sit back and think about the importance of your happiness in the deal. When you are not happy in what you do and where you are then it doesnt neccessarily make it a waste but you are not at your full potential because a smile can cure a bad sentence on anyday! I have recieved the teachers styles and grew to know that all of them will not be pleasure and business but some strictly business and that, that is totally respectable. Eating a good meal is underestimated to just test days, when your stomach is growling the worst time is to be taking noes on someone just talking. Concentration techniques are what I still need growth in but as you can see this whole thing is a growing experience for me to observe and learn from.

Amanda

It's been worth it to attend because not only have I learned so much so far, but I've alsom grown as a person. Also, I met so many different people from all over the world! It may be stressful at times, but I feel that I'm working towards something real and important.

noland

my college experience has taught me that in order to succeed at anything, one must work very hard. one must prepare for life much like one would prepare for an exam, with diligence and thoroughness.

Andrew

As a student who went to a community college and a public school in New York State, I learend how to adjust to different social situations and interact with students from various different backgrounds. I have gotten to know people who came from very privileged families, but also worked with students from lower socioeconomic classes. The most important thing I learned in college was beyond the book knowledge - it was the social skills I learned from student government, going to parties, and studying in groups. My suggestion to any high school student pursuing a college career is to work your hardest to break out of your shell and expose yourself to different social situations. By experiencing different social situations, students learn about others, but also get to know themselves better. College is about discovery, and our tuition should cover the exploration of ourselves.

Wen

This is my first time being away from my family. Ithink living together with my room mate is a very new and challenging experience for me. All people have a different living style. My room mate and I are two very different people. Although sometimes it is uncomfortable to be with someone so different than yourself, this experience enable me to learn more about average american college student. It also widen my view and improve my social skills.

Teresa

I have really learned who I am as a person. Albany helps you discover who you are buy letting you experience different classes, cultures, and lifestyles, and helping you along your education with guidance and freedom. If you succeed here, it is because you have tried. Students are not babied, but are not left alone to figure things out on their own either. The proper amount of support is given, and this has helped me become the student I am. The value of your college experience is what you make it, but at Albany, it is easy to make your experience a great one. I will value this experience forever, and will talk about it for the rest of my life.

Jasmine

I would advise myself to not transfer and stay focused throughout my entire school carrerr. I would tell myself to no wait until the last minute to do thing. I would also no go to college until I am sure of what I want to do with my life. I would tell myself to be more sociable.

Daniel

Relax buddy, you'll enjoy college and the time apart will really help strengthen your family ties. You also found some REAL life long friends and a few cool opportunities to try new things. This is a good time to work and have fun simultaniously.

Carrie

Do not expect the obvious. Life happens and plans need to change, do not be disappointed when things are different. Everything happens for a reason and it all works out in the end. I suppose "roll with the punches" is a great phrase. If you keep working hard, like you do, then everything will be fine. Do not be afraid of changes.

Rebecca

Knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition, I would tell myself to choose a school that would put me into a welcoming and diverse community. Although a school is provided with great academics, it would be difficult to perform well academically if you're not adjusting well to the campus life. It is extremely important to feel comfortable being on campus, whether you are a resident on campus or not.

joseph

When i was a senior in high school i had no idea what to expect. I had no clue how to prepare and no idea where or what i wanted to do. If i could go back and talk to myself i would have a few things to say. First would be to look at lots of schools and find the one that you find most appealling and most exciting. Look for a place where there are endless options of things to do and places to go within reach. Look into the programs and see what the school has to offer you as a student more that what you have to offer to them. Go somplace that you find amazing and dont let anyone hold you back. I would tell my self to go far away maybe to florida or california. To start a new chapter in my life and to learn about being on my own. Being so close to home ruins alot of my fun and time and i regret being where i am. I wouldnt let myself do it if i had knew there was another choice all along.

Alex

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would give myself a lot of advice. The first and most important thing that I would say to myself would be, "Be true to yourself. The sooner you know who you are, the better your experience in college will be." The next thing I would say to myself would be, "You're smart, but don't overestimate your intelligence. Grades are important if you want to get into graduate school. Put the work in, it will pay off. You don't need to overwhelm yourself with enormous amounts of work, but don't slack off either." I'd also tell myself, "Be outgoing. Get involved in student organizations. Make as many friends as you can. Have fun!" I'd tell myself, "Don't avoid writing papers. You're a good writer, and you'll even come to enjoy writing." I would tell myself, "Be on top of things. Deadlines are important. Know them, and know how to meet them." Finally, I would tell myself, "Make the most of it. Four years seems like a long time, but it goes by so fast."

Matthew

Don't give up. At times the work load may seem a bit extrememe but one foot in front of the other is the best way to go. Prioritize when you get to college. Remember that academics are number one over the rest of the things that come your way in college, your paying for this education so make the most of it. Take advantage of as many opportunities as possible from intramural sports to study abroad to even being a part of residential life. In conclusion, your time is now and what you do with it will either pay off in the long run or it won't.

Sean

Try to not get stressed over grades, you'll do fine. Otherwise just do everything you think the way it should be done.

Shante

Back when I was in high school, I couldn?t wait to attend college. Ironically, now that I?m in college, I wish I could relive the high school days. At UAlbany, I realized college is about more than freedom from parents and annoying little brothers. It?s about becoming self-reliant, growing from the experience as a whole, and obtaining success from within. I?ve taken hundreds of tests before, but by far the most mind baffling and dreadful test taking experience I?ve encountered was UAlbany?s Fall09 Finals week. I was completely unprepared. The library became my best friend. If I could give myself any type of advice, it would to take everything more seriously and push myself to the limit. In college, professors don?t track students down when they miss assignments or important lectures. Cramming in college DOES NOT WORK; nor does procrastination. Textbooks, office hours, and tutorials become a neccessity. I I should have been broken out of my high school mentally early on, instead of having to do it when I?m in college. If I would have already been accustomed to these techniques, my first semester would have been way more successful.

Chelsea

If I were to go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself that college life can be either extremely challenging or you can put in the work and make it worthwhile. Studying is something you absolutely will have to do once you are in college because this is not high school and everything you need to know is not covered in class. Make sure you can manage your time between work and school and social time because you need a good balance of all three in order to have the best time you can possibly have while you are in college. Don't stress too much and make the best of the times ahead of you and always reach for your goals. Remember, if you shoot for the moon and miss, you will still land among the stars!

Melissa

Choose a medium size school closer to NYC. Study !and get good grades!! retake the SAT's in order to improve score.

Stephanie

Knowing what I currently know about college like and the experience as a whole, I would tell myself as a senior in high school to get involved in activities and clubs in college. Participating in such clubs and activities helps to make you a well rounded person. Participation in other activities is also a way to meet new people and make new friends. Though the educational aspect is of the highest importance in the college setting, it is important to have fun and be relaxed. College can be a stressful situation because you are away from home and surrounded by many new faces. With all the changes of the college environment a person may get overwhelmed, which is why it is important to stay calm, have fun, and make friends all while simultaneously focusing on your studies. Additional advice would be to not overthink and stress out the change because though it takes some getting used to, you will indeed adjust and have fun. It is important to have fun, get involved, and stay calm in the college life.

Deena

If i would have had the knowledge i have now, when i was a senior in highschool, my transition to college would have differed greatly. I would have been more conscientious of the scholarship opportunities available, and of the importance of excellent grades. I do not believe i would have spent so much time with friends, but rather more time researching all of my options in regards to colleges and majors. I do not believe highschools emphasize the vast number of opportunities available and i would have found answers to financial questions and made arrangements for scholarships. The transition to college life was not very difficult, but could have been less costly for me. If i had prepared myself for the scholarship searches and college visits i would have been more successful as a freshman in college.

Andrew

If I had the opportunity to talk to myself when I was a senior in high school about the transition to college life, I would tell them to be yourself. College is a great way to start over and be the person you always wanted to be. I would also tell them to divide your time into three categories, Class/study time, social time and your own time; that way you'll have time for everything you want and need to do. College is a time to enjoy yourself and to learn on your own, but remember where you came from and know that college is a privilege and dont waste it or you'll never get a second chance. One last thing I would say to myself about the transition to college life is always do your own laundry and remember to eat breakfast. As usual, cold pizza does not count.

Stephan

Please don't go to college and not study! It is impossible to tell you how far you will fall behind in your courses if you do and you will get a semester G.P.A. that will make you feel rstupid, when, in truth, you just didn't apply yourself to the material. College has more beautiful people than you can imagine, in a condensed area, and that added to the endless social activities will try to persuade you not to study; going to an all-boys high school did not prepare you for women in your class and how badly you would want to be with them when you have to focus on school. Some of the friends that you meet here will try to get you to drink and smoke as much as in your own neighborhood, so stay disciplined as you have a goal. Growing up, you learned that quote from your mother: "Show me a man with a plan, and I can show you success." Don't forget that because there will be a great deal of disappointment and failure, but that will build your character more than success. And, I wish you good fortune.

Winnie

Get a part time job and start to save up money! Really, college is so expensive. Also don't forget to enjoy as much home cook food as possible because you will surely miss the great hot food! Expect to do everything by yourself here, and don't forget to bring snacks! You will miss all of those yummy here!

Phillip

I would read the General Education page more closely and pick classes that would fill the requirements. I would also research the different majors better and try and get involved with research earlier. I would of taken my third semester off. I would have worked just a little harder, more consistently.

Stefanie

I don't know if I would give myself any advice, to be completely honest. I surprised myself with how well I handled the college workload and a fresh social life right off the bat. I guess I could slip myself a little anti-worry fact by saying that being myself has paid off. I have found amazing life-long friends, am involved in campus clubs, and have an active social life, all while maintaining a 3.92 GPA. I would definitely tell myself that Calculus II will be the hardest math class, but push through it because math as a major becomes extremely fun and envigorating after that horrid class. College has been the best time of my life and I do not take back any decisions I have made. I would not want to say anything to influence my high school self to do anything different from what I will already do... besides not to panic in Calculus II like I did... because I love my life right now. The journey to get here has been a great learning experience. If I were to say anything that would change or take it away, I would not forgive myself.

Schaila

During the last couple years while being away at college I have had to learn to grow as an individual without the constant lectures from my parents to do better, yet now I realize those lectures were my motivation to do better as to not only succeed for myself but for my parents as well. My stubborness, ignorance and lazyness from just only 2 years ago have become one of the biggest obstacles for me to reach my own goals. Having to face this constant battle between who I want to be and my flaws that are so well engraved into my personality, is the result of so many bad decisions. If I was to ever have another chance to just go back, I would make myself understand that college is one of the biggest stepping stones to having a successful career and life. Once you have to go head in into college life it truly is up to yourself to make the most of it. There is no place for mistakes, mistakes that will just set you back. The words of advice from my college advisor, parents, siblings that at one time seemed pointless is the key to success.

Brittany

One of the main things I realized after two years of attending a University in Albany, is that you are no longer in your home town, and you have to be careful what you let out into the open about yourself. I grew up in a small town where there were no secrets. Everybody in town knew what there was to know about your family, and worse of all, your flaws. When I came to Albany as a freshman, I had the small town mentality, so I easily would share details about my past that in other places were subjects that may not be interesting to everybody. I wish I had known that sometimes you will meet people from different cultures and backgrounds, and learning unpleasant details about your past may not always sit comfortably with some people. I unfortuantely pushed away friends that I had made by letting out too many intimate details about my childhood, and family that turned out to be social taboos. I have always been trusting to new people, but I am learning that before letting people in, it is important to be aware of who they are as well.

Michael

That college will change the direction of my life.

Helen

DON'T GO TO THE SAME COLLEGE AS YOUR BOYFRIEND, that will automatically kill your social life, and leave you feeling more alone than ever your freshman year. And that's not what you're freshman year is for! Start fresh, have fun, and live your life! People will always say to you that college is 'the best time of your life' and trust me, they weren't kidding. Don't be afraid to travel, to study abroad, get active in other communities, and step out of your comfort zone! Don't be too scared to try new things cause you never know what you'll like or enjoy doing; you never know 'till you try! And don't go home every weekend, how can you get to know someone when they're not there? Just live, laugh, and love!

Kristen

If I could go back and talk to myself I would tell myself several things about college life and making the transition. I would first tell myself to be careful with my schedule; there were so many classes to take and some of them were limited in the times that they were available. I would recommend joining some type of club or sports team, the support you get from a group like that can help when feeling homesick. I would tell myself to get into a lab for undergraduate research, companies like to see that you have experience that isn't just limited to class labs, and it will give you more of an idea what you want to specialize in when you get into the real world. Also get your masters degree, there's a larger job market for people with masters compared to people who just have their BS! Take the time to get to know your teachers, because when you need recommendations, they will only write them if they remember you, so go when they have their office hours. Set boundaries with your roommate in the beginning.

Rebecca

I would have listened to the advice I was given back in high school; there is no shame in going to community college. I have huge college loans out right now that I wish I did not have. And I could have avoided many of them by going to community college to discover myself, and really figure out what I wanted to do and what would make me happy. But that is all in the past, and I have no come to accept everyone makes a mistake or two, it's life. I have adjusted to my career plan changes and my academic changes and I think I have made the best of my given situation.

Keith

College is going to mold and shape you into the person that you are going to be for the rest of your life. I know you may be uncertain about your future and career but that is completely normal right now. To help aid you in these important life decisions will be the many advisors to speak with and tools to use, all of which will be provided by the school you wish to attend. Remember that even though your college education is important, don?t sit at a desk everyday studying until your head hurts. Take some time to lie back and look up at the stars, meaning, you can relax and enjoy yourself as well. It is an important time in your life but also a memorable and enjoyable experience. Do have fun but prioritize your study time so that you stay on top of your schoolwork. It is extremely important to join student groups and get involved, because that one person you meet might help you down the road. If things seem overwhelming, relax and continue forward, because something worth the effort isn?t easy to attain.

Alice

Don't let your personal life affect your school work. Encourage yourself to do better everyday and push yourself to the limit. You can either party your whole college career and succeed by a minimum, or you can succeed by putting your heart into all your work and celebrate with your success.

Arianna

After being in college for one semester, there are many things I wish I knew or realized that would be going on here. If I could go back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior I would say you're gonna work as hard as you ever had, and it may be hard and stressful but it is definitely worth it. Many people have a variety of high school experiences, but for me it was all easy. I worked hard, studied when necessary but I was always happy with my grades. When I came to college it was a wake up call, it wasn't easy. I would tell myself that there are times you will want to give up, change majors, schools, anything for it to be easier, but reality check: you chose a difficult major, biochemistry. It won't be easy anywhere. So focus, study hard and think about how great it will be in four years when it's complete and you move on to a bigger and better chapter in your life.

Krystal

If I could go back in time to my senior year and talk to myself with all the knowledge I have now there are a number of things I would bring to my attention. I would tell myself to apply for everything early, apply early for college and for financial aid. I would tell myself to watch out for Physics class and make sure not to fall behind. I would tell myself that homework is more important that I could ever imagine in college. I would also tell myself to go to study groups and office hours to get extra help especially in Chemistry and Physics. More importantly I would tell myself that the first semester is deseptively easy meaning its actually really hard, and not to slack or think I dont need to work as hard as I possibly can. I would tell myself to apply for every scholarship I was eligible for no matter how small the amount of money or how much work it intales. I would wish myself the best of luck.

Ayoade

Take more Ap courses Think wisely about my future Take my academics serously Get involved and build my resume

Jennifer

A lot of life lessons were learned in my undergraduate and graduate years. Some advice I would give any high school senior, including myself if I could go back, is take your time to get to know yourself and do not rush into a career choice. Sometimes, people in high school think that they have everything figured out and set in stone what they want to do for the next 10 years of their lives. Most of the time, this is not the case. There is a lot of pressure to choose a major when entering college, and this pressure can cause some to not stay true to what they really love. I would suggest that one does not go down a path because they feel they will earn the most money in a certain job. A career should not be about money, because there are plenty of people I see in "the real world" that are earning a decent income but are absolutely miserable every day. Finally, I would say if you enter a major or career that is not enjoyable, do not give up and try to find something that makes life happy.

Ginny

Knowing what I know now there are a few things I would inform me. As starters going away for college means roommates who you know nothing about. That kind of adjustment takes mental preparation. There are changes you need to be willing to make. As well as the workload. This isn't like highschool. You can't mess up on one assignment and make it up with another. You need to be on top of your game. This means different kinds of preparation, such as time management. You have a new found freedom and want to take advantage, but you need to be able to balance between school work and fun. Also studying can't be fully accomplished by cramming. Studying ahead of time works best.

Patricia

Hey Pat, it's me, or rather,it's you quite a few years from now; I know you are glad to have graduated from high school and don't plan on college right now because you just don't know what you want to do, but let me give you some advice. I know that many things interest you, so rather than wait to find out which one you want for a career, why not go to night school now and take classes. Believe me, when you wait a good long time to go back to school it is a little difficult getting into the "swing of things" and you many never find what it is that you truly want until you "test the waters". Take courses that interest you; learning never hurt anyone. You have what it takes so why wait a few decades to make up your mind. Do it now; take the time and invest in yourself and your future. Believe me you will be glad you did.

Angellica

Knowing what I know about college life and making the transition I would tell myself as a high school senior to keep pushing hard academically and financially. I really did have a big set back in my first semester of college because I could not buy any books. I waited until my fellow peers bought the book that I needed and shared with them. I regret that i did not try harder to get more scholarships. It may not seem as important as a high school senior but books are very important in college. They help guide you along the course that you are taking when your college professor is talking about irrelevent topics to the subject. I felt late in the class because many other students already had their books but i didnt. So to prevent a situation like this from happening. I would find a job during my high school senior year and never stop applying for scholarships. I must not forget that money is out there, I just have to go and get it.

Junaid

I would tell myself to take it one step at a time and try not to be pessimistic about the roommate situation. Looking back at my three semesters at SUNY at Albany, I feel my biggest concerns were getting along with my roommate, making friends, and performing well academically. Now that I look back, I see that all three go hand in hand. If I do not worry about my roommate to the extent that I am prepared for every negative situation, I would have more time for my academic studies and socialization. I do have friends who respect my devotion to my studies, but I also worry that I may not have their support in most cases. When a situation arose, I knew they were concerned and capable of helping me through my troubles. Lastly, I knew I would feel separated fromt he crowd because I don't drink alcohol (religious views), but I would not change to simply fit in. In conclusion, I would tell myself not to view every situation with a pessimistic point of view but to focus on what is truly important, my academic studies and the friends that come along for the university ride.

Joshua

Some people say that if they could go back in time and give themselves advice on how to adjust to college, I say I wouldn't. If I went back into time the only thing I would say to the past me was too enjoy it and savor every moment. I am now in my sophmore year and it's going quick. I am worried about the future, but am enjoying the present. I wouldn't give myself any advice because I think that's the best way to approach college. Blind. Everybody has vicarious thoughts of what to expect in college, and everybody tells their own tales to others of what college is like. The truth is you will never truly know or understand college life until you experience it. That being said I still don't think I could properly explain and avise to somebody how to prepare for college besides to have an open mind and enjoy it. Time keeps moving, it doesn't stop to wait for anyone, take advantage of now and you will succeed tomorrow. My grandfather used to always tell me this. I doubt they were his words but I beleive in it.

Nina

Dear Nina , Pay close attention, I?m going to give to you some insight about what to expect in college. College is very different from what I originally expected; it is nothing like the movies where the professor knows your name, you have no worries and it is one constant party. Instead it takes hard work, determination, and the skill of time management to get everything done. I am now learning to be more organized and a multi-tasker. Just remember to stay on top of things, if you fall behind you are going to spend many nights cramming. Procrastination and facebook are your biggest enemies when it comes to college life; it isn't easy to stay on task, and you might have a few breakdowns but it?s not always terrible. You get a chance to meet tons of people, and make friends that you will have forever. If you get really lucky, the people you live with will be your best friends, just like the six girls I live with now. Having friends that you can talk to really helps when you miss home. Good luck with everything I know you'll be fine. Love Always, Me

Bin

I know it will be a miracle if I really could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior again. I would tell myself to be very careful about chosing college because chosing a right college is very important , this decision would bring a lot toward my future. Going to college is a great transition for me it is like a transition from a child to an adult. Now knowing about what I now about college life, I would always remind myself to always study hard and use time wisely because high school is only for couple years and it is during the time when I'm still young. It is when I'm still could be inmature and make stupid mistakes, so I always need to be aware of everything around me. I can't make any mistake because little mistakes would led to bigger mistakes. I need to be ahead of myself, I can't just finsh what need to be done. I need to do more than needed , that way I would be prepared for college life. I can't waste anytime because what I choose now would led toward my future.

Hao

I will say to me in the high school that study in the university is different from studying in the high school. What we have learned in high school is easy, but studying in university needs you to work hard from begining to end to learn more knowledge, do more experiments and know more persons. But the life in university is also exciting. you know many friends and play games and do the gym. It is valuable. In the high school, teacher will tell you what to do, but in university, you should teach yourself to study. So you should schedule your study time and leisure time. do not waste time in your university life.