University of Maryland-Baltimore County Top Questions

My time at UMBC has provided lots of opportunities that I'm grateful for. As a double major in Financial Economics & Business Technology,I gained educational knowledge that will enable me to succeed in the Business, Economics, Finance, & Technology industries. Aside from educationUMBC provides opportunities like career development/matching, networking, community service, & research opportunities. I've proudly taken advantage of these opportunities. My entire work experience started with my career advisor matching my interests with opportunities. He followed up with resources & mock interviews to get the internship/job & pursue growth opportunities. I have gotten everything from my college experience - career, community service, & volunteer opportunities. I proudly represented UMBC in sports, academics & career-wise. My first semester at UMBC was challenging and I didn't think I would spend more than one year. This is my 4th year and I am returning to pursue my graduate degree as well. UMBC presents many opportunities, resources, and people, all one needs to do is use the resources. It has been valuable to attend UMBC even though it was a financial struggle. I have had the best combination of experience, networked with prominent people in our society and made lifetime friends and colleagues.

From going to college, I have learned what direction I want to take my life. I want to help protect our environment.

I have learned how to manage working full time while studying full time. this will benefit me in the future when i will have a full time job and a family to take care of. I am glad i am attending college because i know it will benefit me in the future.

My college experience has completely changed my life. After high school, the world seemed small and more focused around what was happening right at that time. But when I started college, my whole world expanded. I realized that I could help people. I saw others around me, having fun and enjoying themselves, and still planning ahead. My whole existance went from being a tiny, insignificant center around high school gossip, to a place where people were changing themselves for the better, and pushing themselves to become great. I became a better person. I also became a more confident person; out of everything I have learned from my professors, advisors, and peers, the most valuable lesson I have learned is who I am. I have officially discovered myself, and what I need to do in life. I learned to value my morals and decisions, and embrace them, in order to have a better future. My college experience has opened the doors to a life I could barely see before. A life where options are endless, happiness is embraced, and the future is brighter. I see myself in the future; I see myself happy. That is what college has given me.

My college experience has been so valuable to me because It left me with lifelong friends and so many memories and experiences that should be useful to me in the real world. I learned so many new things, and met so many new people during my time; I have nothing but the fondest memories from studying twenty-fours for a final exam to being suprised about exams that I didn't even know about. Why these moment seem fond to me now is the fact that its prepared me, my whole college experience forced me to mould my mind, to make it more open, to think way outside the box. Looking back at my experience I would say there was some downs, but there were definetely more ups and I can stand here today and proclaim that I'd love every bit of it and wouldn't change it for the world.

By attending college I have gotten so much experience I never would have gained had I not gone. I moved away from Boise, Idaho all the way to Baltimore, Maryland to attend school. It's taught me that if I really set my mind to anything, I can do it. I'm also still learning all the time about being on my own; figuring how I will pay for food, rent, and other necessities. I've become a lot more self confident and mature while in college. I've had to tell my self over and over that "I can do this" and I've become a lot stronger as a person. I know that as an Emergency Health Services major, I've learned how badly I want to go into the health field and to serve others. When I die I want to be remembered for the service that I gave to the people that I will have helped.

My most valuable college experience is the freedom to decide what to do and when to do it. This gave a the ability to open up my social life which before had not existed.

I just recently started my college experience. Im still in my first semester of freshman year. So far i have made friendships, I have learned better time management, i have gained knowledge in the areas of philosophy, archaeology, and American history. That is my main reason to attend this University.

I've learned so much in college. After succeeding in projects as well as failing in others, I believe my college life has really shaped the way I am today. It's not only preparing me for the future, it's also showing me a lot of surprising things I've never known about myself. I came into college as an 18 year-old sure that I was going to be a graphic designer. It was my destiny, after all. But, after going to school as well as taking time off to reflect, my major changed to chemical engineering. After my first environmental science class, I realized that I wanted to help make the world sustainable through design. I never would have considered engineering as an option before I had gone to college, but I've found that I am smart enough to take the science and math courses as well as excited to take on challenges. College isn't just about learning about a subject. It's about discovering yourself and experiencing new things. I've learned that it's a place that will make up for those thousands of dollars and all-nighters tenfold as life goes on.

I have learned a lot from the teachings of my professors through the classes I have attended in the last two years and they have been valuable because i have been able to utilize them through different ways. Although not all of them can be utilized at once there will still be other time when i need to use them. Joining the Table tennis club of this school is fun because I get to try and see what level I am currently at. This year I have joined the cyber defense of which i am very interested in trying to learn and utilize to help people around me.

Before UMBC, I had no idea who I was. I was a mash and mix of other people's personalities and stereotypes. I applied to in-state schools because it was what I could afford and decided to go to UMBC by the flip of a coin. I was not incredibly excited to go away, for I would be leaving all of the people who made me who I was. Unlike other schools, the atmosphere at UMBC does not demand that you fit into a category. I was able to delve into many different things, to find what I, not just the forces around me, cared about. I learned that I love writing because of the encouragement I received. I learned that I'm capable of leading a huge group of people to accomplish great things because of the opportunity to join a sorority. I learned that I want to be a nurse, because I now know my passion in life is to help others in the most rudimentary way possible. The most important thing I got out of my college experience was finding out who I am, uniquely- perhaps the most important thing one can take from life.

Positive influences/reinforcement for academic success Diversity fosters open, friendly environment. I have gained a strong group of friends all with varying backgrounds, values, and opinions.

If anything, I have gained world experience from going to college. I have learned everything from how to take care of myself to how to deal with my mistakes when I make them. Like most people my age, going to college was my first real experience without my parents. I didn't have them looking out for me or to them to tell me what to do when I wasn't sure. From going to college, I have learned to make my own decision and more importantly how to live with them when I make the wrong ones. For example, I now I have to fund my own college education because i did not perform up to my parents standards. Instead of crying about the situation, I have accepted the fact that I know need to fund my own college education and I'm now taking steps to do so.

It will be exciting.

During my attendence at UMBC I learned that one needs to learn how to dive the time for things like studying and partying to be successful at what you do and also reminded yourself that is ok to have fun . UMBC has also taught me how to be indenpendent by proving me with an internship which has taught me bussiness skills. Which is great experience to have to perpare you for when it is time for me to search and start your own career after graduation. Here at UMBC they believe inernships are good for all student because it teachs us outside of a classroom and make us think on our own which is a great tool to learn.

UMBC is such a diverse school. I have met so many people who are so different from me. By attending this school I have been introduced to what the real world is really like. UMBC is also a very career oriented school. I have met many people who share the same interests and career aspirations as I do. Also since the courses at UMBC are so demanding, I have learned how to prioritize my assignments and manage my time appropriately.

I have gotten a lot out of my short college experience thus far. As a freshmen, I have already been given my dream job on campus. I get to broadcast basketball and volleyball on the internet and Fox radio and even got to go to Connecticut to cover the conference tournament. Then of course there are the simple things to get out of it. It's a chance to live on your own and grow up a bit. At college your respnsible for yourself and in a way I got a lot out of that because it gave me a chance to do what I wanted and still be respnsible. I also have gotten plenty of new friends that I might've never met had I commuted or not gone to college at all. Some of these people could be friends for a lifetime and I'm grateful to have met them in only my freshmen year. I still have three years left of college and I'm excited at what's to come.

To have started to attend college has been nothing but benificial to me. College to me means a place or institution where I am going to get a degree where I can then in turn become something better do something great and have the life that I want. So one day I'll be able to have a career where I can support myself and a family and beyond. I enjoy every day going to class being able to socialize with other students and to learn and build my education and knowledge. To me knowledge is wealth. Wealth is not only an income it is growth and strength that having a knowledge and trying to accomplish and graduate with a degree gives me a personal wealth with an amazing self esteem as well.

I can sum up the answer to this question in one word. Experience. By meeting an abundance of unique people, throwing myself at new opportunities around campus, and exploring the many courses I can allow myself to take, I've gained so much experience by being at college that the feeling is overwhelming (in a good way!). The value of this experience is priceless. I've aquired so many insights into life, learning, and the people that surround me daily that, to me, every day is a new adventure. From choosing where and what to eat at lunch to choosing which classes I will take for the next semester, each aspect of everyday college life is exciting to me. Without my experience here at UMBC, I would truly be lacking an aspect of my personality that completes me as a whole individual.

From UMBC I have recieved knowledge about the the real world and how difficult one must strive in order to attain focus on the goal trying to be reached. It is not a school where everything is handed on a silver-platter, hard work and time must be placed in order to excel at the "#1Up-and-Coming School." It has been valuable to attend, because even though I may have slipped and failed, I was given a chance to get back up and do better. There are lots of oppurtunities where students can get help, get into research, join or form a club and make friends while doing it. It has been valuable because being a Biology major, the courses and advanced inofrmation taught here can help anyone be well prepared for any graduate school, and in my case, medical school.

The number one piece of advice I would give myself as a high school senior would be to take your time. There?s a pressure that?s put on students, whether intentionally or unintentionally, to finish college in four years. I think putting this time limit on students is unfair because some majors, such as chemistry, require more credits towards a degree than most. In addition, it is not at all helpful to pile on classes in an attempt to finish on time and then performing mediocre because you did not have enough time to dedicate to each class. Furthermore, college is one of the most enjoyable experiences of your life. It pays to make sure that you are utilizing every opportunity provided by your school and to take the time to relax and enjoy the experience since no matter what, you will only be in college for a limited amount of time.

Personally, I would say that my senior year in high school was one that went very well. If I were to go back in time I would want to go back to my freshman year. Balancing athletics and school was very tricky, and something I took extremely lightly. As a senior, I realized that my freshman year defined everything about me, and at the same time I knew that I would be placed in the same predicament if I didn?t focus and learn to balance my time. Going back to myself as a Senior I would tell myself that college is entirely different then described and balancing friendships and school work becomes even more difficult. It?s not all parties and fun, but a lot of dedication. My biggest advice to myself would be to never let anyone distract you, or discourage you. Those individuals that are true to you will be by your side every step of the way, whether it be aiding you or giving you your space to allow you to finish your work.

Have fun, but not to much. There's nothing wrong with celebrating the fact that you are out of your parent's house and are more independent but remember, there are consequences. Enjoy the now but never let the future slip out of your mind. "Planting seeds," is a good way to help yourself out. Set up plans of interests and events that may not help you immediately but will benefit you down the line. Never call out or weasel your way out of things, in order to do what you want later in life always be the one teachers and employers see as the independet who is always there and ready to help, knowing people can only beneit you. Just do your best at whatever you apply yourself to and always, always be open to other's opinions. You don't have to agree with them but always acknowledge others and keep an open mind to what they say, you don't know what life has dealt to them than differs from you. Enjoy your time and new life style but don't squander it and use your time wisely so you can reach your full potential.

I have often wished I could go back to my senior year of high school and prepare for college differently. If I could go back in time and talk to my high school senior self, I would have a lot of advice to give her. First, I would tell her to develop stronger study habits and discipline in order to handle the rigors of college academic life. I wouldn't have let her continue to assume that college academics are nearly on par with high school academics. Secondly, I would've told her of the great importance of time management in college. I would've strongly encouraged her to strengthen her time management skills as much as possible. And, last but not least, I would've warned her of the dangers of peer pressure in college. I would've urged her to not care what her peers think and avoid doing things just because she wants to fit in or be considered cool. And, I would encourage her to take advantage of all of the educational and cultural activities in and around campus and avoid wasting too much money on trivial pursuits, such as clubbing and shopping.

Before I went to college, I had no idea what to expect from college life. I was extremely worried about my roommate and meeting people. I was excited to be moving on from high school , but anxious as to what this new transition would hold. The best advice I would give to my high school self would be to not take things so seriously and not to worry. I would say that every college freshman is in basically the same position and everyone is just as nervous as you are. Everyone is concerned about how they will be viewed, meeting people, and maintaining good grades. My life has worked out well in the past three years, I made unforgettable friendships and memories, and I have maintained a 3.83 gpa throughout college. So, all the worrying was completely unnecessary. I would also tell myself not to worry about who I am and what I want, that over the four years of college I will grow and be an entirely new, more mature person with goals, ideals, and values that are quite clear. College is meant to be both a fun and academic experience, where you learn who you really are.

College life is just as the teachers tell you. Even though you may not believe them now, believe everything you hear. College is a whole lot more challenging than high school is. Even though your breezing through all your classes now, I really suggest you listen and pay close attention to everything thats being taught, especially your senior year. Studying, I know was never something you did or thought you needed, well listen here, that's probably the most important thing in college. And when the teachers tell you, you need to learn how to be responsible, their right. In college, everything is left up to you. They give you a syllabus on the first day and that's pretty much it. You may seem like the smartest in the bunch now, but when college rolls around everyone sitting around got accepted into the same college, and is just as smart as you. Just remember, college has no room for slacking off!!

Apply to evey college you think you might want to go to even if you don't think you'll get in.

Balance. The main thing in college is to understand you have to have a balance. It is a time and place that allows to you experience many different sides of yourself, both academically and socially. If you are going to a public university, it is possible that the network of organizations and academic clubs around you is so diverse you may not know which to choose. Do not be paralyzed by the bounty of options that lay in your path. The best thing for you to do is to pick a point in the distance, any point, and stick with it. If that vision or goal does not manifest itself in a way that you like, drop it. This is the time to be flexible and brave, your teachers and your peers will always give you that extra wiggle-room. Be sure to have fun! College culture is unique, and only once you leave it do you realize what a bubble it can be. But flourish in that bubble! Know that the connections you make here, the professors you befriend WILL have a lasting impact on you as a person and on your future.

1/21/2010 Diary, Usually I write about the events of today but tonight I'm writing about the events of tomorrow. I thought I would come back to give myself a guide for college because soon I will be on campus and who better to help me but me?! First, relax, there's no need to worry about going to school. Your guidance counselor can help you every step of the way so don't hesitate to ask for help. Now the best way to get ready for your first semester of school is easier said than done: have fun! When school starts you will spend plent of time studying so enjoy the summer shopping for dorm necessities and going out with friends. Finally, you're on campus all you must do now is leave your room. There's a world of opportunities on campus from social activities to study groups and you can't join from your bed. But remember that school is for study so be careful to manage your time wisely. With supportive professors and motivated classmates you'll see that you aren't in this alone and if you ask for help someone will answer.

If I could go back and give myself any advice, I would tell myself to read the textbooks. At community college I would maybe skim the text, or not have acess to the book because I was sharing it with others. Now I buy all required text and read it (once, if not twice!). Reading the assigned text results in a better grade, seriously. I would also tell myself to not worry about my high school friends. When most all of my friends left me behind to go to "real" college, I found that I was lonely and a little angry. I soon realized that community college is no different than a university, and that it was the right choice for me. I was able to play soccer for the school, make new friends and grow as a student and a person.

After completing high school alot of students feel like they can slack off if even just a little bit, from thier studies. You've worked hard for four years, made it through SAT's and got accepted into a university so you feel like the pressure's off.. .But now is the time to really grind it out. Staying focused without your parent's constant push is tough, but if you allow yourself to slack by taking time off, carrying only a few credits, submitting to distractions, all the hard work you put in these past four years will have begins to stagnate on the back burner. The sooner and more successfully you finish college the sooner you can enjoy the fruits of all your efforts. You've tilled and fertilized the land, planted the seed, cultivated it into a strong beautiful tree...now is when your fruit will grow. Not devoting adequate study time, skipping classes, or partying is like shielding your leaves from the sun. Full steam ahead!

In my opinion, I was pretty prepared when I was in the process of making the transition from high school to college. The only advice I would give myself is to stay focused on my goals and try to finish school as soon as possible, fun will come later.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior there are so many things I warn myself of. One of the most important things I would tell myself would be to never give up or get discouraged no matter how hard things get. My very first semester at college I would have given anything to have been fair warned of the difference between the high school and college. And if I had known what I know now about the college I am attending I would have never gone there in the first place.

Knowing what I know now, I would tell myself to do my absolute best in my classes all of the time. Even though I did well in school, I did not do my best. In college, I need to remember to do my best because these grades and what I learn in class will carry me for the rest of my life. I could have been in the habit of doing my best if I had started in high school.

If I were able to go back in time and talk to myself in High School, I would tell myself to complete college before High School Graduation. I started College, as a Junior in High School. I finished my Freshman year of College as a Senior in High School, but would have liked to complete more. In this world, everything is so competitive, so try to get the upper-hand on education. Collge is also more affordable when you are still in High School, not many students participate in this Parallel enrollment because they do not know about it. This program is a great opportunity to get ahead in your education, I wish I had spent more time in it. With the same goal of getting ahead in education, I would tell myself (at a younger age) to have become more involved with College Life, and Communtiy organizations. Not only does community service feel great and help others, but many Colleges use it as a merit system for scholarships.

I would tell myself to make sure that I am managing my time wisely in everything I do and to not procrastinate or wait till the last minute to study or start assignments. Over the years, I have learned how important time management is and how learning to use your time effectively not only makes things easier for you but it can improve your chances of performing better in the class. I would also tell myself to try and make as many friends in my classes as possible because it is a great way to meet new people, and working with others who are also ambitious as yourself can do nothing but help you.

I feel that the media and popular American culture, more often than not, over-exaggerate the transition from high school to college, in terms of moving out and living on your own. High school students are often shown rooming with mental unstable roommates and having horrible experiences in their new homes, and had I the chance to go back in time to talk to my high school self, I would definitely tell myself that there is absolutely nothing to worry about. Moving out of my home has been the most liberating experience of my life thus far. The independence that moving into a dorm gives a person, not just physically but psychologically, is astoundingly freeing. Once you move out of home, a new sense of responsibility and maturity come over you, as you realize that there?s no one here to baby you anymore: this reaction is almost like pure instinct. Moving out of home is the first step to becoming a part of the real world, but thankfully it?s not like being tossed out into the street: it?s the perfect stepping stone to adulthood.

For you who have yet to attend a University, the word "college" may hold only a vague meaning as a next place to go... a final stop on the road that is your academic career. You don?t give much thought to how much more involved you will be in your own life, because you've never had to think so intensely about it. You?re used to decisions being narrowly planned and approved with a guardian's signature. But in college there are no road signs telling you what to do, or where to go. All the choices are suddenly yours, and you find yourself having to answer the questions that really matter. Making a mistake can cost many months and thousands of dollars to fix, and every mistake will be entirely your fault. So my advice to you, is to focus on getting it right the first time. Understand that nothing you?ve done up to this point has held as much importance, or demanded as much introspection. It's not a simple matter of staying within the lines. You have to know where you want to go, and keep your eyes forward, always looking toward your destination.

If I was able to go back in time and talk to myself about what to look for in college, I would suggest only one thing. My main advice would've been to take school work more seriously. Throughout my highschool years, I was always satisfied with my academics at an adequate level and never did more than what was required or what my full potential was. I was continuously distracted and unmotivated and during my senior year, my second semester was basically my vacation from all academic work. I only did the bare necessity for my assignments and did not realize how these horrible habits would affect me later on. Not only am I struggling to find ways to manage time, but I'm also forced to endeavor new study techniques that require more time and patience which I was not too familiar with back in high school. College is no joke and if I had put the time and effort into realizing that the habits that I do during the present time would affect me in the future back then, I might've been able to reach further into my goal than where I stand now.

If I was able to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would advise myself to apply for as many scholarships as humanly possible. I spent the spring semester of my senior year taking classes at the local community college, doing just what I needed to do to get by with decent grades. After being accepted to colleges throughout the fall, I did not see any need to complete all of my school assignments - let alone, apply for scholarships. In the summer before college, I realized that it was necessary for me to take out a student loan to pay for school. My first semester of college has not been difficult, at least in an academic sense. However, financially, I cannot spend money while at school because I am saving to be able to attend the university next year. If I could go back in time, I would do everything in my power to ease myself from the burden of student loan debt.

If I could go back to my senior year of high school I would have worried less about the pushing myself too hard. I always told my self ,"next semester will be easier", "college has to better than this". The truth is you are always learning and you hardly have time to breath, but it's all worth it. I would have taken more demanding classes and taken advantage of the time I had and the resources available to me. The years we spend in school whether it be college or before then, are some of the most imortant times of our life. The are the times in which we grow and learn who we really are. We should enjoy them while taking them seriously.

Research every school. Think about exactly what you want to be and visit the campus to determine if you like it. Meet with an advisor at the school and talk to them about your goals and dreams. Ask about clubs and sports. Talk to a financial aid advisor to determine what you need to be prepared for.

If I could confront myself as a high school senior with the knowledge and experience that I have now as a sophomore in college, I am certain our conversation would not be an amiable one. Highschool was never exceedingly challenging, I had copious amounts of free time, and my main focus was on running for the track team. I would tell myself that life as I know it is going to change drastically, and soon. I would stress that it is time to finally grow up. Foremost, I would explain that education is no longer free. My parents are doing me an enormous favor by paying for college. It would be extremely disrespectful to waste their money by not putting forth 100 percent effort. Time management will now be crucial with college, work, and a division one track team to balance. Since I am a walk-on for the team, track can no longer come first. School and work are the priorities. I must study in the majority of my free time because it will be exams with the most weight, not all the little assignments. I would welcome myself to the world of independence and positive decision-making.

I have never had the kind of life that an average child would possibly have, but my life as a high school senior was quiet challenging because I lost both of my parents during my senior year . If I could go back in time to advise myself, then I would advise myself to be strong and hopeful, to refuse peer pressure and thus be determined. If I could go back in time to advise myself I would equally advise myself to be more responsible for my actions, because in college you have to take responsibility for the things that you do. In my high school senior year, I was a leader of about three clubs but did not show a good example for my followers, thus I would have advised myself to be more enthusiastic and could have presented myself as a good leader. You, Chisom Ebinama be hopeful, be determined, be more responsible, neglect peer pressure, be strong and whatever you do remember that Education is a key that can unlock somany barriers.

If I could go back and do it over, I would tell myself that the most important part of selecting a college is the quality of the instructors over EVERYTHING else, and that those professors can be found in-state at a reasonable cost. I would also let myself know that if I really wasn't sure what I wanted to study, getting my associates in general studies at a community college and then transferring to a four year college/univesity would be one of the smartest and most economical decisions I could make. By doing so, I would have given myself the opportunity to really figure out what I wanted to do without wasting time, and still be able to get the same prestigious degree as the rest of my peers at a fraction of the cost.

If I were to go back and tell myself that college was this stressful, I would have made a few changes in highschool. I made a lot of different new friends, that I now dont talk to anymore. As a freshman I was always worried about going to college, and I gave myself two choices. One was to become a cheerleader, become more independent, and become a member of several different clubs, (along with having an outstanding gpa) or be apart of a program for high academic students and dedicate my life to just simply school. It may seem important now to have friends, and be popular, but in the end choosing school and dedicating your life to it can help out in the end. I would tell myself to take that amazing opportunity and be apart of that higher academic program, and become a leader of a club. In doing this, it would help me control stress from school along with guiding others into my path.

If I were able to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would have much advice to give. One word of advice would be that do not take college lightly and study harder than you have ever before. Also to join many organizations as possible because it will help you connect with the college and you will be introduced to many different people who can help you when you need it. Another word of advice would be to take advantage of all the opportunities that counselors and mentor?s offer you and become close with all your professors by attending their office hours. By doing so you will make a strong relationship with your professors and be able to ask them for recommendations.

Work hard now to get a strong foundation in all your core subjects. Practice your mathematics skills, read voraciously for that will help you in every subject as well as in your practical life. You will reap what you sow. Every small decision or mistake has far reaching consequences which will impact you and your family as well as your future. True, sometimes you cannot change circumstances but you do not want to end up with regrets. Life can be hard but it can also be forgiving. However, never procrastinate. Carpe diem.

"I wish I knew what I know now/ when I was younger": That lyric surely applies to the beginning of my college experience. The one thing I've realized I can do without now that I couldn't in high school is friends. As a high school student, I spent most of my time talking to friends, whether it be whispering in the back of the classroom while the teacher was explaining the lesson, talking on the phone after school, or hanging out on the weekends. I'm sure there were times when my school work didn't get done until the last minute because I was too busy having fun. As a college student, I put all of my effort into my work, for the sake of my future. When other college students may be out with their friends or at parties, I'm at the library studying or in my room working on homework. I do have friends in my dorm, and I've stayed close to many of my friends from high school, but I'm able to prioritize my time. My work is coming first, and I have the grades (and pride) to show for it.

I would tell myself to be prepared for having to rely on myself more than I ever had to before. In my first year I went to school at UMass Amherst... far from my home in Maryland... because I was eager for that independence and experience and did not think anything of it. That first year was extremely hard for me and depression struck me hard. There were no parents there to monitor whether I was going to classes or not. I had to rely on myself, which was hard to do in the state I was in... emotionally and literally. When all your brain wants you to do is sleep and escape reality, itwould come in handy to have someone like a guardian who can come in your room and make sure you are up. When one is living on campus, though, especially far from anyone who has any responsibility for you, one has to grow up fast - or sink. I sank that first year, grades-wise and health-wise . Then I transferred, I brightened and handled my depression better , and learned self-discipline. I would have told myself to be prepared to act as my own parent.