University of Nebraska-Lincoln Top Questions

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

Tim

Look for collagees that best suit you

Sarah

follow you gut and heat.

Broderick

Visit and make sure you know you like it before making your decision,

Cammie

I believe it is important to understand yourself and the lifestyle that you desire, that makes you happy, to find the right college. If you are a very social person and are open to meeting a variety of people and learning different cultures, a large college many be right for you, as then you will intermix and get involved the various activities. But if you like smaller groups of people you know personally on a day to day basis, a small college would better suit you. There is no right answer for any two people. What is inmportant though is to always try to make the large community a small community, by joining group, or finding an area you will get involved in. Regardless of the size of the school, we all want to have friends and be with people who have common interests. We need to know there are freinds we can trust, study with, and share our life with, lonliness in college sets a person up for failure. Think about who you are, what you desire, and just start looking at colleges. Then when you deceide, get involved and enjoy the best years of your life.

Kelli

I would tell parents to support their children and let them select where they want to go to school. I would also encourage students to be there for their children whenever they need them; many students get caught up in the college-lifestyle and forget about home for the first bit of time when being on their own. At some point, most students are hit with homesickness and just need love. I would tell students to go on as many college visits as possible, and check out every school you have any interest in attending. Most importantly, make the most of your time in college; do not get tied down and miss out on all the wonderful opportunities available. Get out. Make friends. Live the life you love.

Emily

The most important thing to remember is that picking a college is very hard and should be taken very seriously and not done quickly. Take a campus tour! It's really the best way for you to get a 'feel' of the campus and to see if this really is the place for you. Get involved as soon as you can! This not only looks good on your resume but it also gives you a chance to meet all kinds of people on campus. Don't get too stressed out on school. Although this is what we're here for, make sure to take time out to make new friends and to make life-long friends and memories. Have fun, study hard and become the best you can be!

Nathan

Would strongly reccommend weighing all your school options, talk with current students about their expirience, visit the city/town for a few days to get a feel for what the city/town is like. Additionally, it is important to evaluate the services the university has to offer you.

Katie

Take the time to go on a campus visit and actually talk with students, not just your tour guide. Research the different classes, majors, extracurricular activities, and organizations before choosing a college.

Ryan

Really study the campus to find out what it truly has to offer. Dont choose a campus because of everyone else, choose a school that your interested in, and want to go to. Parents should support their children in the decision they make, while providing a more adult perspective. My parents really helped me in choosing a school that was right for me, and I really thank them for that. It was a big decision to choose Nebraska, and move here from Florida. So all in all, make sure its the right place for you.

Cassandra

The most important thing for students and parents to do would be to go on a campus tour of possible school choices. On the tour talk to students about what they like and dislike about the school, professors, and facilities on/off campus. Another thing to remember when looking for the right school for you is look at class/campus sizes and compare with what kind of learning environment you need to learn best. In order to make the most of a college experience, I would recommend that students get involved as much as possible, without giving up on academic responsibilities. It is important to get out and socialize with friends, but remember to be responsible. I would recommend that students stay in a dorm for the first year of college, to increase the interaction between themselves and other college students who are in the same situation. Getting involved in hall government is also a great way to make your college experience more exciting and worthwhile. Government allows for students not only to get involved with campus activities, but also allows for students to make changes to their campus. The key to a great college experience is getting involved.

Lindsey

Make sure the college offers a variety of extra curricular activities if you are interested in meeting others and being involved.

Sammi

Find a place where you are comfortable. Visiting the campus is of utmost importance in order to learn about the campus climate first-hand. When visiting, observe relationships, how people interact, and the overall attitudes on campus. Don't forget that it is important to find a college that has everything you need at your disposal. Lastly, believe in giving an institution a chance. Don't jump to conclusions to fast, because going to college will be an initial shock, but it is easy to get used to. You will be surprised at how many friends you make and how school pride escalates over the semesters. Be ready for great opportunity!

Christina

Even if you have a "dream" school, look at other places. I had no desire at all to go to UNL, but my mother encouraged me to just take a tour of campus. I ended up taking her advice and absoultely loving the University. Now, a year and a half later, I have met some of the best friends I have ever had and the man of my dreams. I am thankful that I gave the University a chance.

Zachary

Be ready to study. hard. and have great time management skills.

Joe

Go with your instincts.

Emily

trust your gut. if a place feels like home, go there. if it feels awkward, don't. and parents, let your child choose!!

Amanda

Do your research. Check the statistics of the school, the size, location, cost, majors and minors offered, amount of research done, sports, activities and organizations. Look for things you know you want and some that you think you might be interested in. Also go vist the campus during the school year and get a tour, see how you like the campus and how it feels to walk around with all the people there. Do your research on the town/city where the school is located and the weather in the area. Those make a difference. If you don't like winter, do go somewhere where you will be unhappy and freezing 4 months out of the school year. It all comes down to what you want out of it, and how much you are able to find out before you start.

Lindsey

Look at and compare several schools before deciding on one you will attend. Make sure it has everything you want in your college experience.

Cait

Remember that you aren't just at college to learn a trade, you are there to become an adult and learn about responsibility and real life. Take every opportunity you have to grow as a person. Don't get too caught up in your major and remember that it's okay to be unsure of things! Take your time and try to have some fun along the way.

Emily

Visit the college ahead of time and meet with professors.

Katie

There are many factors to consider, but the only one that ultimately matters is considering which college is going to help a young person grow and mature into the best version of himself or herself. A college student must become an adult, and at the end of a college career, should be able to look back and say that they are overall better and closer to being the best they can be. A school should seek to foster an environment that celebrates people growing and becoming the best person that they can be as an individual, not try to fit students into certain molds. The school should make it's top priority the efforts to help students identify their purpose in life and then act upon that purpose.

Rebecca

Trust your gut instinct. You might like the idea of a college, but once you get on campus, you can FEEL whether or not it's right for you. Pick the place that feels like home.

Erica

Study and work hard with your school work, but make time to get to know people around you. They are going to be the best help for you socially and academically. These peers will be able to help you interact with your professors and classmates, as well as getting involved in extra-curricular activities.

Cassandra

I advise parents and students to chose a college based on its suiting your needs rather than by the presige that you may associate with its name.

Matthew

The two most important things to keep in mind when choosing a college are: "What would make you happy?" and "Don't sweat it too much." Of course, the criteria for future careers can vary tremendously from person to person, but in general, choosing a major that would bring you a job that you find enjoyable and interesting is a top priority. However, if you're not sure what you want to do (and even if you are), don't sweat it. College is a time to explore who you are. Yes, it's also a time to work, but there IS such a thing as overdoing it and missing the point. So what if you pick the "wrong" college? So what if you don't like your major? You can always change course. The majority of students change their majors or college at some point, and I'm no exception. Strike a balance between fun and work, and you'll do well. Parents: Be open-minded when it comes to your child's educational choices. They can still achieve happiness and success, even as your paths diverge. With that, I wish you and your child the best of luck!

Stuart

Finding the right college to go to is a tough job for any student. After two years of study in Nebraska, I have been through various hardships dealing with administration and the policies in my school of music. However, I have also discovered my place in this program and have learned an incredible amount through the direction and love of the faculty here. I feel there is no one reason that anyone should attend a particular university, there are hundreds of things to consider and in the end, it's best just to go with what makes you happy. A degree is only as good as the results that you yourself bring to the world. It will take awhile to find your place, but open your eyes and your mind and go out and meet people. Find out what clubs are offered, or see if the concert hall moves you. College is about gaining knowledge, but it is also about reaching out to be your own person. The only advice I can offer is to follow your heart, it knows what's best for you.

Neil

My advice would be not to choose the college that has the most prestigious overall reputation, but rather the one that is best attuned to your personal goals. This is where a little research goes a long way. Even if you only have the vaguest idea of what you want to do with your life, chances are there are multiple colleges that have strong programs in an area you're considering, and likely in related areas as well - there's no shame in changing if you find that your first choice of a major doesn't suit you. Indeed, this is hardly uncommon and should not be feared at all, since it can only help you to narrow down your future goals. If you ever find that the weight of your college tasks is crushing you, remember that the person sitting next to you is in the same situation. Never be afraid to ask for help! This is the most invaluable lesson that can be taken from the college experience. You may be getting introduced to the real world, and it may be more difficult than your life before, but never believe for a second that you're alone.

Alison

When choosing a college, you should definitely go visit. I visited many colleges and when I found the right one, I just felt comfortable and could imagine myself going to school there. When you get to college, get involved right away. At the beginning of the school year tons of groups are accepting new members and its a great way to get involved and meet new people. I would definitely suggest living on campus for at least a year. It does not seem appealing to some at first, but it is a great experience to learn to live with another person and build a community with the others on your floor. Make sure you look at the big picture when choosing a college. If you don't know what your major it, look at ones you might be interested in. Pay attention to extracurriculars and other campus life activities. The college experience is about academics, but also about have a great experience and meeting people you will be friends with for the rest of your life! Good luck and have fun!

Nate

When you apply for colleges, remember that this is where most of your memories will be created for the rest of your life.

Haley

Follow your heart.

Ryan

I would say to parents that you need to listen to your child when it comes time to start applying to college. They may want to really go out of state to a University and it would put a finanical hardship on your family. I feel that if your only choice of going to college is to stay in your state, you may not feel a perfect fit. It would be great that every student should be able to attend a college or university based on academics not what parents can financially handle. My parents have given my the opportunity to go out of state and I really think this has encouraged me to be the best student that I can be, and when I graduate and hopefully get accepted to Med-School I will one day be able to pay my parents back.

Joy

When looking at a college, you need to find the one that best fits the student's personality. Choosing a college is like choosing an apartment or a home, you need to be selective and thorough in the decision one makes. You wouldn't necessarily buy a house, just to buy a house. The same applies to a college. The college you choose will be your home for at least four years of your life, that is why choosing one that matches who you are is very important. The best advice I can give about making the most of the college experience is don't be afraid to put yourself out there. Even though the film quote is "Failure is not an option," that isn't the truth in college. Don't be afraid to fail. How else will you learn? You learn more from you mistakes than from your achievements. Yet, that doesn't mean you should make bad choices. The choices you make should match who you are and want to be, not because of peer or instructor pressure. College is your time to make your life how you want it to be, so make smart choices.

Krystal

The best advice I can give is to visit several different colleges, even if you think you know where you want to go. Take a campus tour and spend a day on campus walking around, looking in on classrooms and talking to staff members. Also, one of the best ways to evaluate your feelings about a particular college is to call a friend that attends college there and plan to spend a weekend with him or her. Getting to know the social aspects and student life in general will give you a huge insight on what it may be like to go to that particular school. Start planning early, start looking early to ensure that when the time comes, you have made the best decision for you!

Jaymes

A student should sit down with their parents when trying to choose the best college for them. A student should consider different areas that are important to them. For example, if a student wants a smaller environment for more one on one interaction with their professors, they should focus on smaller colleges. In addition, proximity may be something to take into account as well. The one thing every student should consider is living on campus. This is beneficial in many different ways. It allows the student to become more involved on campus and be exposed to opportunities that those who do not live on campus have. Furthermore, living on campus can be helpful with academics. There is always going to be someone around to help you with your schoolwork if you have any questions. Everyone living on campus is going through the same situations that you are and are more than happy to help you with anything.

Ciera

If you come here be ready to work and crawl over people to find a seat!

Bailey

Do not be afraid to utilize all of the services your school offers to you. If you're feeling down, there are people to help you. If you're struggling with school, teachers and advisers are there for you. If you're having money issues, there's guidance counselors that can give you advice. By knowing what help is available and using said help when you need it, you can maximize your college experience and truly grow to your personal potential!

Melissa

Make sure you visit the campus before you sign up for it. Get a feel for the type of people on campus--talk to them. Viewbooks usually show a great deal of diversity on campus but that doesn't necessarily mean it is the best representation. Also, don't be afraid to take out loans to go to your dream school, if you just "settle," you might be constantly wondering "what if."

Lauren

Some great advice I recieved around the time I was applying for colleges was that what you put into your college experience is what you get out of it. So I would tell somebody in this position to really evaluate what he or she wants and pick a school with a great reputation in that area. In order to get the most out of the college experience, you have to have study hard and learn as much as you can, but also you have to have fun - interact with what's around you. Don't be afraid to lock yourself in the library for five hours to get a big project done, because it will really pay off in the end. But also don't be afraid to take a break and catch a movie or grab some dinner with friends. These are the experiences you will remember most, and this is what will keep you going through those tough hours with your nose in the books. Take it seriously, but make sure you stop and smell the roses along the way.

Quyn

Part of the transition from high school to college involves finding the right learning environment for you. It may b e a small private or community college, or a big university. Whatever your choice, make sure it's best for you. It may also take time to find what's right for you because there's a chance you could change your mind.

Nathan

Simply, find a college that makes you happy! Don't just choose a college because it's cheap, and don't choose a college (sorry parents) just because your parents want you to go there. This is going to be your home for the next 4 years, you need to be happy. Financial aid is out there, colleges now a days have scholarships for almost everything. I would recommend starting early on the scholarships. I started at the end of my junior year in high school. When you come to college, don't be a bum in your room. Or if you are, learn to keep your door open. It works wonders to meeting new people. Get involved with different groups. Join intramurals! Don't procrastinate, even though the whole campus population does! Try starting on big assignments and studying for test at least a week before the date. Be yourself and have fun!!!!

Raven

Look for a school that is not to far from family and is somewhere you could feel comfortable. I would look at the program that your interested in and try and ask people at the school about it to see if it right for you.

Gregory

Make sure that your child knows what they want to do in their life. Have them understant that money shouldnt be an issue. Tons of students here do just enough to get the good grades to look good when applying for graduate school and what not. The thing is that I have a 2.3 GPA but have the highest grades in all of my classes that concern my major, Biochemistry. Most students could care less about the info and just want a good grade because they think the major will look good on their application. This is very fustrating to me but I have to get over it. Tell them to choose whatever they love to do the most

Ciera

UNL takes a lot of work, but so far it has been worth it. I am in a pre-professional program that includes a lot of science courses. At the beginning of each of those science courses the professor says that they expect 3 hours of studying for every hour in class. This is a statement they stick to. Put in your study time and you'll make it through fine!

Caleb

Do what you feel is right, and do it to the best of your ability. If you feel as though you do not know what is right, it will come with time. If you feel as though college is not for you and you want to go straight into the work world, do it to the best of your ability. I recommend a higher learning but it is not for everyone. If you feel as though college IS for you, take a couple college visits. Apply to the one or two you really want to get into and then have a fallback plan. If you do not get into the one(s) you really wanted to get into, dont give up. Go to the fallback for a year or two and work to the best of your ability. Try your hardest to acheive your goal and it will come. All things are attainable with hard work. Remember, mere practice does not make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect!

Matthew

Find a college that has the major or area of interest that suits you.

Courtney

Advice that I would give parents and/or students about finding the right college is to not only research the college by searching on the internet and asking others about it - in order to see if it has everything that interests you - but to also visit the college. There were many colleges that I loved based on the information that I researched on-line, but once I went to visit the school, I was disappointed. They were either not clean, unfriendly, unorganized, or anything else that made my research seem to be in vain. I would advise parents and/or students to make the most of the college experience by being involved in everything you enjoy doing and trying other things, like different activities and talking to a different type of person - based on race, ethnicity, or religious views. You never know what new activity you may like to do or what new friends you may make.

Eric

Visit a lot of schools to find which one is most comfortable.

Stocha

For students and parents searching colleges, I would recommend talking with the high school counselor first, to determine what the student's needs and wants are, as far as financial limitations, housing situations, programs offered for their course of study, and the overall atmosphere of the university. I'd then suggest they narrow down their choices to their favorite 3 to 5 schools, then visit each campus, including the departments relating to the student's intended major. The best way to choose a college is to get a feel for it firsthand. Pamphlets, brochures, and websites are not necessarily reliable enough information to make such an important decision. As for making the most of the college experience, just get as involved as you feel comfortable with, in areas that are relative to your interests and major. Don't be afraid to make friends and explore your new life; try different things, but most of all, try new people. You never know who you'll meet or what friends you'll make. College is a scary, exciting, frustrating time for you. Don't be too overwhelmed by it.

Alexander

The most prestigious college is almost meaningliness when it comes to how successful of a career you will have or how much you will enjoy your experiences while attending college. College is 4 years of your life, find a school you can see yourself living at, developing friendships in, and truly enjoying yourself. Sucess isn't only measured monetarily and you need to find somewhere you can thrive as an individual. Also monetary success in todays world comes from the individual not the school the individual has a degree from. If you are intelligent and motivated spending extra money to go to the best school will most likely do little to excel your career, you will be successful no matter what school you attend.

William

Parents, let your kids pick nwhat they want. This is a desicion they will have to live with long after you are gone. But make sure that you guide them. For instance, if it is going to put your kid in debt for decades is it really worth it. That is a point worth mentioning. If they still feel like it is worth it, then let them do it. Students, don't pick a University because of your major. It will more than likely change. The exception to this is if the school is one of a few schools in the nation with it, but be sure to check out every school that does have it. Also, Prioritize what you want in a school (ie. geography, activities, liberal/conservative). If you pick the school that has the most of what is imprtant to you, you will be the happiest.