University of Mississippi Top Questions

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

Lucinda

It was kind of a self analysis, and I found out some feelings I didn't know I had toward the University!

Tyler

One thing that i have gotten out of my college experience is the drive to excel. At the University of Mississippi, there are numerous professors, staff members, and students willing to make sure you succeed as a part of the family. They were always there anytime of the week if i need any help. This was a very big deal to me because i truly felt like a part of one large family who were always supporting me in all my efforts. I must say, it has been valuable to attend the University of Mississippi because the people have sincerely had my best intrests in heart and have always been supportive and helpful. In which all were much needed within my first few months of living on campus.

Morgan

I have learned so much about myself and my life. When I first came to college I thought I knew who i was, but college really opened my eyes. I realized I cared a lot about my education and what I learned everyday. I found out that I can be an outgoing person and make my dreams come true on my own. I learned not to judge people on first impressions and to give everyone a chance. I learned to go for what you want and if you believe you can do it, nothing can stop you. I love college because its making me into a strong young woman who I hope is a good member of the community and will make everyone proud. Its teaching me that trying is the best thing you can do, and I wouldnt give any of this up for the world. College is not just aboout the classes, its about the whole journey!

joecelyn

I've learned that it is possible to really acheive your childhood dreams if you really put your mind to it. Just because something seems too hard to get to, doesn't mean it's not worth trying for it. I've always loved writing scripts since I was a kid. Instead of drawing like other kids, I loved to sit in front of a typewriter or computer, just making up stories in my head. Now I'm really trying to pursue that path of screenplay writing. I am hoping and praying that I can find all the options that are available to me that will help me get to my dreams.

Ashley

My college experience so far has been an adventure in its self! My teachers are amazing and so are my advisors. I have gotten so much out of just my freshman year, I don't even know where to begin. I will say it is very valuable for me to attend this year, my mom is single so we do not have much money. All I can say is thank the Lord for Pell Grants!! That is the only way I could of even thought about going to school, I wouldnt have been able to afford it with out that money.

Sarah

While attending college I have made a few friends, learned some valuable lessons, and grown as a person. I have met people from different cultures who have taught me things I never would have learned otherwise and introduced me to movies, music, books, and even religions that I otherwise would not have been exposed to. I have also met many people whom I have come to love as family that I believe will be lifelong friends. I have learned valuable lessons that will affect everything I say or do in the future. I have learned to be responisble and act accordingly. Finally, I have changed as a person. I have realized that there is more to life than just what I want, and that I am just one part of a huge puzzle. My college experience been valuable as far as education, because I strongly believe that in order to compete in today's work force one must have a college degree, but it has also allowed me to learn and experience things that I am glad I had the opportunity to, that otherwise would not have had if I had chosen not to go.

Alison

I have gotten a wonderful experience of living on my own, meeting new people and enjoying life to the fullest. It is valuable to attend because I have gotten a wonderful education from the university so far and I am looking forward to continuing my education.

Felicia

Besides getting a great education, college helped teach me who I am and how to interact socially with others. From tailgating in the grove to attending sorority and fraternity formals, proper etiquette was instilled in me.

LaReeca

As a kid who grew up in a small community and attended a high school with less than 30 people in my graduating class, college was a wonderful experience that helped open my mind. I appreciated the diversity of my professors and the fact that free-thinking was encouraged.

Valerie

Since I have been attending college I have learned so many things ranging from mathematical equations to proper ways to pronounce Spanish phrases. Aside from everything I have been taught, what I have learned that I consider most valuable are all the life skills I have learned on my own. For example, I have learned that I am in charge of what I take away from a class and I have to learn where to apply it in my life. I have learned that to be successful, I need to give my all. I have to manage my time and be disciplined to earn the grades I want, because unlike grade school, "skating through" is not an option. I have learned that I am a driven, disciplined person. Nothing is given to you when you are an adult. You decide what kind of a mark you will leave on people and in history. My college experience has helped me mold myself into a respectable and accountable person by ways of discipline, intense studies and massive amounts of decisions. I am on my way to becoming the person I know I can be and, become the nurse that someone might need.

Sonya

College has been a benefit to my life it allowed me to realize that there is a lot to accomplish if you want to. Its very valuable to attend college in order to secure your future by having job security, a good job with great pay and a boost in confidence. It has encouraged me to continue long term and complete my goals. It allowed me to prepare for the reality of the real world. I have decided what I am going to major in since I started my associates degree. I would like to major in political science and minor in international business to further my education in law.

Alicia

When I chose to travel down south for college I expected to experience traditions of football and sweet tea. I expected to meet new friends accepting of differences and optimistic of future change. However, to my surprise and disappointment I found steadfast racial tension and prejudice lurking in all four corners. This is not to say that every southern student and professor is a part of my findings; I am simply refering to the dark rain cloud in the distance always present even on the sunniest of days. My eyes were opened to a reality that changed my vision of the world. Throughout my years I gained not only an awareness of the challenges that many still face, but I also acquired an urgency to make a change. I battled uphill for four years in the sake of equality of all races, genders, and differences in humanity. I was inspired by the people who joined in the fight for justice. Through my experiences I realized the impact that one person can make in the lives of others, and for that, I believe my college experience has been not only valuable, but, priceless.

Anna

Study hard and don't give up on your dreams. Visit colleges early on in your college career to decide where you want to go and what you have to complete in order to go to the college of your choice. College is a fun time but you need to get your priorites straight so that you get the job you want. Don't worry about what other people think when you ask questions, questions help you understand the material better. Speak up in class and voice your opinion sometimes you will be surprised to see what other people think of your ideas. Most importantly make lots of friends and stay in touch with them, you never know how helpfull a friend can be in a stressfull situtation. The friends you make in college are the friends you will have for the rest of your life, you can never have too many friends.

Jeremy

I have learned how important it is to be self-disciplined and to work ahead because procrastination can hurt you. I have also learned how to work as a team to complete tasks and not be timid to ask for help.

Karina

If I could talk myself as a high school senior I would tell her that when she goes to college she should not sweat the small stuff. When I first started classes I found myself freaking out over the tiniest things. If I didn?t understand a part of my homework I would spend all my time worrying about if I did the work correctly, rather than simply talking to the professor for help. There were days when I would worry that I would be late for my classes, so I would leave twenty minutes early for what was only a five minute walk to the classroom. The stress from all these little problems started to add up, taking a toll on my health. If I had calmed down and rationalized these issues I would have been able to use my time more productively, causing my grades to improve, along with my health.

Chelsea

My advice is to open your mind and heart to the variuos types of people out in the world. Don't be too shy to ask questions or give opinions. It is really not necessary to worry about insignificant things like "matching dorm room decor" or worrying about what your towels look like! People are going to like you for you- not for anything else, but for who you are as a person and what you have to offer. If you be a good friend to others, you will get good friends. Don't be so caught up in the partying, that you lose sight of what is really important-your academics. After all, that is the underlying reason you go to college. You hope to come out with the ability to make something of yourself. The experiences you gain along the way are invaluable.

Latoshia

Going to college was the best decision I made but if I had been better prepared I would be a better student. If I were a senior in high school, things I would consider during my transition to college are to have a better support system, apply for more scholarships instead of loans, and expect more studying and homework. In my senior year I only had a few classes so the college work load was overwhelming. I should have gotten my books early and started reading ahead so I would be prepared. Being in foster care was also a disadvantage while transitioning to college. Having a good support system is crucial with the decisions about what college to attend, what financial aid options are available, and just emotional support when things get stressful. I now know that I should have reached out to more family and friends for help. Financial aid was major when considering which college to attend. I attended twelve schools by the time I was a senior, so local scholarships were denied because of restrictions and I had to get loans. I should have applied for more federal scholarships or ones that required essays.

Tanna

Roommates can make or break the way you experience life outside the classroom, so be absolutely sure you're comfortable with who you're living with. Also, learn to like cereal if you're living on campus, because there is always cereal at the dining hall.

Ryla

If I could go back in time, I would be more active and more outgoing as a freshman. I am a very shy person and in order to get out of that, I should have been in more organizations as a freshman. I would also follow my dream in trying out to play basketball. Now I just think it's too late for me to try out because I believe I'm out of shape or not good enough.

Angel

College is a time of discovery, discovery which is encompassingly social, intellectual, and painful.; this has been my experience over the past four years, and I've enjoyed both the insightful revelations that have come along with it and suffered the consequences of not knowing what to expect. Had I been approached in high school by a slightly older doppelganger, made haggard by the stink of Camels and the stress of research and literary analysis, I would have been shocked and terrified at my future prospects and demanded the ratchet standing before me to detail the collegial path she had taken so that I could pursue another one. I, in my current incarnation, would happily oblige and offer the following advice: Take it as easy as responsibly possible. That is, in specific terms, six courses per semester is too much; a hermit-style social life is too limited. Embrace the college experience, because although college in itself is an educational and intellectual grooming measure, it is first and foremost a valuable experience. I would warn my younger self of the pitfalls of not preparing to accept and enjoy the experience: insurmountable pressure and the stigma of smoking too many Camels.

Charlissa

Since I graduated from high school I have had a rough begining to college life. My social and personal life has built itself to be dusty, and my brain has worked so hard. Stress from test and even obtaining books to study has almost worn me out. I keep going because I want to make something of myself. Every once in a while I just need a little push. If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to stay strong. With those words I would be pulled to go further. I have family and some friends to encourage me to go on, but sometimes I need to push myself. College life isn't easy at first. I should stay strong and go through until it is.

Scott

The most important thing to realize when you are picking a college and deciding what to study there is to acknowledge what you are interested in, what you are good at, and how much time you will realistically commit to your studies. If you want to be a doctor or a chemical engineer but you can't commit many hours to your studies you shouldn't do it. If you really want to succeed in those fields you have to realize that it takes a lot of work in college. Realize that if you were not good at a subject in High School, you probably won't be really good at in college either. Decide to study something that you are interested in, even if your parents wish you would choose something "practical". If you want to major in English because you like it, you'll do well. If your parents want you to major in Biology and you hate it, they are going to wish they had given you different advice when you get your grades back after Freshman year and your lack of interest is reflected. Pick a school and a major where you can succeed.

William

If I could go back into time and talk to myself as I senior in high school, I would definitely tell 'young William' to save some money! People have always told me about the cost of attending and living at college, but I never realized it until I experienced it first hand. From meals to gas (and everything in between), it can get pretty expensive when you can not run home to mom for a hot, fresh, not to mention FREE meal. One has to really adopt a sixth sense for managing money while attending college. If you spend too much on one thing, then you will definitely notice it later and have to cut back on something else. Similarly, I would tell myself to go job hunting EARLY for some extra cash because the open postions fill up fairly quickly. Nevertheless, college is still a preparatory step into the real world. Therefore, being introduced to semi-independent circumstances is necessary for overall growth and responsibility. This being said, I appreciate all those broke days as a college freshman. They taught me a lot and provided me with skills for survival that I will surely need as an adult.

Sarah

If I had the ability to give myself advice when I was a senior in high school about college life and making the transition, I would start off by telling myself about the amazing opportunities and awesome people I am going to meet, so not to be nervous even though I am going to be so far from home--Ole Miss will become my home away from home and my friends will become family. I would also remind myself that the reason I am going to college is to further my education, so make sure I attend class and realize that each class is an opportunity to expand my knowledge. The another piece of advice I would give myself would be not to be afraid of having my point of view challenged in or out of the classroom; it will only deepen my principles and my reasoning for the beliefs. Last, I would tell myself that these will be some of the best years of my life, so try new things, go new places, meet new people, and take everything in stride.

Patricia

The advice I would give myself is that it isn't going to be as hard as you think . When I left for college I was an overly shy person who was terrified that I would get to college and I would be totally alone, that no one would like me. This fears seemed particularly justified because I am a West Coast kid and the college I attend is in the South. Especially that first semester, I did keep to myself, though a few brave souls bowled right on past the barriers I set up. Nevertheless what I learn more and more of with each passing semester is that no matter where you are, you will find or trip over or be found by people like yourself. And the best advice I can give is something of a cliche: be yourself. There will be people who don't like you. I've short hair, which is very odd in the South, and there are people who make judgements about me and dislike me because of it. But there will always be those people who look at you and see something of themselves. Those are the ones to keep.

VINCENT

The first thing I would tell myself would be to know your priorities. Know your reason for being in college. I would tell myself to be ready for the huge workload, along with a strain on your social life. I would definately tell myself to stay away from certain people and certain things because they will only knock you off your path to getting your degree. Don't try to befriend everybody, only try to make a couple of good friends and stick them.

Requel

I will give you my list of what to look for in a school with 1 being very important: 1 Affordability, 2 Does it have my major, 3 How does the school rank in my major, 4 How far is it from home. Once those schools are narrowed down, pick your top 3 or 5 and take a visit to look for: 1 The type of enviroment i would be in, 2 how comfortable did i feel about the school, 3 the success/graduation rate, 4 how quickly are students offered jobs after graduation, 5 what are other students saying about the school's academics, 6 Social Life, 7 dorms, & 8 can i have a car on campus.

Charles

When trying to find the right college to attend there are numerous factors that one needs to pay attention to. Accademics being the main factor. A university needs to have what one is looking for in a major and wheter their accademics are up to ones standards. The atmosphere around the university is the next factor. A person needs to look at the univeristy and see if it feels right to them. One needs to visit each university they are thinking about attending. Do the students there remind them of themselves? Is the atmosphere exciting, does it make one want to acchieve to their greatest potential? If a university has the atmosphere one is looking for, then that person will feel it. They will sense that it is like a second home. For an upcoming freshman to gain the most out of their college experience, choosing the right univeristy is the most important step. Once you have chosen the right university it is easier for everything to fall into place. An upcoming freshman just needs to be themself and let their heart guide them through the wonderful experience that is college.

Lauren

Make sure the student takes college visits at multiple schools so that he or she can balance out different schools and find the school that fits their needs best. Also, make sure he or she has an idea of a major to find a school that offers that major and has a good school that will properly educate the student in that field of study.

Camille

In choosing a college, be sure to visit several schools which are different in size, student demographics, location, etc. While visiting, be sure to note what goes on outside of the classroom as a student generally only spends 16 hours a semester in class. After choosing a school and then arriving at said school, make every opportunity to meet new people as possible. Attend sporting events, concerts, poetry readings, club meetings, parties because you never know where you'll meet your new best friend whether it be on an intermural field or at a rally on campus.

Robin

Choose based on what YOU want. Take the opinions of your friends, family, and advisors because they know you and have invested time and interest in you, but only you can make the choice. Be sure to find a school that offers the courses and programs you are interested in, but your choice cannot be purely based on academics. You HAVE to find a school with the support you need both academically and socially. Most of all you have to be comfortable. You have to find an environment that will enable you to push yourself and your limits without feeling too much pressure. It's all about finding a balance.

Megan

College is a place where a student is able to do whatever he/she desires. Independence and personal responsibility are expected. Nonetheless, each decision you make is your own. Do not hesitate during college, dive right in. College is such an unique life experience. Where else are you able to meet so many people and study so many different things. Have fun. Enjoy yourself, but do not forget that learning is your key priority.

April

My advice to high school students would be to find a college that best fits your personality. The college needs to reflect your personal study habits, future goals, and beliefs in your life. I almost wasted my first year of college because I wanted to be perfect in my academics. It took me a semester to realize that I could have a social life and still make excellent grades. My advice is to manage your time wisely before your college experience passes you by. The right college is out there, it's just the matter of finding that special connection with the campus.

Kimberly

College is one of the most important times of your life. You need to make it count. Don't consider a school just because it would "look good" on your resume. Think about the whole picture - academics, socialization, extracurriculars, the community. All of these factors and more go into your college experience. Sometimes, the fancy school doesn't turn out exactly as you pictured. Don't sell a public school short just because you have images of that private-school lifestyle. And once you find a school that you like, stick with it. Find every scholarship and financial aid opportunity that you can, and don't be afraid to dig a bit deeper. Sometimes the best opportunities just require a little extra effort. Most of all, figure out what it is that you enjoy. I ended up hating my original major, but I loved one of my electives, and I changed my focus because of this. Above all, college is a chance to find out who you really want to be. Go into it with an open mind, and be open to ways in which it can change your life - for the better!

Chris

Parents, remember, this is your child's college experience, let them be who they want to be and do what they want to do. And don't be shocked if they come back how with different colored hair, it's normal. Students, keep yourself active but always put your school work first. Social life is important but if you are unable to do well in school, everything takes a hit. You're here to both learn, grow up, and have fun. Never take your eyes off of your goals.

Jasmine

My advice to all parents and students on finding the right college would be to go where you feel comfortable and are able to afford it. Visit the campus if you can or talk to a representative about a virtual tour so that you can get a feel for how college life will be like. You can also talk to some people you might know about the campus and get their opinion about your school of choice. However, do not follow everything they might say about the college, especially if they don?t like the college of choice. You are going to college for your own education not someone else's. Just make sure that while you are in school, you schedule your time wisely to ensure that your college life a good one.

Price

The first bit of advice i would tell an upcoming freshman would be to step outside your 18 year old body and try to look ahead six years. Ask yourself what path you want your lif e to be headed down and attempt to choose an educational route that would best lead you down that path you see for yourself. And don't hesitate to choose a lofty path, the only thing that will slow you down is you. Be confident and go for it! Parents be the boost your kids need to get to their higher education, and once they are there do everything you can to guide them, but don't decide anything for them. Let them take the responsibilty upon themselves and they will grow as an individual. Also, i would urge all parents to be patient and tolisten to their children with an open mind.

Lauren

Make sure the child takes part in college visits to make sure that school is the right school for them. Help children to find an area of interest and find schools based on that information as well as what they expect from their school.

Erika

Make sure you are comfortable with your decision. Do not try to follow a friend because you will not get anything accomplished. Make your own decisions and make sure you will be able to do your work and not be bothered by different distractions

Sarah

You need to know what your goals are and what college offers the best opportunity in that field. Don't limit yourself to a place that is close to home or that your parents attended. Let it be about the student and what they hope to accomplish during college and after.

Anita

I would tell parents and/or students to check out as many colleges as possible. Go visit the campuses on campus days, tour the facilites such as the libraries, the bookstores, and other places of interest on the campuses. I would also encourage them to ask questions, such as about financial aid, student-teacher ratios in classrooms, and about office hours for instructors. For the studenst, I would encourage them to find out about the different clubs and organizations that are on campus. I would not reccommend joining one the first semester because you want to get a feel for the campus and get into the swing of things. Joining clubs and organizations allow you to meet new and intersting people and possible forge friendships that will last a lifetime beyond their your college years. Most importantly, choose the college that best suit your needs all around. Make sure that the school has what you want academically, socially, and community wise. If you do this, then you are sure to have success in your college experience.

Ryla

Find a college that best fits the student's personality and academic needs. The student should go to college where he or she thinks that is best for them academically, but also where they will fit in and have fun also.

Evan

Do not choose a college for anyone but yourself. I made that mistake and regret it every day. I decided to suck it up and only have 42 hours left. Don't let anyone but yourself tell you who you are.

William

I would like to keep it simple as possible and speak from experience. When it comes to choosing the school that is best for you, one should do as much research as possible and seek advice from people who know everything there is to know about that school. For example, I am the type of person who likes to be known by my first and last name. The majority of large schools with greater than 20,000 students have a tendency to associate one by his or her social security number. I feel that staying involved with extracurricular activites, studying, meeting people with common interests, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are all key elements in making the most out of his or her college experience. In my opinion, those who try their hardest and perform well in school will nine out of ten times have a positive outlook (experience) on where it is he or she attends school. On the other hand, those who do not take school serious and have a difficult time making it to class or keeping his or her grades up will, the majority of the time, have a negative outlook. DO THE BEST YOU CAN!

Damon

It's important to apply to several schools and visit the campus. The general feel one gets from a campus will affect one's mood the entire time one attends that campus so it is important to enjoy being on one's campus. Also, be sure the department one is interested is accredited and well funded. Speak to the faculty and you will find if they care about the students. Talk to students in the department besides the ambassadors to gain an understanding of how the students feel about it. One needs to speak to the financial aid department as well of course. If the staff at the financial aid department is helpful it will greatly ease the stress of finding and receiving loans and scholarships. Finally, look at the availability of jobs in the area for college students to be sure if one needs a job one can get one.

Jenna

I advise that they do alot of research about what programs the school has to offer as well as extra curricular activities. It is a good idea to see the school in person if possible before deciding on which school to attend. You should go to school with an open mind ready to expand knowledge and experience. You should do research and take full advantage of everything the school has to offer. Most things a college has to offer are things that you cannot get ahold of outside of attending college.

Bridgette

I would tell anyone when trying to find the right school to weigh all their options, check out the schools and the programs they wish to pursue and then choose whatever their hearts tell them.

Jerri

When going to choose a college, always pick about three different schools, and go visit them. Decide which one after you've visited all three, and if you still don't know, then look at a few different places. Going to college out of state is almost always more expensive than choosing a college that is in your home state. Just be sure that if you must go out of state, that you try to get scholarships and a job. Living expenses are rather high when one lives near the college, or on campus, but if you can, live right on the outskirts of the town in which your college is located. The most important thing when choosing a college is making sure that the program you are interested in is available and has a good reputation with that school.

Patricia

Really research the school before you select. Use sites like collegeboard.com and other rescources. Apply to as many colleges as you can, at least the very least five. Remember that often you can reuse college application essays with a few modification.

Brooke

The college experience incorporates more than just a higher education, its an extension of oneself academically, socially, and culturally into what I feel is a new, second home. If one of these areas is lacking while in the decision process, it just isn't the institution for you. For those parents and students looking to find the right college, I encourage you to explore and visit all you can. You cant base a decision off of a single visit or off what others tell you is best. You, the student, needs to see and feel for yourself what its like to be there and exist asa student with that university. This is a decision that will continue and hopefully enrich your life beyond the high school experience. Your schoolwork, cultural affairs, social life, love life, everything is incorporated into college and only the best and most well-informed decision will do. My biggest piece of advice is to explore. Explore yourself and your wants and needs, your opportunities and choices, and the institutions and careers that when all combined create the ultimate college experience, in all, the ultimate you. The decision is yours, make the best of it.