University of Nebraska-Lincoln Top Questions

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

Jen

I would tell myself to find something that I feel passionate about. I went through school without ever really finding my place. I went through the routine of graduating only to feel lost in college and not knowing where to do. I took math, science, English, but I never found something that really challenged me that I also loved. I love learning, I always did but it took finding the right profession and major and now I enjoy learning about my field. It challenges me, motivates me, and excites me in a way I never experienced in high school. I was passionate about singing in high school. I loved the way my voice contributed to something beautiful, dynamic, and larger than me and how I could feel so connected and yet lost in that sea of voices. I never felt that passion for a class. But this was only because I had not found my nook in life. I would tell myself to hold onto what I love I would find something that would make me happy, something that would challenge me, and something that I believe will keep me this way for the rest of my life.

Audrey

I would tell myself to be open to everything. College is a big anventure and an even bigger change. Being on your own, you have to take care of yourself. Ignore any negative energy or activity and be yourself. You will meet plenty of people if you just be yourself. And those become the good friends that stick by you and become lifelong fixtures in your life.

Zach

If I could go back in time and give advice to myself as a senior, I would really accentuate how important it is to develop good study habits early on in your college career. In my first semester, I struggled through a few of my tougher classes because I didn't take enough time to study the material. I would also tell myself that college classes are much different than high school classes, and that it is important to treat them differently. In college, you're presented with many new ideas and it's important to keep an open mind about everything you're presented with. This concept is doubly important at a big university like UNL, because there are many people from diverse backgrounds who think very differently from each other, and it is important to respect their beliefs and ideologies while learning from the little differences.

Adam

I feel that I could've tried harder to apply for more scholarships since my parents' income level did not reflect a financial aid need. School is truly expensive since all of the loans are in my name. I still to this day wish I would've spent more time applying for aid and scholarships.

Timothy

Study study study! You can't just hope for a good grade after paying attention in class, like it high school.

Maurice

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a highschool senior I would simply tell myself that there are more important things in life than a lot of the things you are stressing over. I would tell myself to take a step back, take a deep breath, and look at the entire picture so that I could do what I need to do to ensure my own success. During my senior year, I was going through a rough depression, on the verge of a complete emotional breakdown. Thinking back on it now though, it would of meant the world to me for someone who understood my problems to sit down and just say that everything will be fine. So I guess that is what I'd tell myself. Stop worrying, stop beating yourself up, focus on what's truly important and everything will be fine!

Nhi

I would tell them that college is a great place to learn about yourself. You are able to grow and do things you didn't know you were capable of doing. You are able to meet so many people who are different than you and you are able to incorporate their culture into yours. Get to know your professors and come to them when you don't understand things, they will always help you out no matter what! Get involved! Getting involved is a great way to meet other people and help out the community. Carry a planner! It helps you plan your day and helps you remember what assignments you have and when they are due so that you are on top of things when it comes to exams and quizzes.

Jessica

I would tell myself that college is completely different from high school. It's more relaxed and is a time to have fun Be myself and to work and study hard because it is all worthit. But I would also have totell myself that money is important and keeing track ofth money and spending smarter is the way to be successful. Also not to worry about high school friends. They are going through the same thing and as it ends up, you make more friends in college that will be friends for life.

Megan

Try new things. Even if they sound nerdy or obscure go to the information meeting. If anything you'll meet new people, which is a HUGE part of college life. When touring at a college, take into consideration how students interact with each other. This will give you a great feel for the campus culture.

Nicole

When one is deciding which college is right for him, there are a few aspects he should keep in mind. These aspects include cost, the quality of education desired, and potential clubs, teams, and organization. One must be sure he can afford the school. If he is not able to afford it, he should look into finacial aid opportunities. If one would like a high quality of education, he should research on the prospective career opportunities after graduating from that particular school. Some people are involved in sports, clubs, or organizations in high school. If they want to continue their enrollment in clubs similar to those participated in in highschool, clubs and organizations are a good thing to look into. To make the most of a college experience, one must find the perfect balance between classwork and social aspect of college life. Both of these aspects make for the best college experience.

Ali

The best advice I could give is that this is the time to think about yourself and where you see yourself. Don't go to the college where all your highschool friends are going just because you're afraid of not knowing anyone. You'll meet new people at any school you go to, the important thing to focus on is whether the atmosphere and academics fits you.

Sarah

make sure that you check into the program and see what they have to offer and what they can help you with. dont just pick a school becasue that is where you want to go or where your friends are going, pick what is best for you.

Ryan

Most students want to get away from where they grew up. They want to get away from their family and the same boring town they have always lived in, but not me. Sure I hope to travel the United States and maybe even the world someday, but there is no place I'd rather be, there truly is no place like Nebraska. I'd say to the parents and students out there trying to find the right college that even a public university in your home town can be just as good if not better for you than moving many miles away. I'd also say make the most of your time in college. Attend football games, attend basketball games, meet new people. Have fun, lots of fun, and yet work hard and chase your goals. College is the time between growing up and being an adult. Have fun, don't let these days pass you by.

Allison

Research. Find a handful of colleges or universities that you really like. Then, talk to them. If you know what you want to major in, then talk to a professor from that area. See if you could maybe sit in a class and experience the classroom. And, also research within yourself. Find out if you want a big college experience, or if a smaller college is right for you. Do you want to live on campus where you can meet people and be more involved with the social life on campus, or would you rather live at home and save money where you can have more studying time. Just know what you want, and in what environment you can learn and grow best and then find that college. It shouldn't be about which college has the best reputation but about how you can build on yourself and grow to have your own great professional/career reputation.

Blake

The best advice I can give to parents and students is to take as much time as possible to visit any schools of interest. You may find out that the school you had in mind is nothing like you imagined and may stumble across a hidden gem of a school just by chance. Also, apply to as many schools as you can because you never know what kind of scholarships that school may offer you. I applied to my number one school even though it was out of my price range and ended up qualifying for one of their best scholarships. Make sure to look into both the academic and social aspects of the school as well. Just because you find the academics to be outstanding does not mean that you will enjoy your time there.

Marc

Make sure you go and visit each school you think you might apply to. The school that feels the best to you will come when you are in the area instead of just looking at pictures. Don't rush your decision because it is one of the most important choices you will make in your life. To make the most out of your college experience, make sure you meet people right away and also to get involved in your school and take your studies seriously.

Summer

The advice I would give to parents would be to let your child go where they really want to. Even if the college is a little out of your financial league. If you let your child go to the college they are passionate about then they will put in 100 percent instead of sixty. Advice for oncoming students on finding the right college would be to really look for things you can put up with for four years. Do you want to go to a big university where you will meet tons of new friends and expert professors in exchange for the giant, overwhelming campus? Or, would you prefer a smaller college where it might be easier for you to focus better. Either way parents and their childern should sit down and really take into consideration where they really want to go. Also, look into schools with majors you're interested in, because some schools have better business majors, or medical, etc. I personally love the college I am attending but it is a little pricey for just me and my mom, but I'm hoping it will pay off when I am finished.

Abigail

Visit the schools and go with your first impressions.

Katherine

Don't waste money and time by applying to too many schools. Narrow it down to 2 or 3 choices, and put all your effort into getting scholarships for those schools. Don't be afraid to visit campus. The right school should accommodate your entire person, not just your field of study. Be aware of factors like school size, campus setting, and general climate. The secret to making the most out of college is BALANCE. College isn't meant to be a 24/7 party, but it shouldn't be four years of incessant studying, either. Be responsible about your health; don't think that you can live off french fries and four hours of sleep a night. Join some extracurricular clubs and sports. This will help you make friends, find a niche, and gain valuable resume material. Remember: obtaining your independence is just as important as obtaining your degree. Have fun!

Ryan

College is a major time in ones life, when it comes to choosing a school they should look at what all the school has to offer, not just what the school pushs out as the highlight points. If the family feels they may need financial aid they should start early looking for scholarships and other ways to recieve school funds. They should also not assume that good High School grades mean scholarships and financial aid in the future, becuase I witnessed that first hand when I was not awarded University based scholarships.

Jenna

It is a good idea to know what you want to do, but sometimes college changes you which offers a different way of life.

Anita

Visit the campus and attempt, in some way, to meet students other than the ones giving tours. Universities strategically make the campus seem wonderful during the tour and it could be the complete opposite. The best way to get to know what the school is like is to know someone who attends. Facebook may be a good tool to meeting people from the school and seeing what they do in the photos they have.

Blair

The college choice is the quintessential life-changing decision. Choose the wrong one, you've just wasted a lot of money and a lot of time. It's stressful, but I think the key is to familiarize yourself with a school before deciding on one. A school you may have heard about may seem fantastic on paper, but the moment you arrive it may turn out to be your worst collegiate nightmare. To avoid this, start with a visit. Check out buildings, classrooms, anywhere you might go, and most importantly, the residences. Nothing can ruin college like a bad dormitory. Also visit the surrounding neighborhood. Find places you like to go, restaurants, theaters, shops, clubs, etc. and make a note of them, they are the perfect escape. If it's possible, try to establish a connection with someone who can help you throughout your college career. In my case, it was the Honors Program Academic Advisor. She was there to help me during my applications, during the school year, and whenever I need help. When picking a school, remember, it's much more than just student-professor ratios and number of Rhodes scholars produced, it's about you.

Ryan

Listen to your child about those things in the educational system that are important to your student and then help your student match their needs to the academic setting.

Peter

Research your choices thouroughly.

Allison

from my experience it would have helped me to firmly decide on what my career path would be, this would ensure im selecting schools that have a strong committment to excellence in that particular area, because I had to change schools once I had made up my mind, I feel I missed out on the "freshmen" bonding that goes on. Live in the doorms-they certainly aren't good housing, but if you don't you will miss out on the opportunity to make a network of new friends. Parents: let your kid go-don't pay for everything, make them get a job and be responsible. Don't do thier laundry or give them credit cards to use for expenses, let them grow up.

Luressa

know what you are offered at each place you look, and think about what you need. try not to be constrained by the cant's and remember that there is a way around everything, so pick what you need and want, not what you have to.

Taylor

Visit the campus! Sit down and make a list of priorities, then when you go and visit the campus check off if the school has what your looking for or not. There is no real way to get a feel for thee school unless you go visit it. My family didn't have a lot of money to visit all the schools I applied to, but I did online research and narrowed down the three schools I really did want to go and we visited those. I also visited a local university that I knew I did not want to go to just so I'd have something to compare the others with. Which ever school you can imagine yourself walking around every day is the school for you.

Scout

I would tell potential college students to really consider their needs and desires in a school before making a decision. Students should first make a wishlist of everything they want in a school. They can then use this list to determine which school best fits them. I would also tell a student to make a decision based on themselves rather than the decisions their friends make. In order to make the most of their college experience, I would tell a student to try new things! College is the last opportunity many individuals will have to play a new sport or discover a new hobby. I would encourage students to step out of their comfort zones as much as possible. I would tell a student to get involved with new activities to help them meet new people. I would encourage students to get out of their dorm rooms and experience everything their college has to offer. After all, the college experience doesn't last forever!

Michael

Visit the campus and don't base your search on one program of study. The student will change their mind!

Frank

Make sure you know of all of the costs of going to a university and plan accordingly and financially. Make good friends that follow your interests. And get a diverse education, all those extra classes will help you in the long run.

Chelsey

I would suggest the student evaluate how much work they intend to do in college before choosing a program of study or even the university.

Michael

I would strongly recommend that students and their parents go on college visits to Universities that clearly are of different sizes and seem to offer different experiences. Even one day at a campus can form a connection with the student which shows them that this is the University for them. Also, don't simply follow your friends to a college. What might be right for them, won't necessarily be the best for you. College is a time to begin making your own path and while the experience can be challenging at first, what you gain from your University will certainly be worth the initial struggle.

Michela

I believe that finding the right college depends upon following the dreams of the future student. This prospective student should never settle for a location where they are unhappy, or a school that they know would never feel like a home away from home. Searching for activities that the student would be interested in joining on campus is another way to find the best college. Becoming involved on campus is the best way of meeting new people and consequently, having a great college experience. Even if a person becomes dissatisified with their college choice, their extracurricular activities can make college life better.

Dana

I would tell someone who is trying to choose the right college to make sure it is a place where they are going to be comfortable in whatever is most important to them; whether that means in academics, friends, location or something else. For me, the most important consideration was size and location. I based my choice on this instead of picking a school that other people might have selected for me. If you choose the college based on what's important to you and take that responsibility upon yourself, good things are likely to result. Because you have decided who your fellow students are going to be, you will be more likely to feel open and friendly to them. You will also be more willing to take your schoolwork seriously, instead of feeling like it has been forced on you by someone else. Finally, you will probably already be aware of at least some of the activities open for your participation because you have been looking forward to your time there. This means that throughout your college experience, you will be making the most of all of the opportunities around you because you are where you want to be.

Brooke

Make a pro and con list for all the colleges you are seriously considering. Make sure to consider how known the school is for partying and if you can avoid that enough to study like you need to in order to succeed. Also consider how far from home the school is and how easy it would be for you to be with your family when they need you to be there for them. You think you just want to run away from home at this point, but you need to consider how different college is going to be and how much support you will need from home. Good luck!

Deborah

I would say first of all go to a college that is where you want to live for the next 4 years. If the student is very close to family then chose a place closer to home so that homesickness doesnt become a big issue. I would also say that dont go to a place because other people want you to go there because they arent the ones in your shoes that will have to deal with the university for the next 4+ years. Go to a place where they offer a great program for your intended major and if you dont have one, chose a colelge that has a great advising team.

Stacey

If you live in the residence halls take advantage of your RA or Hall Director. They know about the programs and personnel on campus that can get you involved with what you are really interested in. If you don't know where to start... ask. Also, don't let the financial aid or advising departments ignore you. You, as a student, are their business and they need to make time for you no matter the circumstance. They should be helpful and caring, if they aren't voice that to the department.

Nicolette

I suggest that when touring colleges just go with your heart and which college feels the most comfortable for you. Also I suggest the students participate in as many on campus activities as possible, this is the best way to meet your lifelong friends and not feel so new to the college.

Emily

The most important thing to remember when choosing a college is, "Am I comfortable here?" Do you feel safe? Do you see yourself having fun? If you can honestly say that you would brag about going to that school, then you'll be set. Don't feel too much pressure! Selecting a college can be fun. And attending college is even more fun.

Alyx

Don't ever let someone tell you where to go to school. You are the one who knows you best. Go on plenty of college visits, and choose the college that you feel is best for YOU. When you find that college, everything will just click, and you will know that it's the place for you. Everything may seem overwhelming at first, especially at a major university. If you're from out of state, live in the dorms your freshman year - you'll meet more people that way. Get football season tickets, you'll regret it if you don't. If your professors have office hours, stop by once in a while and chat with them, they like that. Don't wait till the last minute to write a 12 page paper, the professor will know. Be yourself and don't try to impress other people - it makes you look like a goof. If your school offers intramural sports, participate. It's a great way to make new friends. Just make sure to get out there and get involved, because college is the best four years (or more) of your life; make the best of it.

Allyson

It is not all about what the other students are doing, or choosing. It is about the right fit for you. Every campus you visit do not think about your high school, think about where you would want to see yourself for the next four years. Also ask what the school can do for you, your giving your money, what are you going to get out of it besides an education! Do not be afraid to look out of state, it is not always more expensive and it wil be the only time in a students life that you can try something new without having to worry about transfering your job and anything like that if you do not like it! Be exciting and try something you think you will like, you can always transfer home. Parents, be supportive of your childrens choice even if you think it might not be a good choice. They are only to go to college once so be supportive because you are not the one going to college!

Kristen

Finding an affordable price for the best classes and extracurricular activities available.

Jamison

The adjustment from high school to college is both exciting and scary. It can be especially hard to determine as an undergraduate what career path to take. The best thing to do in determining a school and major is to be comfortable and flexible about your decisions. When choosing a school, go on campus tours and pick the school that feels right. Don?t let distance or cost be the ultimate deciding factors. Do what makes you happy. Remember too that you can always transfer schools if your first pick wasn?t what you expected. When choosing a major, select a field that best describes you. College is the time when you can do whatever you want to do; just be happy with your choice. If you have no idea what you want to study, just take general studies courses until you decide. There should be no pressure in determining a major. College is the beginning of the rest of your life. It can seem scary but it is most definitely exciting. Take things slow if need be. Be open-minded with your options and most importantly be happy with your decisions.

Nicole

I would suggest to take the time to get to know as much as you can about the school. Take tours of the campus, sit in on classes, talk to professors, and get to know some students if possible. The best feeling is going the first day fully prepared and knowing what to expect. Also, if a student is comfortable with the facilities and staff, they will be able to fully concentrate on their education. It is important to take the uneasyness and unknowing out of the equation, and it is truly important to enjoy your exoeriences.

Sarah

Start by looking at a variety of schools, ranging from community 2 year schools to 4 year universities or colleges. Don't just look at the campus but look at the cost, the financial aid offered, the sizes of classes, and the community around the college. FInd something that fits you/your child the best. Do not send applications to just one school, either. Keep your options open! It is important to make the best of your college experience. Be serious about your classes, but don't go overboard. You have to relax and have some fun sometimes, too, or you may loose your mind. If you get too serious about school, it will seem to take forever and will not be as enjoyable. However, do not party too much or make that your way of life. Too much partying and not caring can lead you to failing grades and possible expulsion. Find the right combination of studying and having fun and you will succeed with flying colors!

Kate

Go where you feel at home and that you can thrive. Find somewhere you fit and are comfortable! And make sure the university has what you want to do, or enough choices if you don't know yet.

Daniel

Dont censor your self because of fear of other's reaction. Never apologize for a part of who you are. Keep in mind that if you are the exact same person you were last week you have learned nothing. Life is change, there is nothing wrong with change as long as you are not allowing others to make your choices for you.

Janna

talk to your guidance counselor, its their job to help you know/find stuff. VIST LOTS OF DIFFERENT SCHOOLS. budget your money

Lindsey

Go visit your schools of choice, multiple times if needed. Talk to as many people at the school and in your areas of interest as you can. Talk to an advisor and a financial advisor. Look into groups on campus in areas you are interested in. Visit as many of the dorms as you can so you have an idea of where you want to live when it comes time to apply for housing.