University of Connecticut Top Questions

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

Kim

I have experienced the best social world a college can offer as well as a great education. The University of connecticut is very concerned with students and their future goals & careers. They offer many career services and tutoring services to help everyone succeed.

Sharon

I never was a big high school fan so I worked hard and managed to graduate a year earlier than I was supposed to. Even though it was an excellent opportunity, that left me at 17 years old whenever it came time for me to be a Freshman in college. I’ve always dreamt big-going off to Chicago for school more specifically- but I let my family talk me into attending junior college prior to rushing off on my own. In all honesty, it’s ended up being the best decision I’ve ever made. Not only has attending a junior college helped with the transition between high school and a big scary senior college, it’s also given me a glimpse of exactly what furthering my education is going to be like. I’ve learned that high school and college are not at all the same, and that college is actually a lot more fun (for me anyway), than what high school ever was. I’ve learnt more both educational and common sense wise in the last two years at Northeast than all the rest of my life combined.

erinda

Reciving my bachelor's degree has placed me in a great path. I majored in psychology and i am continuing my studies in the field of School Counseling. I made friends who are still part of my life. I gained the knowledge of knowing: how long I can stay awake, how to handle the stress of working part time and going to school full-time, a new world of cultures and opinions that have opened my own way of thinking, and preparing me for the reality of the real world. I moved here nine years ago and i didnt speak englisht at all, it's a great accomplishment how far i have gotten. The greatest benefit was the completion of a long term plan/goal. Also, realizing because of college that there are a lot of things I can accomplish if I want to.

Emily

Already having completed my first semester at the University of Connecticut, I have learned so much about myself and my goals for the future. It is a tremendous change living apart from home and with a completely random roommate, but both have worked out wonderfully. It is so nice to learn that I can have a great experience on campus, make the Dean's list for the School of Agriculture, and have a great social environment all on my own. The most momentous occurence that I have had on campus was joining a co-ed fraternity, Alpha Beta Epsilon. Through this fraternity I am joined with other biology focused majors, and learning from other brothers and being involved with such a close-knit group of people has really enhaced my college experience to date. It has been so valuable to attend the Univeristy of Connecticut because not only does the univeristy offer excellent academics, they also offer an atmosphere that cannot be matched by any other university, in my opinion. UConn is an excellent school for academics, athletics, and other activites and I could not picture myself at any other university.

Amy

Throughout my first two quarters , my colllege experince certainly made me more mature and realize how our society process. I am definite that if I did not attend college right after high school, I would have never knew what I really wanted to accomplish in my life.

Daryl

Aside from the obvious answer of an education, UConn has given me a lot. Living on campus has made me more self-sufficient. For the first time in my life, I am solely responsible for things like going shopping and doing routine chores. Not only has this better prepared me for living independent of my parents, but it has made me appreciate them so much more. Living on campus has made me healthier. The size of UConn prompted me to purchase a bike, which I have since started using as both a recreational hobby and my primary means of exercise. Additionally, the vast selection of the dining halls have given me ample opportunity to try newer and healthier foods that I had not had available to me before. Living on campus has given me more friends, of a better quality. I've always had trouble socializing, but the non-judgmental atmosphere my university provides has allowed me to learn to be more social, while not compromising who I am. And living on campus has stimulated me intellectually. UConn offers many opportunites to stimulate interests in an academic topic, such as the math club, which I have taken full advantage of.

Brianna

During my first three semesters at UConn, I have learned a lot about myself. I have come to realize that I am my own person and only I can make my own future and provide myself with opportunities for greatness. It has made me see that nothing will just fall into your lap. College has shown me that what I put in, will be what I get out of it. It has been so valuable to attend this school because I’ve learned so much more about myself in two years at UConn, than I have throughout my whole life. I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything else.

Crystal

My college experience has made me a stronger person. I was not sure what I wanted to do in life, I started out working and was not planning on going to school. But as I got older I decided that I wanted to better myself, not only for me but also for my family. I have always enjoyed working in the medical field, so I decided that I wanted to become a nurse. When I started classes I was very nervous I had not been in school for about seven years. However, when I walked into that classroom I had a feeling of pride. I was actually doing something good with my life. I have really enjoyed my classes and have learned new things that I can use in my career. I know that it has been very valuable for me to attend college. Not only am I working toward my goal of becoming a nurse. But my self confidence has grew. I am working toward something I can be proud of. And now I know that I can do anything that I put my mind to.

Awaad

confidence, hope, education, character, HAPPINESS

Dian

College experience can be both strssful and precious experience for people who decided to attend. College helps me to learn how to manage my time efficiently. Often, I find myself either to be extremely busy or extremely idle. Most of my class works are somehow coincedently bunched together. At this situation, it forces me to set up a strict schedule for each class in order to finish promptly. It is not practical to wait until last minute and attempt to finish it. The only thing, yet the most important thing I can sugget is that to use the time wisely at college. Be sure to finish class works before anything else. Of course, once awhile, relaxtion is also important; go to gym or hang out with friends in order to refresh mind. Lastly, do not wait until the "final exam week" to review for final. YOU WILL BE TORTURED. Start review couple weaks ahead for the final. This is not what I did this year; and I totally regret on it. There are way too much materials to review within a weel. It is a DISASTER.

Corinne

My college experience has helped me to grow as an individual in many ways. Being a part of a varsity sport has developed both my leadership and interpesonal skills. UConn has helped me to mature as an individual and has prepared me for a bright future in the corporate world.

Jennifer

My college experience has helped me learn about more techniques for making art and valuable skills for life. In the school of fine arts, they teach a wide variety of medium for creating art like scuplture, painting, drawing, and mixed media. This semester I am learning about water color and pen and ink, which I always thought were beautiful but never knew much about using. Illustration class is also helpful because it assigns projects and deadlines like you are being given a job from a client. It teaches you to be aware of a client's needs and modify your design if the client suggests something different. College has also helped me learn how to be more independent. Living on campus has given me experience with meeting new people and becoming involved in the cpmaus community. I am a shy person and it took me a while to become comfortable living with roomates I have never met and making new friends. Uconn has a wide variety of clubs and joining clubs has helped me become more social. Now I am a secretary of the Japanese Animation Society and I help organize events for the club and campus to enjoy.

Britney

Out of my college experience I have gained an awareness of important political issues that I had been oblivious. This is valuable to me because I feel that now that I know about what is going on in the world I have a responsiblility to make a diffrence anyway that I know how.

Liam

UConn is a great school for developing relationships and a beer gut. Professors are a mixed bag but generally highly qualified. For In-State Tuition, its a great value.

Chelsea

So far, since I have been in college I have realized what is most important and that is my education. I have learned that it is extremely important to finish school and get the best possible career out of it. College has also helped me make new friendships that will be with me for a lifetime. Overall, my college experience has been a blast and I would not trade it for anything.

Chon

I have gotten the value of time management and responsibility from my college experience. It is valuable to attend for it provides you to expand your knowledge but also tests yourself if you are a responsible adult.

Catherine

I am a pre-music education student and am applying for the school of education this January (which has a 100 percent placement). This school has also made it easy to do the things I'd like to do along with the classes in my major. For example, taking 3 semesters of Spanish and now working towards a French minor and planning to study abroad in the summer. I was also able to take summer classes at different schools and had no problems trying to transfer credit. It has been a pleasure so far getting my major done. The classes are challenging but not ridiculous and the people (students and facutly) are good to be around. The University of Connecticut is a great college. I couldn't imagine being somewhere else.

Paige

At the University of Connecticut, I have grown so much--both academically and personally. My writing and studying skills have improved immensely and I have learned so much about the world and how it works. In addition, I have been put into contact with so many people that I never would have met had I not come to UConn, and that has been perhaps the most valuable part of my experience. I am from Texas, which is a completely different world from New England, and I was not aware of just how different before I came here. This was a challenge in the beginning, because I felt that I was very different from everyone else here and felt uncomfortable around them. However, I eventually realized that they were the same as me and that there was nothing to be afraid of. After getting to know them, I have made many friends for life who I surely would never have come across had it not been for my time at the University of Connecticut. For this growth, both academic and personal, I am extremely indebted and grateful.

Elizabeth

I figured out who I was by learning so much through the curriculum, my peers, and the whole college experience. By being independent and fighting my own way through papers and projects; by being in a completely new environment and finding I had to take risks and extend myself; by learning to juggle school, jobs, internships and friendships on my own - I found myself. Without the indendence and responsibility attributed to college life, I wouldn't be the individual, capable person I am today. Now that I know what I am and what matters to me, I know what I have to do next to be what I want to be.

Anita

My college experience hasn't been such a straight path. In the beginning of my college career I was sure of my major and my future career. I had discussed international business with my parents and a few fellow peers who had selected the same major and it seemed the best suited for me. It would be a stale career in business with the luxury of travel, like I've always wanted. However, as I got deeper into my college career I made new friends and discovered that business was not the path for me. My passion had always been art. While attending college and taking these art courses that were required, it ignited a flame in me that had been dimmed by the prospect of making lots of money in the business field. After having extensive converstaions with amazing people that I was lucky to have as professors, I have never been more sure of myslef and my future. I accredit all of this to my college experience.

Lyndsey

I was able to attend college during my Senior year of high school so I was able to get an early jump start on college. I've gotten a positive experience out of my time at college, I have realized what my intended field of study is through my experience in college. High school wasn't much help in helping me choose my career path because they didn't offer the actualy experience of figuring out my career. While I was attending college I realized what my weak and strong areas were and only by that I realized what I should be doing in school. I originally thought I wanted to become an orthodontist (which I would still like to) but I realized science was a very weak subject with me, after coming to this realization I figured out that math was really where I was strong. College has been the only one that has helped me to figure out where I should go in life. Only the experience can help me.

Nathan

My college experience has really shown me a different side of education that I never would have received, had I stopped after high school. Through my general education requirements, I've been exposed to subjects and critical thinking skills that I would not have learned. Within the first week, I already found myself more open-minded and eager to try new things and learn new information. I agree completely with the saying that college is the best four years of one's life. The feeling of newfound independence of budgeting my own time, coupled with the new friends I have made, and the knowledge that every day I learn things that will only continue to make me grow as a person is incredible. Finally, I have never felt more prepared for the real world, and each day's experiences make my future seem more secure.

Michelle

After my first year at the University of Connecticut, the realization that I am that much closer to completing a long term goal of becoming an educated, well-rounded role model, has started to set in. From UConn I have learned that when beginning any new chapter in life, it is beneficial to start with an open mind. To hope for the best, but always to keep in mind that the complete opposite result is possible. If one idea doesn’t produce the desired outcome, there is always another opportunity to achieve success. It all depends on how a goal is tackled. Now I know that one must try and fail, and then try again. After all, college is all about creating your image, developing skills and harvesting knowledge. I know the value of a dollar, the value of your time ,the value of hardwork and also the value of good friends. I feel that I am more prepared and confident about my future academic and social careers due to my college experience so far!

Kirsten

I have met amazing people, gained a great amount of life experience, and just learned more about myself than I ever would have anywhere else. The environment at UConn is unlike any other school I've ever visited, and I would recommend it to anyone.

katie

I have been a student at Cuyahoga Community College in Parma, Ohio, for a little while now and as of August became a Tri-C graduate. My experience at the school was absolutely fulfilling and very informative. I feel that because I started my college career at a two year school I am better equipped for my next two years at Kent State University. My experience has helped me grow as a student and also as an individual. I know that a lot of students go immediately out of high school to a four year institution often wasting funds, but because I chose Tri-C as my first step I saved time, but more importantly, I saved money. It also gave me room to form my “tastes” and allowed me time to make a decision as far as careers go. The value of my education at a two year school has been priceless and I would not change a thing about it if I had the opportunity to do so.

Brittany

Going to college is a huge step in anyone's life. UConn has been an amazing stepping stone for me. I was at first reluctant to stay in state and attend such a large university. Yet I would never change me decision. I have learned so much about myself; my strengths and weakness, what I like and don't like. These are things that I probably never would have discovered if I wasn't pushed out of my comfort zone and forced to experience new activities and surroundings. I had to make new friends and try new foods. I had to speak up in class and seek my professors for help when needed. While my high school did prepare me for college, UConn has prepared me for life; for the real world. I feel more capable to make my own decisions and lead my own life. I still don't know exactly what my future holds for me. But I know I am equipped to make the right decision when I come to a fork in the road. I may be walking blind for a little while, but I trust I will get to where I need to be.

Kiara-Nabil

Currently being a college freshman attending summer school, I have learned a tremendous amount. The experience is so much more mature and my fellow students share the same interest in wanting to learn. Being independent and able to control what classes I want and what times I want to take them is very freeing and empowering. The experience has taught me that ultimately it is me who is going to be fully responsible for my education from now on. No teachers or counselors are going to be pushing me to work hard; it is all going to be me.

Jeanne

It's valuable to attend because a lot of people learn things I already knew growing up. I've always been mature for my age growing up. What people learn here, I had already learned at a very young age in Haiti. I see my classmates learning about diversity issues and differences in culture and such. I think it's important to learn to have an open mind which the school provides for those who want to learn. Everything Uconn teaches I learned from experience but I think is important for others to know. I've mostly benefited from courses that I will need for my career choices later on such as: biology, nutrition, mathematics. But I hope to learn more about how to manage and maintain a business which they also provide. Thank you, Berenice

Victor

The most valuable aspect of my college experience is the involvement I have been able to have on my campus and the chances to help others. In my time at my college, I have served as the Secretary of the Student Senate and a member of the College Activity Board. I am also the elected Student Trustee for next year as well as a soon to be member of Phi Theta Kappa and the Criminal Justice Club on campus. I also volunteer at most campus events such as the commencement ceremony and our community day at our local hockey game. During the summer I am continuing to serve my campus and fellow students through my work-study position in our Student Activities Office. Academically, I have managed to maintain a 4.00 gpa while taking classes in a wide range of subjects. This has expanded my world view, or as I learned in my Nazi Germany class, the German term Weltanschauung. I am the first member of my family to ever attend college, and my decision to attend is one I will never regret in my life. Education is a never-ending pursuit that is invaluable.

Kelly

I have learned so much by going to college. Attending such a large university as I am, I have found that it is much easier to avoid problems associated with cliques, but rather to form friendly get-togethers between INDIVIDUALS. College has also been a way of showing me what it is like to have freedom. Due to my current status, as an upcoming college sophomore who still doesn't have their license, this freedom is some of the first I have experienced. I am therefore able to travel to destinations on my own in order to obtain the necessities such as a job, food, research materials, etc. without having to rely on others. I have grown attached to the responsibilities I have as a college student -- having to manage my time with studying, a job, and a social life -- showing me that I am very strong as a person and that I have the potential to go far in life.

Mindy

What I have gotten out of my college experience is not just information from classes and lectures but information that I can utilize and apply to other individuals and even my students. For example, Sigmund Freud's defense mechanism's and recognizing the signs and symptoms of Autisim so I can obtain my students required assistance if they need it. I also became more of an individual, a free thinker, if you will that allowed to me to follow a non-traditional path post-graduation that is currently involves service in the United States military. Overall, I believe that Uconn made me more independent and exposed me to experiences and people that I would not have met or experienced had I decided to attend elsewhere. These have proven to be life-changing and have left an indelible mark on my life that will not be removed anytime in the near future.

Kimberly

For me college was a time of tremendous growth both personally and professionally. I entered college to be a grade school teacher after a few months of classes and speaking to my professors and friends I changed majors to nursing. My education has provided me a lifestyle that my parents never had. I see the value of education and how further a college degree gets you as compared to my friends and family who either didn?t go or didn?t finish. I am proud of my college degree and strive to continue learning with a masters and eventually a PHD in nursing so that I can be called ?Doctor Nurse?.

Kimberly

The most significant experience I have received from UConn is the education, specifically my gained knowledge from my interesting and engaging classes. After getting through the general education requirements, I have been able to take my major courses (history and education) and I have been exposed to passionate professors that love the content they teach and this spreads to the students as well. Also, my education major is a teacher certification that is a bachelors and masters integrated program. To be able to graduate with my certication and quality teacher preparation education is something that I value. I also appreciate my experience as a student-athlete at UConn. Being able to have the support of the Counseling Program for Intercollegiate Athletes has been tremendously helpful. I have enjoyed the challenge of balancing academics and athletics. Representing UConn as an athlete has been a great learning experience. Also, the comradery I have with my other 50 teammates is very important to me.

Amanda

College is an experience that can not compare. I am a firm believer in the fact that life makes you the person you are but college really helps you to find that person. College gives you the opportunity to see more and do more things than you can imagine. The doors that college open are the doors into community and outside possibilities. In college I have been able to dicuss and learn about things that I would have never thought to bring up in conversations. The other value I also think is amazing, especially for older students going back is that it gives you a great oppurtunity to make new cotacts in the area and possibly help you get going in the right direction!

Diego

college experiences have the most valuable award,because You got the sense of knowledge out of it.On top of that you walk with wisdom.

Emily

I have gained so many valuable experiences at college. I have made friends who will be my friends and supporters for the rest of my life. I have gained work experience. I have gained interpersonal relations experience by working with professors, TAs, and other students. I have gained a new outlook on life, and it has really helped me grow into the adult I am now from the kid I was when I got here. By the time I graduate I will have the necessary skills to get a job or move on to medical or graduate school. I'll be a certified genetic technologist, with the knowledge and experience to diagnose many different genetic illnesses. I feel that when I graduate I will be an asset to my community. I believe that my education is an important part of my life and a crucial step in my journey toward success.

Monique

There are alot of great experiences that I am getting while at college so far. I am meeting various kinds of people with different backgrounds and goals. I am getting involved in alot of extracurricular activites that I would not have been exposed to if I was not enrolled in college. Attending college is very important and valuable, because it is here where you become an adult. Within the span of four years you become a more responsible and disciplined individual , while learning about the people around you and how to manage in the outside world once you graduate. You also gain lifelong friendships while here at college. As a member of a sorority I have met alot of influential women who I can trust and learn from and they will always be apart of my life, even after we graduate. College is a very important institution that I believe is essential to everyone's lives. Once you go to college, your life will never be the same.

ANA

What I have gotten out of my college experience is that one needs to be professional and do the homework assignments as if you are already out in the workfield. I've also learned that networking is an important aspect for your career. Managing my time to get things done, and following the deadlines are extremely important. Not to be afraid to ask an instructor when I am uncertain about something, it is always good to learn from their knowledge and personal experience. Having a hands on experience in my major as an Interior Designer has allowed me to envision what to expect when I'm ready to be in the workfield. Attending college has been valuable because it is preparing me for a better future. Not only that, but it has made me more aware of our economy, and what I can do as a designer to make the world more eco friendly. Overall, this has been a valuable experience because I can be an example to my younger peers why attending college is important for eveyone's future.

Kyle

I am in my second year right now and i have learned that you really have to put a lot of time and work into getting everything that you would like to accomplish done. I have also met some great people here and they are friends that I plan on having for the rest of my life. The University of Connecticut is a great school and so far I have been having a great time here. I am proud to say that I attend this school because it is nationally recognized and offers a great education.

Adam

Hopefully I will be in College this year =)

Chioma

The best way to prepare for college is to remember the acronym TIME. "T" stands for task management. In college, there are a lot of distractions such as parties and concerts. You wouldn't want these activities to get in the way of getting your degree, so make sure you do your work first. After the work is completed, you won't feel guilty about going out with friends. "I" stands for involvement. There are so many opportunities to take part in, such as clubs, teams, and organizations. Find something that fits your interests, that way you have a experiences to reflect on. "M" stands for money. One of the biggest tasks in college is having cash, which isn't limited to just spending it. There's nothing sweeter than having minimal debt after college. Utilize every option available to pay for college, such as searching for scholarships and grants. Also, make sure to file your FAFSA as soon as possible. Look into loans if necessary too. Finally, "E" stands for enjoyment. College is a lot of work, but it is very entertaining. Make friends and share memories together. In the end, enjoy the four years you spend there!

Aditi

If I could go back in time and talk to myself, I would tell myself many things. For starters, I would tell myself about time management and having a schedule to be successful. Second, I would tell myself to purchase books online instead of wasting money at the school bookstore. Third, I would tell myself to start reading the wall street journal and to read all wall street related books and learn about investment banking on my own because UCONN doesn't really teach much about it. This way, I would've been way more prepared for my interviews with banks than I am now. I would also tell myself to stay on top of my work from day 1 because work cumulates easily and that I can get distracted by the social life here. Another thing I would focus on is that I should join certain clubs from freshman so that way I could hold leadership positions in certain clubs and gain more experience. Lastly, I would tell myself to get an internship the summer of my freshman year.

Andy

The major piece of advice I would give any high school senior is a motto of mine; it is "Break down the barriers". Barriers are anything that holds you back from anything during college like pursuing your dreams or just making friends. When you first get to school, the first barriers you experience are shyness and nervousness. No matter how confident you are, being put into a new situation like college will make you nervous about how hard college rally and shy if you trying to make new friends. Shyness should be easy to conquer because all you need to remember is that everyone is in the same situation as you, at least the other freshmen so be yourself because being shy lets you not show who you really are and this will not let you make the friend you want or not let you make friends at all. Academically, nervousness is the biggest barrier. Break down that barrier and don't be nervous because if you got into the school you are smart enough to handle each and every class you take. It will be a challenge but don't run away; become a better student and succeed.

Chrystina

My advice would be to make good friends and join a club or other group activity to make your expirence in school wonderful. Also remember to study real hard. Don't overwelm yourself. If you have questions on homework go to the teacher. That is what they are there for, tutors are aslo worth it. Don't wait til the last minute to review for your test. Stay up all night a night or two and find a great coffee shop or 24 hour place. You will have some great memories that that you will remember for a lifetime. Spend time studying but remember to have fun too.

Janet

I would tell myself to actually push myself and work hard in school, instead of just doing the minimum and coasting through senior year. I would tell myself to go into college with awesome grades, to have that head start. College is much better than I ever anticipated, but i would probably leave that pleasant suprise for my future.

Kristina

The biggest regret I have in high school was not planning out exactly what my major would be in college. Many high school advisors do not understand the stress of picking a major and creating a course schedule, and to them college is a free for all until you miraculously find your ?niche? after just taking classes you're interested in. Meanwhile you should've been taking 16 credits of prerequisites your freshman year and now you have to stay at college for five years or give up that summer of making money for books to take those classes. Don?t get me wrong, college is a great time, freedom from nagging parents, great experiences and resources and also the occasional party (don?t tell the nagging parents that last one.) But it?s all about maturity and time management your freshman year, so keep those grades up as it only gets harder from here. Tell your roommate when he/she is bothering you, save that summer cash and definitely invest in a Brita, and you?ll have the best four years of your life. Yes, I know that?s what your parents said too, and they're not wrong.

Emily

First, I would remind myself that this decision is my own. It is extremely important to put aside my friend's and family's views on where I should attend. The college that one choses should be somewhere the student can picture themselves growing into an adult; and this can only be known by the student themselves. I would also tell myself not to judge a school by the average GPA that it accepts. The point is not to get into the hardest school, but the school that offers what YOU want; which cannot be expressed in numbers! I feel that some students think that going to the "best" school means going to a school with a low acceptance rate due to a high average GPA accepted. More important is the courseload once the student gets accepted; what does the school have to offer the student?

Tami

Please Tami , Stop procrastinating and apply for those scholarships. Believe me, it sucks to do a last minute scramble for free money!

Stefanie

During my senior year of high school, I often worried about which college I would attend in the near future. I had not fallen in love with any of the universities to which I hah been accepted, and choosing a university to attend was a great struggle. Ultimately, I elected to attend the University of Connecticut, citing its low cost. After attending Freshman Orientation before I graduated from high school, I thought that I had made the wrong choice entirely. The school was very large and taught most of its introductory courses in enormous lecture halls, and everyone seemed obsessed with the basketball program. If I could go back in time and address myself as a high school senior, I would encourage myself to think a bit less about money, and more about the experience that I am looking for. Additionally, I would tell myself that the "name" of a school should not dictate whether or not I should apply for admission. But most of all, I would reassure myself that college is what one makes of it, and concentrating on one's academics and campus involvement can distract one from an undesirable college environment.

Tabitha

I would tell myself to find a school where you feel comfortable, but will be challenged acedemically. Finding the right school for you can be difficult, but you'll know when you've found it. The University of Connecticut has the school spirit and events that you will love, as well as the academic reputation and majors you will benefit from. It is important to be friendly and open to new people and new ideas, because it is here that you will make friendships that will last a lifetime. You should enjoy the weekends and spend time relaxing with your friends, but you also need to budget your time wisely in order to keep up with your studies and do well in your classes.