University of New Hampshire-Main Campus Top Questions

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

Funmi

I chose UNH because I really felt like I belonged on the campus. I visited at the end of my junior year, and it really stood out from the other schools that I applied to. Plus, Holloway Commons (HoCo) serves the best food, and is currently one of the colleges with the best food. Diverse wise, it was a little below expectations, but that was why I attended the CONNECT program, which was for students of color. I got to move into school a week early, and met most of my best friends. If I hadn?t gone here, my life would have been so much different than what I expected.

Samuel

Parents: Let your kid decide, place no pressure or judgement on them about where they go or what they do. They are adults now, you've brought them this far, time to let them fly on their own. Kids: Take into consideration what your parents say but make your own decision, make sure the school you attend is the one that you actually want to go to and aren't being pressured in to. Realize that the decisions you make are ultimately your own.

Samantha

The most important thing that a student and parent can do during the college process is actualyl travel to each school on the list. My top choices on paper ended up being my least favorite campuses. It's all about the gut feeling that you get when you arrive at the campus. If the spark isn't there, it's not a good match. I had to transfer to my current school due to monetary restraints, but even when picking this, I made sure there was a spark before making my ultimately decision.

Michaella

It's always best to visit the school you are interested in before enrolling. The campus has a lot to do with how comfortable you feel at your school. Figure out what you want to gain from your college experience and then choose the institution that best fits you. It's difficult to ignore prices, but there are numerous financial aid and scholarship opportunities, so discrediting a university based merely upon money is silly. I put a lot of emphasis on academics, but I also wanted to be able to really enjoy my school and make lasting friendships. The University of New Hampshire truly is a perfect fit for me. Most large universities have endless opportunities. There's something for everyone. College is what you make of it so if you want something, then go for it. Despite my budget, I chose to go after two degrees, and I made it happen. I wanted to study abroad in Spain, and I'm headed there this summer. Chances are, there's an organization or group for anything you're interested in if you put in the effort.

Marya

Pay less attention to what everyone else is doing -- where they are applying or what they say they are studying -- and focus on what is right for you. You don't have to go to a "name-brand" college to get the best education for yourself and to be happy. Be willing to explore colleges or majors you've never considered before, and be ready to have some of your ideas or pre-conceptions changed once you start visiting colleges and doing research. Stay open to new ideas and stick with what feels right "in your gut!"

Katelyn

When looking for a college it is important to visit them, so you can get the feel of the campus. When I was looking at colleges I visted them and the University of New Hampshire, seemed to be the fit for me. I felt immediately comfortable here, and thought the campus was beautiful. The feeling I got from this school, was part of my deciding factor in coming here. The other school I looked at was nice, but smaller and didn't seem as welcoming which turned me away. College is all what you make of it. Some people come to college and get out of control by jumping into the partying scene, where others can enjoy just spending time with some close friends. I believe the first few weeks of college are difficult for everyone, because people are trying to find friends, and a place to fit in. It is important to do the things you enjoy, and to not fall into peer pressure, for the activites one partakes in makes a college experience into a good or bad one.

Tobi

Don't rule anything out.

Kory

College is an experience that most people will only be able enjoy for four or so years. Nowadays, in order for schools to be successful and have competitive admissions, they need to have top notch facilities, professors, academics, extra-curriculars, etc. I found that once I narrowed down my selection, it was very hard to try and pick a school based on these characteristics, since many of them have such vast opportunities. The best advice I could give to a prospective student would be to visit the school. Try and remember that first time you stepped foot on that campus. How did it make you feel? I had several schools that I was interested in attending on paper, but it wasn't until I stepped foot on the UNH campus that I knew where I wanted to go to college. Just remember that the college you choose is where you'll be spending the next four years of your life. So after you narrow your selection based on academics, athletics, proximity, etc, just pick a campus and setting that's suitable for you, and make sure its a place where you'd love to be.

Kristin

I think the 3 most important things to consider when looking at colleges is location, size, and the majors that are offered. It is very overwhelming at first but trust that you will get an intuitive feeling the first time you visit a campus and you will know when it feels right. Most importantly however, when choosing a school don't think about money, your parents, or any other external factors. Make a decision based on what you believe will make you the happiest and everything else will fall into place. Once you do decide on a school, dive in whole-heartedly...meet as many people as you can, get involved in campus activities and most importantly, stay motivated in your classes. Don't waste a moment because it goes by SO fast! The dorm rooms, essay assignments, and football games will come and go so form lots of memories because even after 4 years, those won't fade.

Erin

College is not about the food in the dining hall, a luxury dormitory or the landscaping on campus. As a transfer student who experienced two drastically different college experiences, I can say that I was happier sharing a cold, uninviting room with 3 roommates than I was in a spacious apartment. It is the people you surround yourself with at school that will make all the difference, professors included. While it is important to feel comfortable on your college campus, search beyond the exterior to make your decision. Talk to professors, particularly those in the department you may be interested. Are they welcoming? Will they offer good advice and proper guidance? Choose a school where you feel comfortable talking to the faculty and where the class size feels right. Once enrolled, don't just sit back and enjoy the ride. Employers are looking for so much more than a GPA. While academics are of the utmost importance, never forget about extracurricular activities. Get involved. Volunteer. Find a professor with interests similar to you and DO RESEARCH. Study abroad. Diversify your resume. The four years will fly by- take every chance you get to prepare yourself for "the real world".

Tiffany

In order to be successful in choosing a college and having the ultimate college experience, effort and time must be put into the whole process. Set aside a certain amount of time each week and explore the different colleges one is interested in. Start with viewing their websites and talking to students, professors, or alumni at that college to find out about their experiences. Decide what you want from your college experience. Consider all factors such as the location, size, academics, and extra-curricular activities. They all will become important once you start your college life. After visiting the campuses and viewing the area and people there, it becomes much easier in making a decision. I would advise students to take each day one at a time. Figure out what you'd like to accomplish, whether it be homework, studying, working out, finding a job, or just talking to somebody new. A sense of accomplishment at the end of the day certainly makes me feel better and more confident. All students should join clubs, try new things, and attend events that occur around campus. Have fun, study hard, and make a great beginning to the next stage of your life.

Matthew

Focus on what you want to achive, try and figure that out before picking a school. Work hard and take advantage of everything your school offers, get your money's worth. Make sure that when you work hard you find the time to make life long friends by joining organizations such as a fraternity/sority or other studnt org, those contacts are most likely one of the most valuable things youll get out of college. Lastly dont always pick a path becuase its the easiest be goal orented and stick to your plan.

Brittney

If i had to give advice about college, and choosing the right one i would tell students and their parents to start looking early on. It is very important to visit the campuses of choice, meet the staff, talk with current students, and ask lots of questions. Every question is important, so one should not feel embarrassed to ask anything on their mind. I looked at three schools and loved every one of them. What helped me was to create a pros and cons list of each school, answering the following questions: What school is going to give me the best education for my future? What are the faculty, students, and facilities like? What services are offered such as work study jobs, financial aid, extra curricular activies, and the like. It is also important to make the decision for youself, not for where your friends are going, or how far away you will be from home. To make the most out of college you should get involved early on by joining clubs, meeting neighbors, classmates, talkng with professors, and really going out of your shell. College is about finding yourself, a wonderful experience everyone should have!

Natalie

I was a student admissions rep for UNH....so I would recomend what I say strictly to students. 1) JOB SHADOW while in high school /early college to get a better idea of what kind of career you want or see yourself doing...you may think something is so great and turns out to be not what you expected at all. I hate seeing students go through 4 years of education and not knowing what to do with it. Don't feel pressured to make a decision, be smart and pro-active by utilizing your resources. 2) Visit the campuses, go with your gut. College is what you make of it whether it be drinking, studying, sports, or music groups...you learn to find yourself either way. I think the whole concept of top partying/drinking school lists are COMPLETELY stupid and VERY unaccurate...it's everywhere you go, like it or not.

Sarah

Parents and students often make decisions about college based on money. I would advise parents or students to concentrate less on costs and more on experience. Students have so many opportunities available to them at any college they go to, so I believe the student should decide which college would give them best experience. It is four years of your life and you can make the best of it by getting involved in all that the school has to offer. I have always been very passionate about getting involved in not only my school, but in my community as well. Therefore when it came time to choose a college, I made my decision based on which school I felt gave me the most opportunities to get involved. I feel I am really making the most of my college experience by getting involved not only in academics, but in organizations and intramurals as well. In addition, to make the most of the college experience, I would advise students to work hard academically, and to put themselves out their socially to students and teachers. Therefore they are not only learning in class, but expanding their social networks as well.

Christina

As a college student, it is very common to be asked the question about my experience so far, if I was happy with my decision, and what college life is like in general. Looking back on my first year of college, I have come to the conclusion that in order to make the most of one's college years, they have to go in with an open mind. College campuses are filled with many diferent types of people and one has to learn to accept all of them. One's exeperience is all what they make of it: you make the school, the school doesn't make you.

Lisa

Apply to lots of schools, different sizes, locations, costs. It is better to have more options, even if you think you are set on one inparticular, do it just incase.

Matthew

When it comes to choosing the right college there are three things I feel must be done in order to make the right choice. First, spend a Thursday, Friday, or Saturday night at the colleges you are thinking about attending. This is to get a feel for what the night life is. If you want a low key atmosphere with little excitement then make sure that the campus you visit isn?t an animal house on the weekends. But if you want to get the most of your college experience, this step can also assure you that the party atmosphere is up to your standards. Second, inspect both the on and off campus housing. If you are going to spend four years at a college, you better make sure that you could picture yourself there for the better part of four years. And third, talk with as many professors as you can. Interaction with the faculty will allow you to better gage what will be expected of you as a student. And let?s face it, the main reason you go to college is to become a better student and further your education.

Ashley

When it comes to making the most of your college experience, make sure you search for a school that suits you. Remember you are going to be attending this school and you will most likely be living on campus. Visit different campuses. Brochures are designed to be enticing. You can't really get a feel for a campus until you visit it. Figure out what campus life is like there. Learn what activities and classes are available to you. Once you visit these campuses choose a school that suits you. I know it is very hard to turn down a school that is offering more money to you than your first choice (and is even more difficult for your parents to turn down!). However, there are plenty of ways to fund your education. (SCHOLARSHIPS, SCHOLARSHIPS, SCHOLARSHIPS!) Just remember that you are investing in yourself. Don't be afraid to make the most of your education! Get involved, study hard, make new friends, and most importantly get ready to enjoy the most exciting and memorable years of your life!

Sara

Visiting the schools as many times as it takes to get a good feeling about one. Once at school, get involved and don't worry if you feel alone at first, you will make friends. There is something for everyone, you just have to take the time to find it.

Jason

Don't let distance keep you from where you want to go.

Rhiannon

Visit every college first, take a tour, and interact with other students. It will help you narrow down what is right for you. when you see a school, you will know if you can picture yourself there.

Christopher

I would advise parents and/or students to find the school that provides the best experience to lead to a promising career, while minimizing the amount of financial impact the education has.

Maryn

I would tell anyone who is looking for the right college to analyze and organize what aspects of college are most desirable and then look for the college that enhances those characteristics. A student must consider all aspects, such as location, size of student body, setting (urban, rural or other), affilitation (private or public), student diversity, and areas of expertise, because they all play a role in your college experience. After sorting out the colleges that best fit your desires, visit the campus to get an experiential feel of the college. Once you have picked the school that best fits your interests, it is your duty to become an intellectual individual by making the most of your experience. I would recommend that you join an organization that is affilitated with an interest of yours, whether it be social, academic or talent based, because it will help you adjust to the university environment and balance your studies. Also, I would recommend that you take a variety of classes so that you can explore different areas of study. Lastly, I would stress that you get to know your professors so that you will get the most from class.

Allison

I think that as long as the school seems like it will fit you choose the one with the most financial aid and then just make the best of the experience you have. Go far enough from home that you don't go home all of the time but close enough that you can make it home for a weekend. HAVE FUN but don't forget school comes first.

Valerie

Go on tours, meet professors, and talk to students in a major that seems interesting to you.

Sarah

Check out the orientations that are available, but be sure that your opinion of things isn't based on that alone. Often times, orientations are a too-good-to-be-true outlook. Also, be sure to research the department that you desire to enter into, if you know what it is. Remember that if a school has a department in a certain field it is not necessarily an indication that they have a strong support in that study. Look at how many faculty members there are in a specific department, and beware if there are less than four or five. My department lost two proffessors out of three or four, which made it difficult to find classes that fulfilled the requirements of my major. Finally, if your university has parking rules, follow them! That may sound odd, but the silliest way to lose hundreds of dollars is in university parking tickets, not to mention, having to deal with such things creates unecessary stress!

Autumn

Finding the right school is kind of like searching for a perfect pair of shoes. First you need to find the right style. Do you want a pair geared for the outdoors, like a school surrounded by mountains or forests? Or would you rather have shiny new heals or dress shoes ready for a night on the town, like a school in the middle of a buzzing city? Then, there's the matter of making sure the shoe is available in your size. Do you want classrooms with more students than you can count, or do you want a smaller intimate environment? Lastly are the shoes within your budget? For students, choosing a college is about finding the right school for their specific interests, and what makes them comfortable. So shop around, most people do not settle for the first pair of shoes that seems to feel great. Furthermore, when the seemingly perfect pair is finally decided upon, do not panic if the shoes do not fit as well as you thought or even if they cause an uncomfortable blister. Sometimes, shoes take time to break in, and it almost always takes time to adjust to college life.

Emma

In order to find the right college or university it is not necessarily important to know what you want to do, but to feel comfortable in the environment. I had no idea what I wanted to study when I went to school, but after visiting the campus, I felt very comfortable and at home, and I knew that I would be successful in this institution. In regards to making the most of the college experience it really is to get involved and be as outgoing as possible. I had to option to room with my best friend and I chose not to, and I think it was the best decision I have ever made. I was able to branch out and meet a lot of new people and not feel like I had to be with my best friend all the time. I also joined a sport club, where I met a great group of people and it also gives you something else to do besides classes and work. Overall, listen to what you feel you will like the most and go for it. And once you're at school, join whatever you feel you would enjoy.

Meaghan

The first piece of advice I would give is start earlier than later in terms of searching for the right college, there's alot to think about when making this decision so waiting until the last minute is just too stressful. There are so many colleges and it might be valuable to dig deeper and look for colleges other than all the popular ones that everyone looks at, which I didn't do. I would suggest looking at all types of campuses, big and small, in the country and the city, just to get a feel for what the student really wants. The most valuable resource in learning about a college is talking to people who already go there, so don't be shy most students are probably willing and happy to talk about thier experiences.

Kendal

Go with your gut feeling.

Jessica

Having been there, I completely understand the pressure that parents and students feel to find the right college. The most important advice I have for parents is to let go. This is your child's chance to break away and figure out what is best for them, and even though it may be difficult, you have to let them choose the path that makes them happy. Having gone 3,000 miles across the continental United States, I understand how difficult it is to say goodbye. However, even though I am enjoying my college experience, I advise students to really think it through before going too far from home. You may think that you want to break away from your family and have some independence, but once you have your first breakdown at school, you just might be wishing that you had your family closeby to comfort you and give you a much needed home-cooked meal. With that said, find your passion in life, and don't be afraid to pursue your dreams. Find a great group of friends to support you in a positive way. Enjoy your independence, but don't forget why you are there!

Caitlin

The advice I would give to parents and students looking for the right college would be to visit a variety of schools before applying to the ones you like the most. By looking at schools in towns and cities you will be able to see how different campus's are set up. Once this is done, you should be able to realize what kind of campus feels right to you. If you like one type of campus better than the other then look at more schools similar to that. One should also look at the the number of students whom attend the school because some individuals want to go to a small or big school. Big schools tend to have bigger classes, so looking at that aspect is very important. The next thing to do would be to make sure the school has the subject you wish to study. It is very important to make sure the school you want to attend has your inteded major. Once you choose a school that is right for you it is important to become involoved in something as soon as possible. This will make your college experience much more enjoyable.

Kelly

College is an experience of a lifetime. Many call it the "best years of your life," and as for me, it has been the best years of my life so far. It is a time to grow and learn more about not only the world around you but about yourself as a person. When selecting a school for yourself it is important that is one that reflects who you are and what you want in life. I knew UNH was the school for me the minute I stepped onto the campus because I could see myself there. I immediately pictured walking to class and meeting new friends, it felt right for me. It is an undescribeable feeling but when you do feel it for yourself you know what it is.

ryan

The best advice i can give to any prespective student or parent of a student is be honest with yourself. Dont lie to yourself and believe you can go to college and beleive that the mediocre effort you put into your work in high school is going to get you anything other than D's and F's in college. If you change and are ready to give it a true effort than college is going to be some of the most fantastic years of your life, however if you dont you will be nothing other than disapointed with yourself/child. Students, you need to apply yourselves and live on your own. Parents, you need to support your children in everyway they ask you to, but if they dont ask, let them live there lives.

Laura

Start doing your research early! At least 2 or 3 years before you or your child is going to apply for college. That means, looking at different schools, scholarships, financial aid, housing, everything. Also start saving your money now, you are never to young to start saving for college.

Rosilind

College is what you make of it.

Simon

Enroll in a summer camp before you apply to the school. During college, know your limits, study always comes first. There are alot of temptations out there but the primary purpose of college is always the same: education. Also, your major might be alot harder than your friends, so study while they are partying. Lastly, time management, time management! You are in control.

Roxanne

When I was applying for school, my mom always told me it didn't really matter where I went because, "What you get out of it is what you put into it!" As much as hearing that again and again made me roll my eyes, she was actually right. I didn't want to go to UNH because it was my state school and half the kids from my graudating class were going there, but financially it was really my only option. After only a few days there I found a place where I fit in and I have really found happiness in my years there. So when you are trying to find the right balance between a school that you like and living with loans for the rest of your life, remember that it's really up to you whether or not you are happy at the school you choose. Sorry to hand out the same cheesy advice I got from my mom, but it really did help me.

John

Parents must realize that it is the prime opportunity for the children to turn into the men and women they deserve to be. They should support their children all they can, and let them experience college with good judgment and a positive attitude. The right college will be the one that intuitively feels right to both the student and the parent. This may require extensive self-knowledge, but anybody who wants to enjoy life to its fullest must understand that concept.

Jessica

Size can make a huge difference. Consider the size of the school, sometimes students can feel really lost at a giant school, while others feel that small schools are less exciting. Distance from home is also very important, while most students feel like they will have no problem being far from home, it becomes very difficult with travel plans and with family emergencies. Of course, flexibility and quality of the degree program is extremely important. I recommend for any student that is undeclared to attend a college with many options. The best advice I can give for making the most of the college experience is doing anything possible to make quality friends. My recommendation is to go to any kind of pre-orientation freshman camp. Most schools have these camps and I feel as though they are the best way to help a new student adjust before classes begin and to make friends and feel more comfortable being away from home. Once freshman year starts, join student organizations. They are great and give your college experience so much meaning. And of course, don't get carried away with your social life, your school work is the most important thing!

David

The best advice for choosing a college is to do a good amount of research and know what you want out of your college experience. You should not worry too much about making the perfect choice though. Which ever school you choose, there is a very good chance you will fall in love with it. The most important thing to make sure of is that the school you decide to attend offers everything that you are looking for. In some cases this will still leave you with several options. I would say if you get stuck at this point you should go to the school known for having the better academics because that is the main reason you are going to college to begin with. To get the most out of college the best thing I would say someone can do is be as friendly as possible early on to make the transition to college as easy as possible. First semester of freshmen year is one of the only times in your life that you will be surrounded by that many people that are all trying to make new friends and you should take advantage of the opportunity.

Aakriti

I would suggest students to go visit the college even if your siblings attend the same college. Colleges offer many things.. since you're on your own, make a wise decision on who you hang out with, what you choose to do in your free time. It's really easy to fall behind on your academics if you don't pay attention to yourself. Parents, all you have to do is encourgae the kids even if they do bad one semster. college is harder that you think, its easy to get depressed so support your kids. College is fun, its a part of your life that can make your future or break it. Be wise in the free world.

Heather

The advice i would give is to visit as many schools as possible and if it's the right school you will have this feeling that makes you feel comfortable with the school. Kinda of a gut feeling. Go by your first impression and when you look back at the schools you've seen try and recognize which school comes to mind first if asked which one you liked the most.

Samantha

Find a college that fits the size a child can handle and the cost that the parents or whoever is paying can handle. You can't know exactly what a college or university will be like until you go there and meet the people that are part of it. Most of the time you'll have the right instinct and pick the right one. I believe there is a college out there for everyone.

Karah

Don't be intiminated by large schools...schools get much smaller over time. Visit in different seasons...I'm not a winter person...and had I known UNH's winter was so long & dark...I might have gone South... Students, get out there! Talk to EVERYONE! (upper-classman & professors included). GET INVOLVED!

Megan

To put it simply: do your research and visit campuses! My mom and I spent a great deal of time flipping through the Princeton Review book in terms of the location I was looking for, majors offered, and other activities. Visiting campuses is so crucial because it gives you a first-hand look at the campus facilities and also the kinds of students that attend. Take a tour and ask questions! Once on a campus, get involved. Attend all of the fairs/freshman events, dorm events, etc. The more you put into your college experience, the more you're going to get out of it. The people I've known who were unhappy only went to their classes, studied, and worked---make time to relax and be a part of other things on campus because there is SO much to choose from!

Jennifer

I want to really keep this short and to the point. I do not believe it is either the college or the student that picks the college, but what the student does with his/her time there. Anyone can live anywhere, whether it be in the mountains or at the beach, if you know what you want to do in life, all you have to do is do it, location doesn't stand in the way. To make the most out of the whole "college experience" you have to do what makes you happy and comfortable. Taking on a bunch of clubs or doing a varsity sport doesn't make college what it is, but doing everything you want to do, while still doing well in school and enjoying yourself is. Just relax and enjoy the ride.

Jessica

Don't worry about the social scene. Students will realize everywhere will be virtually the same; parents need to realize this too. Try to take easy classes your first semester, it will be easier adjusting not having to worry so much about grades. Think real hard about finding a school far away. Sometimes a school a few hours away is fine. It's far enough away to not be obligated to visit, but close enough to do laundry. Introduce yourself to people. Sometimes you feel dumb, but most likely the other person was just too nervous and wants to meet new people just as much as you. Go to the library and go to the gym. Both take a lot of motivation to get to, but both will make you feel better about life. Get a job. You won't be too busy with school, just make sure you don't get behind. Without a job you'll go stir crazy, plus you need money!

Andrea

Make sure that the school is good for what you want to major in and has other courses available that you may be interested in, just in case you change your major. Visiting colleges is very important. If you dont feel comfortable on a tour of the campus, then you probably wont in the fall of your freshman year. Ask about the housing availabilty on campus and other options off campus to see it the school will fit your housing needs for the next four years. Also, learn the statistics about the college because they give a lot of significant information. For instance, if diversity is important to your college experience, then check to see how diverse the school is. Once at college, go to club fairs or look around for clubs to join, even if it is hall council. Try new things, like joining a club sport just for fun, going and looking around the town, or even joining a fraternity/sorority. Be open-minded with every person and idea you come across, because college is not only about gaining knowledge but also learning more about who you are.