SUNY at Binghamton Top Questions

My college experience has taught me how diverse the world is and what different people have to offer our society. My hometown was very sheltered and mainly white and breaking out of the "bubble" to go to college was a welcomed experience. I love being able to meet people of different backgrounds and learning the differences between how and where people grew up. My college experience has also been rewarding academically, within the first week of classes I was amazed by how much I had learned and how much more I was going to learn by the end of the semester and by the time I graduate. These lessons will allow me to prosper in the world and have opened my eyes to so much that I have never seen or heard of before. College rewards uniqueness and dedication and I love being in a place that cultivates my mind and gives me all I need to succeed.

I have gotten so much out of my college experience so far that I don’t know where to begin. I have made such strong friendships and connections as well as rediscovered my love for learning which I lost my senior year of high school. I have come to love and truly admire all of the professors at the university. Even if I find the subject boring the professors have such an enthusiasm for what they are teaching and they don’t want their students to fail so they go above and beyond the call of duty. I admire that quality so much that I strive to emulate it when working toward my major requirements and the goal that I have set for my future. I treasure the experience I have had thus far at Binghamton, if I could I would do it all again because it has been such an amazing experience. I am a stronger person in my ideals and work ethic. If I were to go out into the work force today with the things that I have learned in the short time I have spent at Binghamton, I would dominate. I am confident in myself.

What I got out of my college experience was a greater ability to manage my time and to get things done in an orderly fashion. It has been valuable to attend college,so that I can have more opportunities in life and in my career as an artist.

It goes without saying that the most rewarding experience of college is the education that will help you achieve a fulfilling career of your choice. However, many look past the personal achievement and gratification that one will receive while furthering their education. When I look back to who I was as a high school senior, and then compare to who I am today, college has taught me compassion, dedication, and the rewards of working hard. Amongst the chaotic semesters, the all-night study sessions, and the flashcards, I found within myself a patience that allowed me the opportunity to find my passion: medicine. If it were not for the mayhem that we all know as being a college freshmen, I would have never had the epiphany that lead me out of the darkness and to where I am today. That is why, personally, attending college has been my most valuable experience to date.

College has really allowed me to develop rewarding relationships. There are so many people from so many different backgrounds, and they are really beautiful and I am learning so much from them. Because we all live on the same campus, and therefore can meet up within 5 minutes of a call or text, relationships develop much quicker. I am also loving learning, of course, but I was already learning in high school. What college has really meant to me is an opportunity to understand people from very different backgrounds and upbringing, and to incorporate bits of them into myself. I also am challenged to develop my character, which has been hard because I'm not around adults from back home to be embarassed in front of, and no one is checking to see where I'm going. I didn't think it would be this hard to stick to my values, but it is a good challenge, and it makes be think about why I hold my beliefs and whether I want to keep them or change them. At college, I am thriving spiritually, intellectually and emotionally.

After graduating from highschool, I went straight into a community college where I took all my GE requirements and became aware of who I am and what I'm interested in. From my college classmates I learned that everyone has their own unique story and goals, I realized that I had them too but i just hadn't figured mine out yet. My teachers helped me understand how to communicate with people and businesses and phrase questions so they are willing to cooperate and help me with what I need. Eventually I took enough classes to find myself as a resolute individual, strongly opinionated about Environmental Sustainability; this led me to my inspiration to build an electric car which I now drive to and from school and work. I have beome skilled in organizing information I have gathered so I can really apply it to my life and objectives. Since highschool I have become much more active in my communities because proffesors and fellow students showed me how important it is to care, to think critically, and to always desire more knowledge.

My first year of callege I have expected it to be hard and more nerve taking. But as I have got to my classes, I've noticed the only difference from college and high school is the deadlines on due assignments. Not only do I value my education because the need to survive the economy, but because I love my school. I love how my teachers answer question and offer places to go for tutoring or essay revision. I love how quite it is and how my peers don't throw parties. I love how the staff are very nice and conciderate. There are many other things I can think of, but out of all its the inspiration from my teachers and peers who make me feel welcome and want to continue school.

I am dorming at Binghamton University and I can say that I have gotten to know my roommate. Some colleges do not provide dorming opportunities and students become less independent and might even make less friends. My cousin once told me that dorming away from home causes one to look for friends to hang out with so that one would be less bored. BLine, which is a daily email from Binghamton contains a list of all the events happening on any particular day. This allows one to be aware of campus activities. The people here at Binghamton are eager to help out the newbies. The fact that Binghamton provides free bus services saves me a ton of money. The bus takes us to Greyhound to take the charter bus back to NYC and even to Walmart to buy the necessary items for our dorm, free of charge. The bus also takes us to adventure around the city . The cab enables us to adventure for a low cost. The scenery is quite different from the city. There are many trees and little trash. Binghamton University is a school that emphasizes recycling and we have separate bins for cans, boxes, and paper.

I am 21 years old and I was out of school for two years. I had first attended a college that didn't cater to the major I desired. The classrooms were small, had no windows, or no inspiration. The school was too big and the students were unfocused. Now, I attend Five Town's College, majoring in Musical Theater. I couldn't be happier. Everyone here has a common goal, and with that goal, comes their focus. The campus is beautiful, the classrooms are spacious. I feel at home here. I feel like I can finally focus on my studies and goals, but most importantly, that I can STAY focused. I love learning all the aspects of theater, building sets, created the costumes for the shows; I am so happy that I can come somewhere that I can sing, act and dance all day long, as well as stay true to who I am. I am more ready than ever to get this degree., and then pursue my dreams of becoming a famous Broadway Actress. Here, at Five Towns, I can accomplish these short-term goals, which will eventually help me succeed at my long-term goals.

Live and let live.. =)

Since I left home in August of 2009, I've been living on campus at SUNY Binghamton. Living on campus is required for incoming freshman, and after my first year here, I decided to return to campus rather than move off. On campus, there are more opportunities to meet new people, get involved with clubs and groups, and take in your surroundings than I could have ever imagined. Coming here, I knew I would make new friends and that these friendships would last a life time. What I did not know, however, was that I would make these new friends so quickly. SUNY Binghamton makes it so easy to meet new people and get involved. From floor meetings to classes to late night Binghamton, people surround you. Everyone is friendly, even if they appear shy. I am so grateful for this network of friends I have created. In addition to the countless friendships made, the University is a great choice for other reasons. Mainly, the price. A student here receives a great education from highly qualified professors at a cost that many families can afford. I would choose Binghamton again if I could go back and do it again.

I discovered exactly what I want to do.

So far in college, I have learned that I have so much more potential than I ever knew I had. In high school I never really applied myself, I just skated by and went through the motions. Now that I am old I realized that I am paying to be in school, which makes education so much more valuable to me. In the future, I hope to become a social worker and help teenagers through the rough times in their lives. I have had many problems with maintaining friendships in my past, and college has been a great place to meet new people and make new friends who have many of the same interests that I have. Being able to get a higher education is very important to me because I am a first generation college student. My father has always been absent from my life and my mother is disabled. I know that I need to be able to have the skills to obtain a better career so that I can make my future a brighter one. I am very excited to see all of the things that my future holds for me.

I have learned that class sizes are much bigger than high school. I've learned that I have grown as a person and as a student. I wasn't sure what my major or career would be in life but, being in college with other students with the same interest and academic background only helped .me decide that I really want to be a peditrician.I never thought I could work so hard at studying,researching, or writing papers in my entire life as I am doing now. My parents always new I had it in me but, I guess you have to learn it for yourself. In Binghamton you really have to work for the gpa and that is what I am trying to do.If it wasn't for the experience for college I don't think I would become a very rounded man. I have made many friends in classes at events and my faternity and I really am glad for this. College is a really great experience I can only hope that every kid gets the same opportunity as I was afforded.

A great experience!!

Since the first day I enrolled into college I have envisioned in my mind a better future for myself while had to learn how to face and handle problems that arise on my own. From choosing my classes to fit my planed schedule to finding affordable places to purchase my books. I have faced the adversities of college life everyday head on such as ussually being the youngest in my classes and being the most studious. Despite the situations I have encountered and overcome I have and am still making it through along with the hope for a better tommorrow. I have gained the understanding that we must all work together for a better future. My friends have helped me out so much that I wonder how I would have made it through without them. It is a valuable experience to attend college because you learn how to take care of yourself and you learn who you can trust.

College thus far has been an unbelievable journey. I have learned to take care of myself and take responsibility for my own actions. I have learned the definition of pulling an all-nighter. I have learned to prioritize and do what I must to accomplish my goals. Since going away to school I have had the chance to explore and do things I've never done before. College opened my eyes to a world full of opportunities. I have gained lifelong friends and leadership skills that will propel me to higher heights in the future. Without college there would be no way to further my education. I would never be able to become the doctor I long to be without going through Binghamton University. College is the best option for me to get where I want to be life.

It is a great and valuable school. From here, I learned we needed to start everything early and planned our life earlier. Never wait until the last minute.

Well, college is an extremely important experience for all of to have. Some view college just another step to carry on with after high school, but they are very mistaken. I graduating in 2005 fully realize the importance of an advanced education and where it takes you after graduation. One experience college offers is a chance to met people in a space where you can share ideas of the world. Another extremely importance aspect of school is the education. College so far has offered me a chance to learn about different aspects of life that will surely guide me on my way be become a better person and more knowledgeable in a world that needs continues guidance. Lastly college is a chance to move out of are comfort zone of are home towns and move to a different area and experience different people, culture, and landscape. College is a chance every person should have, without money being factor of discrepancy. With the opportunity of this scholarship I'll be able to be a dedicated student in a challenging field the physical Therapy, where many hours of studying will be necessary. Thank you for your time.

Although the four years I spent in college were the most critical in helping me to form my identity, I would have to say that, rather than prepare me for 'life' (as college counselors always say), college was an example of life. The challenges that were presented to me by my professors and by my peers are similar to the challenges that are presented to me now by prospective employers and old friends. The most valuable lesson I learned in college was how to communicate. I was taught to confront every challenge head-on and one at a time, to always take my time, and to compromise when appropriate. As a student, I was able to learn the value of my opinion- not as an isolated individual, but as part of a community. I learned how to hear my voice without drowning out the voices of others. If I could go back in time to my senior year of high school, I would tell myself that college would not be the experience I had imagined, but that it would certainly exceed my expectations and give me the strength to decide what kind of person I wanted to be.

I know the prospect of graduating in a few months and leaving all you know for college seems pretty daunting now. However, when you actually get to college... well it is still pretty daunting. Nevertheless, you will make it through with a head full of great memories, and hopefully plenty of knowledge as well. Before you embark on your conquest though, you will need a few things and need to know many things. Lets get started. First and most importantly of all, WASH YOUR SHEETS! Mom is no longer around and it is much more embaressing for your friends to see the sheets you drooled on, rather than mom. Now, to less serious, albeit equally important matters. Learn to say no. Honestly, the biggest challenge to overcome at college is the incessent need to participate in every fundraiser go out to parties every night, know every answer to every test, and still build a 5 story birdhouse to house injured falcons. You must remember that while there will always be more parties and clubs to join and volunteer work to do, you came to get an education. That means get good grades but still have the time of your life.

If I could go back in time and give myself advice as a high school senior, there are many tips I would suggest to myself. First of all, when choosing a college, be sure to visit each school you are deciding between more than once. Don't be afraid to do an overnight visit because they can provide you with a "real" college experience. After choosing a college, the next step is orientation. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there and introduce yourself to other people. Everyone is in the same situation; you don't know anyone, so there is no reason to be embarassed. Arriving on campus to move in can be a real shock. It is the first time living away from home. If possible, try to make friends with your roommate. It will make living together much easier and you will feel more comfortable spending time in the room. Try to make a good, solid group of friends. Your friends are your family now. You eat with them and spend time with them when you are not doing work. Finally, be responsible. You no longer have a parent to wake you up in the morning.

If I were to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to relax. As a senior I was very concerned with choosing the right school for me and was worried about making the wrong decisions. I would tell myself to just listen to my instincts and do what was good for me instead of trying to please all the people in my life. Another thing I would tell myself is that the transition into college will go smoothly; also that I would not have to worry about the workload being too difficult or not making any friends. An additional thing I would advise myself to do would be to really listen to the people giving me advice and to form bonds with the teachers I had. In high school I didn?t have relationships with my teachers outside the classroom. I learned here at school that a relationship with faculty and staff actually is beneficial and not just something the advisors suggest you should do. The last thing I would tell myself would be to have fun and not take any opportunities for granted.

This is actually a very simple question to answer. I would tell myself to forget all the "drama" that goes on in High School. Focus on what you want to be, take as many advanced courses as you can because it'll help you with your college courses. There's plenty of time to work hard and play hard, but the scale must always be tilted toward the work hard end. Your efforts in college will determine the quality of your life for as long as you live, it's worth putting in all those midnight study hours. The friendships I've made in college are so much stronger than any I made in High School. I know several of my new friends will be friends for life. They also have similar values and work ethics or they wouldn't have been accepted into such a competitive school. Living away from home was very eye opening. I appreciate all my family did for me so much more now that I am responsible for my daily "existence." I love to come home now-who would have ever thought that in High School?

As a high school senior, I found the college application process extremley intimidating and time consuming. If I could go back in time to advise my younger self, my first piece of advice would be to stay calm. High school seniors experience a great deal of stress and pressure as they apply to college; I would have appreciated an advisor who reassured me rather than increasing my internal tension. Secondly, I would have told myself that applying to college is manageable as long as one begins the process early on. Completing the SAT's, campus visits and the personal essay for the common application before the fall of senior year would have left me relatively stress free as due dates for applications drew near. Finally, I would advise myself to evaluate what I wanted out of college and choose a school that would make me happy--not the most prestigious or well-endowed institution I could find. I was attracted to several renowned schools while I was applying to college, but I know now that they would have been a poor fit. At SUNY Binghamton, I have found an environment that fosters both personal and intellectual growth.

I didn't study much in high school. Actually, to be honest, I do not think I actually studied ever for an exam in my high school career. Big mistake. Looking back, I realize that studying in high school, no matter how much of a waste of time I thought it was then, would have helped me big time in college. Learning the proper way to study, and getting into the groove of spreading out my study time between a few days instead of cramming the night before definitely would have helped me out. I never even realized how much different, and harder, college courses would be compared to high school courses. I had some idea, but I was certainly off by the difficulty. So, study would definitely be on the top of my list. Oh, and also do not, under any circumstances, procrastinate papers or homework. It's only more headache in the end, and a lot more stressful than it needs to be. If you can get a paper done in a day or two, there's no reason to wait until the last minute. I was just creating a more stressful environment for myself.

One thing most upcoming freshmen look forward to the most about college is the social life. If you want to enjoy college, make friends, and avoid drama, BE YOURSELF. As cliche as it is, it's the difference between a naive freshman and a confident freshman. The first-year students have a tendency to act more outgoing than they really are. While you should be friendly with everyone you get to know, you'll know when you're pushing yourself and just pretending. Trust me, everyone will appreciate a genuine person, any day. Academically, it is crucial that you seek out all the extra help you can get. If you find yourself struggling in a class in the first 2 weeks or so, get a tutor immediately. Going to office hours will also give you a great advantage. Sometimes, the TAs can give you inside information on upcoming tests or how to do well in the class. It is also a great idea to establish a relationship with a professor you really like. You never know when you'll need recommendations and they will be the ones you need. Relax, learn, and have a great time!

I would first and foremost tell myself that it is going to be ok. When I was a freshman I put up a good front that I was dealing with going away to college and being away from everyone I have ever known well. The truth is I was more than a little afraid, and very much alone. This school is a safe place and I have met exceptional people here. I would stress to high school me that my studies are important, but socializing is just as much so (I would also cite a study that says going out on the weekends does not seriously impact one's academics), and that this is the time to go out and experience the world. These are four years that are meant to be a little reckless, somewhat foolish and resplendid with memories that we can look back on when the 'real world' does not seem to have much room for the reckless and foolish.

No matter how much like high school you think college will be, it's not. You need to work a lot harder to maintain good grades, and finding the right balance between academics and a social life is much harder than you think. Don't be afraid to meet new people, and don't be worried about not finding friends. Everyone else is in the same position as you and they want to meet new people too! Take full advantage of financial aid, work study programs and internships, and plan well ahead so that you can study abroad. College is one of the best times of your life, but if you don't learn to use the tools your college will help provideyou with, then you will be constantly stressed and not perform and your peak. Don't let that happen.

First off, always remember what it's like to have your head in the clouds. Dream and don't stop dreaming. You are the master of your own life, the knowledge you learn will be your guide. Follow the path it gives you and be skeptical of the people that try to lead you astray. Create what you think is beautiful, enjoy every moment of the day, love unconditionally and remember to live. If you can learn to keep your mind open to anything, you'll see life for what it was meant. Hate and harm, never let these words come between you and anything. It will never be worth your time. Everything in this world has beauty and nothing deserves the burden of the negativity encompassed by these words. You'll soon discover that everything in life is worth living for, I just thought i'd save you a little time. Oh and one more thing before I go, the path less traveled is sometimes the most marvelous.

Do not be afraid to speak your mind and stand up for yourself. Living with a roommate is a big change from living at home, you are going to meet new people from all different areas and upbringings. The best approach to starting a new school where you don't know anyone is to always be friendly. Most people in college are friendly than the people you know from back home because everyone is in the same situation as you. Also, do not be shy to ask for help whether it's from people in your dorm with a living matter, or with a professor of teacher's assistant.. everyone is there to look out for your best interests, you might as well mak the most of it!

Making the college transition was extremely hard for me. I will admit there were thrice daily phone calls home and plenty of tears. If I could go back in time and tell myself something it would be: give it time. I was so quick to want to come home, pack my bags and give up. As the saying goes, ?Rome wasn?t built in a day.? I should have known that I would take time to get used to all the changes. I had never been away from home before and getting used to life without my parents and younger sister around was more difficult than I had ever imagined. I would have also liked to have known that I should not be afraid to ask for help if needed. I was so shy, so unwilling to have anyone help me. I kept all my feeling bottled up inside, which was not good for anyone. When I finally did talk about my problems and homesickness, I realized that many people had the same feelings that I did. My semester would have been much easier if I just realized that it is normal to be homesick and scared as a freshman.

Look more into your choices and apply more broadly.

Steve [to Steve]: Be prepared for your life to change drastically. It is time to leave home and adapt to a completely new environment. Don't be too naive; you will at times feel lonely, stressed, anxious, lost, overwhelmed, etc. You will indeed have to pull off those all-nighters, work full-time to make ends meet, and break out of your shell upon encountering new people. It will not be a totally comfortable experience, and you will often find yourself re-evaluating to find out whether or not you have a grip over the responsibilities and challenges that face you. Through all of this, keep one thing in mind: all of it is transient. The all-nighters will turn into glorious days, your work will pay off, and you will meet some of the greatest people of your lifetime. When you finally reach graduation day, you will find yourself wishing you could turn back time, even if you have to endure the storm and stress again. Stay resilient and do not let a single idle moment pass you by.

If I could go back and talk to my high school senior self I would advise myself to work on my organization skills. One of the most helpful skills in college is time management. With good time management skills you can balance your school work and social life. College life is stressfull and its good to go out for dinner or dancing with friends. If you can manage your time you'll be able to have more fun. When you have such a large work load, having some fun is important for keeping yourself happy and keeping the stress levels to a minimum. I would also advise myself to have better sleeping patterns. A good night's sleep is the easiest thing you can do to succeed in your classes. And the final advice I would offer would be to keep an open mind. Campuses are filled with people from different backgrounds and cultures. With an open mind you can learn from the diverse people you meet. You will learn to work with people who have different mindsets as yourself and that can not be taught in the classroom. It will prove to be a useful and desirable quality.

I would tell myself that even though college would be difficult, if I worked hard enough that I would be able to succeed between my studying abilities and the help of my professors.

I would tell myself everything will be okay. I was scared about moving away from my home and friends. I had unrealistic expectations about college and I wish I could have relaxed and enjoyed the remainder of my senior year. I was lucky to have an amazing roommmate and suitmates. I did all the research and felt like I wish fit in to my school, and I wish I trusted my gut feeling. I love my school, but there is not way I could have prepared to know what to expect. I have learned to go with the flow and live a life without a schedule. I am such a different person than when I was in high school, and have learned I can't control my life and to take advantage of opportunities that come to me.

I had a Math learning disability and undiagnosed ADD all throughout high-school. With 2000+ kids to keep track of in my inner-city school, my teachers weren't really ept at spotting these particular handicaps. Despite my love of writing and French, I was outsourced to the "EBE" program for "high-risk drop-out kids." Naturally, getting stamped with the "dunce" label took its toll on my morale: I became a master of truancy, believing I wasn't good enough for school. I skipped the SAT's. When it came time to apply for college, I impassively registered for community college courses, feeling a pang of envy for my more pendantic friends bound for schools like Brynn Mawr, Oberlin and Cornell. It's taken a few years, but I have finally evolved past the "under-achiver" tag. I used to be angry with my 17-year-old self, holding her accountable for all the detours in my life. Yet I'm more forgiving now. I would like to hug that disheveled, discombobulated girl and tell her just what she's made of, and that no one else in the world has the authority to say otherwise.

Much of the fright I harbored for attending college was rooted in moving away from home. Making a transition away from my family and house that I grew up in was a huge problem that I needed to get over. If I as my present self could travel back in time to when I attended High School, I would reassure myself that everything would be okay. At the end of High School I became incredibly nervous, and this nervousness would have been totally put to rest if I could have had a glimpse into the future. While I would let myself know that the transition would be tough, I would also say that in another year, I would have a new group of friends, a beautiful girlfriend, and that I would be sad to go home when winter break rolled around. I think that this advice would have been sufficient to calm my High School self down, and perhaps would have even made me look forward to starting college.

Be yourself. From the moment you step onto campus, you are going to feel the tugs of assimilation. It would be so easy to put on the new shirt, pop the collar, keep the sticker on the baseball cap, anything to fit in with the crowd. But to give up your originality, the characteristics that make you who you are, is a haunting defeat. The people you meet and the friends you make are not interested in the facsimile of a person you wish to create, they want to know you, down to your quirks and flaws. And it is those people, the people you will grow to care about, that will allow you to seriously evaluate the person you are, and wish to become. So as you head to college, and you face the pressures to act as and be someone you are not, resist the temptation to hide behind a fake character. Take risks, make mistakes, learn, love, live, and be yourself. And always remember what Bob Dylan said: ?All I can do is be me, whoever that is.?

I would tell myself to pursue a field that was meaningful to me as opposed to picking a major that I thought would impress or satisfy others. I began as an Accounting Major because I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life and knew that adults would be impressed that I wanted to be a CPA. I would also tell myself not to be too concerned that each course would specifically apply to what I intended to do with my life. My first degree was in Physics. I loved the experience of participating in this course of study and think it enriched me as a human being. I ultimately received an undergraduate degree in Nursing and have thoroughly enjoyed the last 12 years of my life as a Registered Nurse.

make sure to study all the time even when it isnt necessary

If i could go back to my senior year in highschool i would tell my self taking all the AP's i took were worth it and will pay off. I came into college prepared and i knew what to expect as far as the course load compared to some of my friends. I would also tell my self to look into the requirements for certain colleges. I would tell myself what classes i should takea

Beth, I think you should begin researching scholarships, possible majors and degree programs before you attend Binghamton University this fall. I understand that it is great to be prepared ahead of time in regards to thinking of ways to make the smoothest transition from home to on-campus living, but you must also take financial situations into account. You must understand the difference between need and want. Begin assessing yourself based on your interest and your past involvement within different organizations and programs. Write down a list of questions that you have about college, from academics to the social life. When you begin to adjust to campus living and somewhat understanding college life, reach out to others. Begin to utilize your resources and build a network amongst your peers and university faculty. You will never know how much you can learn from a simple acquaintances and how important it is to establish good quality relationships. You can receive help while uplifting those around you. Not only be involved on-campus, but in the surrounding communities. You must think about how to create that balance in your life that will help you to be the best student that you can be.

Work harder.

don't go to crazy. make sure your professors know you by name

i would tell myself to not be scared or worried about what to do. Make a decision that you think you want, work hard to make it work and stick with it. things get tough in the beginning but it can take up to a whole semester before getting the hang of a completely new lifestyle so dont quit

Pace yourself. College, as cliche as it may sound, should be the best time of your life. Start practicing time management now. This does not mean just in terms of school work. Time management should be acknowledged in terms of homework and studying, but also in terms of eating, exercizing, running errands, keeping in touch with family and friends, and finally, hanging out and having fun. Take on the entire college experience of moving away from your hometown and living on campus in a place you would not necessarily see yourself to embrace the new accessible advantages in that area. However, keep in mind that the opportunities that do become available to you in college will only make a difference if you take action. College is what you make of it, nothing more.

It's not as scary as you think it is. Just let things happen, because they happen for a reason. Stop being uptight and try new things, but don't do anything unless you feel comfortable with it.

I would tell myself to take the first few years of school to try to figure out what I want to do. This would help me be more focused in the future and in the selection of classes so I would be able to complete my degree on time. Additionally, I would tell myself that huge amounts of debt are not worth the hassle and to go where you can get a better education for a lower cost. If possible, spending your first few years at a community college saves tens of thousands of dollars and can provide a solid foundation for the education that a four year college will be able to provide in the future. In order to succeed in college you have to be ready for it; if you need to take a year of time off before continuing your education, then do so now rather than stop and take a break in the middle. If you are not mentally prepared to settle down and take classes seriously, it may be worth taking this time rather than getting bad grades and having them follow you forever. Finally, enjoy it while it lasts, because time will fly.