The University of Tampa Top Questions

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

Sheena

I would encourage prospective college students to consider every little detail about a college before deciding upon one to attend. There is so much to consider such as the population, size, professors, classes offered, and even the food selection offered on campus. Just because a friend says something is great, the same thing could drive someone else crazy for four years. The college experience should be a time of learning in all areas of life, not just academically. Take advantage of every opportunity that comes and don't be afraid to change. Some college students are afraid of breaking free of the bonds that held them with high school friends. College is a time of learning about how successful and independent a person can be on their own in preparation for true adulthood that comes once the education is completed and it's time to begin a career.

Todd

To be yourself and try as many things as possible. College is all about what you make of it. Be friendly and open minded and you will have a great college experience. Pay attention and attend every class because professors that see a students face will remember him or her when it comes to giving out grades at the end of the semester.

Aubrey

The advice I would give about finding the right college is to visit as many schools as you can and really sit down and decide what is important to both the student and the parents. From first hand experience I did not look at nearly enough schools and when I did not get into my first choice college I was bummed that I had few choices. I also think it is very important to get away from home, sure the convenience is nice but you truly do learn so much about your character if you are taken out of your comfort zone. I learned more about myself in the first 2 weeks of college than I did my whole life. Do whatever feels right.

Carol

I suggest visiting the campus to get a feel of what it is like.

lashanda

when you choose a pray about it first before and let god led you in the right directions.

Lindsey

When choosing a college take into account several things. How big do you want the class sizes? How good is the food selection and quality on campus? Are there several campus events/clubs you would be interested in? Is there a church nearby or part time jobs? How much will this cost? Most of all consider location. Going to school in another state gives you an even more diverse experience, but it is more expensive with out of state fees and flights home on holidays. Do you best to get an hour away from your parents, this will aid you in becoming an independent adult. Once enrolled in school go to all the orientation activities. All the student there are in the same boat. Hang out with your roommate. If you don't get along with them, try switching rooms to a new friend's. Go to campus sports events, you can meet more people, be social, and save money. Join a club team. Many students are tempted to eat endlessly, excercise will keep you healthy, social, and fit. Try not to cling to your hometown friends or parents, this will only keep you homesick. Enjoy college life!

Brynn

Visit the college and talk to the students that go there.

Stephanie

SAVE UP YOUR MONEY... you go through ALOT

marta

to students: once you step on it, you know it's right. if you do not get that feeling, keep looking. to parents: be patient, it's their future, not yours

Nicole

Get as involved as possible

Susana

Choosing the right university will have a deep impact in the future. Therefore, I would strongly recommend to keep the expectations present at all times and resarch every school aspect. Including financial aid, tutoring, class sizes and diversity as well as the very important aspect of job placement ratio after graduation.

Allyson

Take as many opportunities as possible because once your time there is over, you can never get it back!

Erin

Visit the college first, but do not make a decision on your first impression. Take advantage of school programs, especially study abroad. Do everything that you want, and worry about cost and consiquenses later. This is the best and only time in your life that you can do most of these things.

Sean

Make sure that the school is a

Jordan

My advice to parents and students is to tour the propespective school and talk to the students not just the tour guides. Most of the students will answer honestly when it comes to their opinions on their university or college. They would also want to pack sparingly, most dormrooms tends to be on the smaller side and most students bring stuff they will never use in their years here.

Gina

In order to find the right school they must first look at themselves and ask what it is that they truely want and need. In order to find a perfect match they must spend a few days at the choice schools and really get a feel for the campus community and the students. They can take a tour if they want, but I suggest just walking around on the campus by themselves first. They need to ask themselves a series of questions before the tour guides drill information into their heads. Do they feel safe walking around? Do they feel comfortable with the setting, people, buildings, and the area surrounding the campus? Lastly, they must keep in mind the the campus must allow the student to change with his/her settings and be flexible, if a college or university can't be flexible and give the student what they want for their whole time there then it shouldn't be one of their choices because it is often very difficult to get all your credits to transfer and why waste time and money? If you're not absoultley positive you'll be happy then it's not worth it.

Marie

The most important thing to remember is balance balance balance. So many freshman go into school so pre-occupied about fitting in, making new friends, the classes, or the social life that they focus solely on their fear. Even though its difficult at first, you need to learn how to manage everything and balance it. Its tough to learn when to go out and have fun and when you need to bat down and study for that huge exam even though you may not want to.

Vicky

Talk to the students on the campus instead of just those who are giving you the tour of the campus.

Allison

If you're having issues picking the right college, go tour all of your options and pick the one that most allows you to be you.

Jessica

I believe that there is no one key that a person can tell another student about choosing the right college because it is an individual experience and varies with every student. But I think something that helped me while choosing the University of Tampa was to be true to myself in what I wanted in a school, not what my friends or family wanted, but what I wanted! I made a list of attributes of schools that I wanted to look for. Tampa fufilled each one of them and that's why I am 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} satisfied with my choice. While at the school of your choice I would simply say, make the most of it. This is one of the only times of a person's life that they really only have to focus on theirselves. So I have and will continue to enjoy my college experience to the fullest by using every opportunity that my school gives me. Whether it's taking part in a group or just laying out by the pool with friends, making the most of your college experience is just going out there and doing something with this special time in life!

Kriziah

I would advise the importance of networking with your professors. I chose to go to the University of Tampa because of its small amount of students in the classroom. I have on many ocassions talked to my professors after class about my progress and what areas I needed to work on in order to improve. They were able to remember me and provided the feedback that I desired. This networking provides possibilities of landing a job in the field you major in. Every student is required to have an academic advisor in the field that they major in. This is a great help since your advisor has had real experience in the field you are working on majoring in and guides you in the direction of the classes you would need to accomplish in order to gain knowledge and experience in the field.

Farrah

I would implore parents and students to visit the colleges they have an interest in. Its important that the student gets a feel for the enviroment they will live in for the 4 years of their college career. Visiting my college prospects really aided me in making my final decision. Also the best way to enjoy college is to be engaged in your learning and interactions with others. College is the best place to network with others and lay your foundation to an incredible future. Feel free to express your self and accept others that may be different from you.

Dominic

It's really all about finding an environment that works for you. This means finding a good location, social groups you feel comfortable with, class sizes you like, and activities that tailor to your needs. Of course, making sure the college has a program to put you closer to your goal is also a major factor. When you find the right college, try to expand your horizons and do things you wouldn't normally do. If you're from the northwest and your college is near exotic locations, exploit it. Find friends from all around and try to connect with them. The connections you make in college will help jump-start your future life. It's not about what you learn in class, it's about what you get out of the whole college experience.

Arielle

Apply early, and visit. Think long and hard about your decision and always know that if you work hard you can transfer wherever you dream.

Adam

Make sure you look at more than one school, take weekend trips to get the feeling for a school. Ask your tour guide how he or she likes the school, and what they don't like about the school. Make a decision based on how you liked the school and how you would fit in. Look at the greek life and how they can help you get involved. Stop by the Student Activities Office to see the clubs that are avaliable for students to join. Visit the school more than once beforing making your decision. Ask other students how they like the school. Look at the class room sizes and the professor to student ratio.

erica

To parents: let you children decide for themselves. To students: live it up- it goes fast!

Daniel

Dont worry everything will work its self out.

Thomas

When looking for the right college, definitely go and visit whatever school you are looking at. Once you are there, go on campus tours and get a feel for the entire enviornment of the school. Try learning as much as you can about the campus, housing, classes and the social atmosphere. Don't be afraid to ask random students or faculty what they think of the school and how they like it, because these are the people that know the most and will tell you the truth, rather than hearing it from some brochure you recieved in the mail. At college, you learn a lot about yourself and many different types of people. Don't take it for granted and embrace every person individually and every experience you have. It will definitely make you grow to become the person you are meant to be.

Olivia

Finding the right college is definitely very difficult and based on my experience, my best advice would be to research and visit the top three colleges. I did not do this and decided to only apply to one school and go there based on the sheer fact that my older sister went there. Asking other students when you go visit the schools would also be a good idea since students know best about the college experience. By visiting schools and asking students, it should make the decision of picking the right college a whole lot easier and it should also help make the most out of the college experience.

Ryan

I would have to say that choosing where you are going to attend college is one of the hardest decisions to make. However, something that I feel is always imprtant to think about. Is that college is what you make of it. It sounds so cliche but it truley is. Wherever you end up you just need to just have a good time and make the best of it.

Gina

College is all what you make it. With only a few years to make memories that will last a lifetime, it is crucial to find a college that fits YOU. A lot of people may have an opinion about a certain school, or have heard rumors about a school, but only you know which school will be the right fit. Do not feel pressured by outside factors to make a certain decision. After visiting schools, there will ultimately be one that stands out as a school where you can feel like you belong. Do not settle until you find that comfort. Whether it be college searchs online, or some schools that you have already heard of, keep an open mind. You may never know what will end up feeling right.

Katie

Visit every school! Make sure you take tours and talk to students who are walking around because they will give you the most honest opinions and answers. Take the time to look at the buildings and majors to make sure that the class size is what you need and you feel comfortable.

Laura

Go where you feel most comfortable. UT is great! :)

Thomas

Visit schools and spend the night. Stay longer than a few hours and dont take tours offered by the school. Get to know the school very well, and dont go somewhere near home and DONT go somewhere with your friends.