University of New England Top Questions

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

Catherine

Catherine, I am here to talk to you about your future. You need to go to the college of your dreams, not where someone else wants you to go. Though UNE is a great school there is not as much opprotunity as some other schools. It has always been your dream to study abroad and you should make that dream a reality. If you academic advisor says that it's impossible, don't take that as an answer! Fight for what you want in life or people are going to take away your dreams. Go into college with your head up and your heart in dentistry. You need to stay motivated to reach new levels of success. If your friends are distracting you and you need some alone time to study go to the library or a quiet area. I know it is hard when everyone around you is going out or having fun but just remind yourself that you are in college to learn and to become a professional in your field of study. It is always good to take a break and have fun with your friends but you need to always remember why you are at school.

Amanda

I would have made very little changes to my college and graduate school decisions. I went to smaller sized colleges which I believe was the best decision for me. I would have gotten involved in sports and clubs sooner into my college career. In addition I would have worked less or rearranged my work schedule so I could have been more involved with campus activities. I would have also engaged in more diverse internships in my undergraduate studies and fought harder for internships I was really interested in, in my graduate school studies.

Jacklyn

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to prepare to work hard. College is not just a fun time, but it requires hours of studying a homework. I thought high school was hard because I took a few AP classes. I now know that high school is a breeze compared to the classes in college. It may be because I am a medical biology student, but I get hours of homework a night, and I often lose hours of sleep due to my studies. When everyone describes college students as broke and tired, they were not over exaggerating. Because of the work load, I get less sleep than I did in high school, and because I cannot work as much as a did in high school, I have less money as well. But I will also tell my high school self that, even with the hardships, college is so much better than high school. I would tell myself that it does get better, and that college will be the best years of my life.

daniel

i would tell myself to financially be more prepared. the additional worry of finances can add pressure.

Kristine

The advice I would give to a high school senior about college is to not be afraid. Everyone in your dorm is going through the same thing as you, even though you may seem alone sometimes, someone is always there to talk to. You just have to go be yourself and you will have a great time and meet awsome people. There will be ups and downs, but you will get through everything with the help of your friends. The transistion may be hard at the begining but over time you will get used to it and learn to love life at college. In the end everything always works out the way it is suppose to. Dont be afraid to be who you really are and be open to making new friends. You never know, they become the friends at your wedding one day. Overall, just be confident in the person who you have become and be strong. College will do great things for you.

robert

Think back to the story you learned about as a child called "The Tortoise and The Hair." Slow and steady wins the race. You are going to be tempted to just go go go and never stop. Just focus and do your best and everything will work out the way it is supposed to. Set good, strong goals and stick to them. Layout your school schedule at the beginning of every semester. After a while it will become hard to be persistent in planning but it will benefit you in the long run. I promise. I heard a quote by C. S. Lewis which said, “Integrity is doing the right thing even when no one is watching.” If you want to have an effect on others, then you will have to learn how to incorporate this into who you are as an individual. In order to have true integrity you will have to make a commitment to do the right thing simply because it is the right choice. When it is sought with this intent it is easy to do the right thing at all times because it will become habit. Work hard but have fun.

Michelle

Appreciate the life you have, one day you will not be able to enjoy it as much as you want. The future will be very unclear and frustrating ad spend as much as you can with friends. You worked so hard to feel so comfortable with others so why waste the time you have when in the future, you will all be going to different schools and will not have the time to just be in each others' company. Be with family too because they will support you in your worst times, even if they aren't immediate family. Since so many of them are older than you, why not ask them for advice? They know what the college life is like and they care about you enough to not let you go through stressful times alone. You will miss them when they go back to college and you won't be able to see them as much as you can right now.

Francesca

Never underestimate the power of a study group and adequate study time. I never really studied in high school, but once I got to college I studied so much, mostly with the same group of friends who were in most of my classes. I found that working in a group really works best because you can work off each others strengths and they can help to clarify certain things you weren't sure about.

Laura

High school is more oppressive than college. Don't be afraid to pursue your intrerests, to get involved, and to stretch yourself beyond all possible limits. College gives you the wings to fly, it really helps if you've been practicing before hand. Every trip, every service, every volenteer hour counts. Don't be afraid of the new people you'll meet. It's fine to be nervous, but there are many new and inovative ideas to be shared, and you won't discover them if you don't start talking to people. Home will always have the best food, but you'll be suprised how easy it is to adjust to the college campus. Don't try to avoid the whole experience. Jump in! Most importantly, books always look thinner online. Save yourself a trip to the doctor and buy a backpack with wheels.

Melissa

If I were to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school teenager, I would tell myself to go into collge and be myself. The advice I would give myself, is to do your best to make new friends, these people are going to be your friends for life. Doing well in class is the most important part of school, it shapes the rest of your life. College will be the greatest years of your life, do everything you can to make the most out of it.

Trisha

High school was not the high-point of my life. I had a lot of misconceptions about who I was, what I wanted, and what life was about. Going to college opened up a new world, and if I could talk to myself as a high school senior, I would remind myself that high school is not a defining time of life. When I began my college search as a senior, I wanted to study English and become a teacher. My plan changed when I decided I disliked my English class so much that I couldn't stand to study English anymore. If I could go back and talk to myself, I would remind myself not to judge every book by those few covers--that college would be an experience separate from high school. The love of English would still run in my veins. As a senior, I was stuck in a world where I believed that I would always be the loner I was then. The University of New England attracts many students, some of whom are similar in interests and hobbies to myself moreso than my high school peers. In colege, I made friends and became much happier.

Melanie

I am originally from Buffalo, NY so going to school in Maine was definitely a big change and it took some adjusting. That being said, it was also one of the best decisions I've ever made. Moving away from home and living on my own has taught me so much about responsibility, being independent, and myself. I started and am continuing to figure out where my place is in the world, what I want to do, and who I want to be. I've also learned how to manage my time, be a leader, and take charge of my own life. College is about education and learning primarily, and that aspect has also been very valuable to me. Unlike high school, you can choose what you want to study and what classes you want to take. Taking classes that actually interest me has really helped nuture my love for learning. I find that I want to learn more, especially in my field. Overall between my learning experiences and my experiences on campus, college has helped me figure myself out. They say college is one of the best times of your life, and I'm experiencing that right now.

Nicole

I am only done my first semester here at the University of New England, but I think that being here as made my transition to college a lot easier. The classes here test your acedemic ability, and has prepared me for what my college career will be like in the future.

Tiffany

My college experience is one that I will never forget; I have formed a stronger bond with my best friend, who attends another school, and my family. I have made new friends and learned that these are people who I hope will be in my life for a long time. All of the people in my life challenge me and now I truly understand why they push me to do better and be better. I would look at things in a black and white world and discovered that so many things are grey and different shades of grey. How one looks at a topic does not make them wrong just different opinion. College is making me a woman who will be a productive member of society, help others and grow every day.

kelsey

So far in my first year of college I have learned the basics in the field of dental hygiene and it has shown me that this carrer is perfect for me. I love the challeneges they set for us as students because it shows us that nothing is easy in life and that you have to work hard for what you want.

Andrea

The greatest thing I will take away from my college experience is the people I have met. When people say you meet life-long friends during college, they are right. I love attending a relatively small University because walking around campus you know so many people on a personal level, rather than seeing a bunch of people you do not know. The people that attend UNE are genuienly focused on better their lives through their education. The proffessors are very involved with all the students, doing what they can to help. Overall, the University of New England is a great college and a perfect fit for me. There are so many things I will take away from this university that has bettered me as person in many ways.

Linda

UNE gave me the opportunity to excel in both academics and research. This would have not occurred if I did not go to UNE because most school hierarchy is set in stone and nearly impossible to further yourself as a student. For example, most school do not allow student to be accepted in their honors program after they already attended the school for a semester or after the honors program deadline has passed. Although my school gave me the opportunity after my first semester of college. This school is definitely worth attending because the connections you make here are for life which is an added asset when applying for internships and graduate school.

Michelle

You are young, smart and beautiful. Don?t set yourself up to meet expectations, set yourself up to exceed them. It doesn?t matter where your friends go, they won?t be there tomorrow. It doesn?t matter what your parents think because they support you no matter what. This is the time in your life when you learn and discover. Don?t miss any opportunity to show the world who you are. Don?t take life so seriously and laugh, laugh at everyone, everything and never stop laughing. Smile, be genuine and most of all be true to yourself. You are the only one who can?t let you down. I applied to only one school. My biggest regret is not taking a chance, to see what else was out there. I feel content, happy, and secure here. I am an easy going, fun, energetic person so I knew making friends in college would be no big deal. But sometimes I wish I would have gone to Chicago for school like I always wanted to or somewhere else away from home. If I could go back, I would motivate myself to take a risk and see what happens.

Matthew

If I were able to travel back in time I would do many things. But that is irrelevant in relation to this topic so if I were to just go back in time and tell my High School self one thing it would be to work on study habits. Out of the millions of possible answers, that is the one thing that will definitely help a person in college. I did not perfect my study habits in High School and my first semester grades showed that. But this semester I am working on my study habits, getting together with friends to study and going to the Learning Assistance Center on campus. So if I was able to go back to High School I would tell myself to work on study habits because studying helps grades and grades are what make or break a college student.

Krista

If I could go back now, as a college student, to talk to myself as a high school senior there are many things I would want to tell myself. The first being, I should have taken more Project Running Start classes. My high school offered college level classes for $100. I took two my senior year, but could have definitely taken more. I came to college already having six college credits, but I could have definitely gotten more. Also, the other thing that I would want to tell myself is to pick a different major the first time. When I first came to UNE I was a Medical Biology/Pre PT major. I realized during first semester that I didn?t like medical biology, and that I was really interested in psychology. I switched majors halfway through first semester, and I currently love being a psychology major. The professors in the psychology department are amazing. I also have a new academic advisor who is willing to help me with whatever it is I need. I would also tell myself not to worry about living away from friends and family. I feel like UNE is my second home now.

Mary

If I could go back to give my high self advice about college life, I would tell myself to look into different types of majors and careers before committing to one specific life. I would also tell myself to not settle for a school that you think you might like because the chances are you probably won't like it. It's best to attend the school you have a good gut feeling about. I would also tell myself not to leave things to the last minute especially the application process. Also, college life is a lot different from high school life because there is a lot more freedom. I would advise my high school self not to take advantage of the freedom because no one is going to be there to make sure you have your priorities straight. The only person thats looking out for your best interest is you and you make all the decisions, so if you feel you shouldn't do something then don't do it. Lastly, I would advise not to give in to Peer Pressure with anything!

Lindsey

I would give myself the advice to get as invloved as I can in school and to give back to the community. Being focused on school and academics is more beneficial and important than just focusing on the social aspect, even as important as that aspect is. There is time for the social aspect of college, but only after the academic part is achieved. Getting involved in the community is a great way to meet people as well as to make a difference in the community. Taking time for yourself and enjoying the time in college is as important as doing well. These are the best years of your life and take time to take in those moments that will stay with you for the rest of your life. If I were to go back and give myself any advice, overall it would be to stay focused on academics and to get involved and give back to the community that you will be a part of in college.

Daniel

To think back on myself two years ago when I was entering college and wonder 'what was I not aware of?' is a difficult task. The excitement and nervousness about entering college was a great learning experience for me and I thrived in the environment I was brought into. However there are some words of advice I would give to myself that I could take as guidelines to make my transition into college easier and that is to maintain your focus. First semester of college can be overwhelming but also a lot of fun, especially meeting new people and making new friends. One aspect of this I learned quickly was that there are many distractions surrounding you at all times and the most important thing to do is maintain your priorities of: school, health, family, friends, and then socializing. Staying focused and staying on top of the priorities you set for yourself is not only the key to success but the key to making an easy transition into the college lifestyle. I believe every step in life is a learning experience and if I could go back that would be the only advice I would give myself.

Sarah

Dear Sarah, The college life isn't so bad. I know you have said over and over you'd like to attend community college for a few years and be done because you don't want to be in big classes and leave your family and friends, but please hear me out and reconsider. Choose a small school, for example, The University of New England in Portland, Maine. Only about 100 students dorm , so everyone is close. Having to adapt to new people, screaming girls, the party life, broken hearts, and drama may seem difficult and easier to stay out of, but you learn to make do with what you have. As for classes, although you do have to study harder and the professors don't really care if you go to class or not, it isn't really too bad. If you pick a major you know you'll enjoy and go into class wih confidence, saying "I can do this and I'll love it!" you will succeed. Ten percent of life is what happens and ninety percent is how you react to it. Enjoy what you are doing and the rest will fall into place. From, Yourself

Shannon

First of all I would tell myself that my work load in college would be much more lighter than my work load in high school. I would also tell myself not to have a nervous breakdown for getting one lousy grade because in the end you'll get all A's and one bad grade won't affect it too much. Most importantly, I would tll myself to hang in there because my first month and a half I cried a lot because I missed my home and family, but I love my college friends and after a while I learned to love it at UNE so much that I missed it when I went home. Thus, I would let myself know that it was worth it to live on campus rather than commute because I needed to experience life away from my family and it helped me to grow and meet new people.

Alyssa

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior I would tell myself to have an open-mind and be more outgoing. College can be a stressful transition but going into everything with and open-mind and postive attitude only helps to ease yourself through the change. Roomates can get on your nerves but you just look at them like siblings. You may not like the situation all the time but you are stuck with them for the year. You have to make the best of what you are presented with. Being outgoing helps you to make more friends which assists in building a strong support system. This is helpful when you are hit with the bouts of homesickness or your struggling with a class or just want to hang out. It may be a scary change but the indepence and responsiblities can be pretty fun. It is the first major step towards the "adult life" but it it worth the troubles. Take in the good times and the bad, learn from your mistakes. and enjoy the time while it lasts because it flies by.

Megan

I would tell myself to join more school activities, they are a very good way to meet people and I have found without them my social group is much more limited. I would also tell myself to apply to work study jobs sooner, because all the good jobs are gone before long. Combine this with an ability to manage time in order to get schoolwork done, and you will do well. Finally, don't worry so much about being liked. The kids here are usually very accepting, and the professors are not as scary as their title suggests!

Ryan

If I could meet my past self, the first thing I would do would be to reassure myself that everything happens for a reason, and regardless of what school I go to, I will succeed in my studies and find a niche for myself. Classes and GPA isn't everything, and life isn't based on a scale of one to four. You must remember that life is a journey, and you never know what curves you will face. While I was once most concerned with classes, I now know that you can only learn so much from a teacher and a text book. You get out what you put in, and the only thing you can put in is your very best. In the end, just do what makes you happy, and you will get the best college experience you can hope for, while still succeeding in life.

Kelsey

The most important advice I would give myself would be to be myself. Resident advisors at college always warn about the "honeymoon" act students put on when first arriving at school. Roommates don't disagree about anything and issues are swept under the rug in an attempt to insure your roommate will like you. This only sets up for disaster a couple of weeks later, when all the pent up emotions can no longer be held back. I experienced this first hand when my roommate became upset and threw my things across the room because I had failed to pick up after myself again. For the first month of school my roommate didn't mention her annoyance with my lack of order because she didn't want me to dislike her. However, the whole situtation could have been avioded if she simply asked me to be neater sooner. Being myself would also help with making new friends. Being reserved and quiet in the corner will not allow people to see who you are as a person. Putting yourself out there and opening up to new people will allow you to make new friends and enjoy college even more.

Brittney

Fill out your financial aid materials on time by your state's deadline. Make sure to get really good grades in high school and study, even if you don't have to. TRy to be more friendly and keep God on your side.

Meredith

The one piece of advise I would give myself would be to make acidemics as competitve as sports are to me. It took me a year and a half to figure out that mindset, and it really worked. I could only imagine how much more I could have learned during the last two and a half years if only I had been as sucesseful as in the early years of school as I was in the years leading to graduation.

Courtney

Start looking earlier and go to more schools to find exactly what you want. Pick the aspects of the school (how many students, location, size of the school, classes, etc) that you want as well as the schools that fit your major. Take more classes that broaden your horizon to new possible majors and don't expect teachers to always be there to help you.

Lindsay

be organized and have time management.

Kristina

The advice i would give myself would be on an emotional level and well as an academic. On the emotional level, i would tell myself to bring more comforting items from home so i would not be as homesick. On the Academic level, i would tell myself to prepare for the amount of work. It is much more then highschool. It is also more demanding and time consuming.

Rebecca

Keep the choice you made.

Danielle

Look at as many colleges as possible. If you think you found your top choice, go look at it again and talk to people before you make your final choice.

Luis

That no matter what go for the cheaper school because the education is really basically the same almost no where you go, it is just what you make of it, unless of course you can afford that top notch school or get enough financial aid that you will not be in the slump after.

Marie

Choose a college that feels right. Think about what you want before making your final decision. For example class/library size, dorm rooms, transportation, faculty/staff, available activities/ sports. Ask yourself if you can see yourself living there and taking classes there for an entire year. Most importantly, determine if you can afford it and if you need scholarships and loans to go there. College will be one of the best times of your life so you have to enjoy it, but also know that it is a lot of work. The key is too know what you want and go for it!

Rebecca

Visit and tour all the schools you are interested in going to that can help make the decision easier for them.

Kelly

There is a few words i would like to tell parents out there who have children that are looking at colleges. Do not force your child to go to a school you went to or would have liked to go. Let them go to the school they want to, where they can get the best experience not you. Its all about us and the rest of our lives. It is a big decision that you should let them decide for themselves. Of course you can give them advice nothing wrong with that but let them have the final word.They know what they want in life and even if they dont going to the college they want may give them the nudge they have been waiting for to figure out where they want to go in life. And all students out there when you find the right college, trust me you will know.

Ben

If I had to give parents and students advice about finding the right college I would tell them to research and find the schools that offer what they want(make sure you are academically eligible.) The next step is to visit as many colleges as possible. This provides prospective students a first hand look at the school and what it offers. This is how I selected my University. As soon as I stepped on campus I knew that this was me school. Also, do not be afraid to ask questions to the tour guide and students passing by what they think about the school. This will help get a better feel for the school. In order to make most of your college experience, do not sit in your room when you get on campus, but rather go out and meet other students. Participate in the activites put on by the school because this will allow you to make friends. Keep in mind that this is college. It is not all fun and games, so getting your school work done is very important. My advice is get school work done between classes and do not procrastinate until the last minute.

Elisabeth

A big part of making the right choice in where to attend college and making the most of the college experience is deciding on the size of the school that you want to attend. If you are more interested in a small college and you go to a big university, then you will not be getting the same kind of experience. Also, it is important to know ahead of time what kind of experience you are looking for in the social aspects. If you are looking for more of a party school, then you should talk to current students about what kind of atmosphere exists on campus and off. Usually, current students will be able to tell you if your prospective school is more a party school or more of a down to earth studious campus. Don't be afraid to talk to the admissions folks, and try to visit as many campuses as you can before applying or choosing your college. Best of Luck!

Christina

Choosing a college can be overwhelming. It is important to know what you want in a school before beginning the search. Students: What interests you? Where do you want to go? How much do you want to spend? Rely on your guidance counselor to help you through the process. Parents: Stay on top of the college-search, and remind your students of deadlines for schools and scholarships. They may be almost high school graduates, but they can still be forgetful and busy. Most importantly, visit the schools you like. College students love giving tours, and there is nothing more valuable to the decision making process than talking with students and getting a feel for what the campus is like. When you get to school, GET INVOLVED! There is nothing worse than spending your freshman year missing home and holding yourself back from new experiences because you are scared. Break out of your shell. Join clubs that interest you; it is a great way to meet new people. The friends you make will get you through the tough times: laughing with you and teaching you new things. College can be the best four years of your life. Don?t have regrets.

Chelsey

Find a college that you love the atmosphere of and then make a list of everything that you love about it and also what you are not so sure of. Then find a way that you can talk to an alum or someone who currently goes there because the wil be the most honest about the experience there. Ask them about the things you put on both sides of your list and if you don't feel confident enough;talk to another person. And after you feel you have found the perfect school, think how you are going to pay for that education. There is always a way but you don't want to have to think about all of them when the tuition bill gets mailed out. My biggest piece of advice is plan ahead. In life you will always have surprises but when there are oportunities to lessen the amount you go for it.

Tracie

community college to lower after school debt

Michael

Ask alot of questions. That is probabaly the one thing that students and parents don't do when they go one there college visitations. Also to students do what you want not what your parents want, if they want you to go to a huge school that has a great name but you want to go to a smaller school your parents have never heard of go where you want to. When you go to the school make use of every oppurtunity presented to you, if you feel you might want to do something but your not sure i say do it. you wont regret it and you may meet some new people. Also try and avoid going home or leaving campus alot, the people who did not like my school are the kids who left almost every weekend. if you leave all the time you can't make connections with people.

Jaimie

I would tell parents to let their child decide which school to attend. I would also tell them to visit each school they are considering before attending. Pick the school that feels right to you as an individual. Reseach activities of interest and look into the program you want to major in before deciding. Base your decision on which program will help you achieve your career goals. Don't forget to consider the class sizes and the availbility of the professors. Depending on your financial status it may also be necessary to choose a school that offers the best money. Have a first choice in mind and always have a back up plan incase that school is not what you expect. Ask the students what the school is like when you visit. Get info about classes, social life, activities, etc.

Kristen

Just make sure that you are prepared for a new place, and harder courses than high school, but also consider how much you really think you can pay per year, because, in this economy, student loans are becoming harder to find and I personally would prefer not to have to transfer if I can no longer afford this school because my friends here are like family and I don't know what I would do without them. Also, for those of you who don't know this, if you transfer, the credits from the previous school should count for the school you are moving to, but your GPA starts over, which I guess could really make or break a lot of people!

Chelsey

Most of all think of what you can afford. A lot of people have the outlook of that they are gonna be in debt anyway so they will just go for the gold, but really you should think affordably. Think in-state schools or even schools that are known for their scholarships. Before you pick a school it is also nice to go on a tour of the campus but also to go on a tour that isn't done by a tour guide because you want to see the real side of your future school instead of the pretty packaged one that will be served to you. After you have picked your school and once you get there, understand that at first it will be a little hard to make friends because everyone might be a little overwhelmed just like yourself, get in touch with a counselor to make the transition easier. My biggest advice on how to make the most of your colege experience is to find that happy medium between school work and a social life, to understand it's a give and take and there is nothing wrong with doing homework.

Cassie

Make sure that the student is looking for a smaller school. Visiting the school is important to know if it's the "right school for you". I would advice the students not to sign into any contracts before the options are laid out, ex. signing a housing contract for 3 years really hurt financially. People could save close to $8000 a year on housing and other expenses.