University of North Carolina Wilmington Top Questions

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

Kelly

College has always been a personal aspiration, and I have been privileged to have the opportunity to further my education by attending a community college for two years (from which I graduated with an Associate of Arts degree) and a private 4-year college (to which I am transferring to pursue a BA in Visual Communication). College has been valuable to me in, generally, two areas: first, I have acquired so much knowledge through a variety of courses that have challenged me not only in coursework, time management, and study skills, but also in the viewpoints and topics considered - my own beliefs have been shaken and, as a result, strengthened. Second, I have grown as an invidividual by stepping out of my comfort zone into a new phase of life; by meeting new people and cultivating close friendships; by learning to make wise financial decisions; by having to manage my time effectively, related to not only classes and studying, but also work, family time, and personal fitness; and by continuing to mature through not only overcoming struggles and temptations, but also becoming more helpful and encouraging to others. In the future, college will only become more valuable.

Valerie

I attended UNC Wilmington because of the Athletic Training program offered there. It is a highly accredited program of study. I have learned so much about myself moving to the university. I feel like the atmosphere has allowed me to mature and get to know myself. I moved to wilmington all by myself and it was the lonliest and hardest thing i have ever had to do. When i look back on what i have accomplished in just 9 months, i am ecstatic! I have kept a very high GPA and have learned so much material. I am minoring in psychology and majoring in athletic training. There has not been one class i haven't enjoyed. I have gained not only a lot of knowledge, but i have developed some really good companions along the way to greatness.

Amanda

I have gotten so much knowledge and opportunities out of attending UNCW. I got to take classes that help me narrow down what I want to do with my life. I have had the opportunity to meet a lot of new people and make a lot of new friends. My freshman year there were so many things to get involved with and it was impossible to not make friends. Most of my professors have been very helpful and very knowledgable about their field of study. Finally, I got into the nursing school and now have a chance of fulfulling my dream of becoming a nurse! Without college ,I would never be able to do any of these things.

Sara

During my college experience I obtained the education and knowledge to be a leader. It has been a valuable experience because of the wide variety of management and creative problem solving skills that you obtain during college. I found that my college experience was enlightening on the basis that the college not only brings academic excellence to the community but also a large diversity of students. I find that it is imperative to attend college in order to obtain the skills necessary to become a leader no matter what major you choose. My college experience also helped me to realize that anything is possible if you work hard at it, and continuing to further your education not only benefits you but your community as well.

Jessica

Having College experience is very benificial towards ones future. College education is great to have for future needed jobs. College is very valuable to attend because college is what determines where you will go in life and how you will live your life. If one desires a well-off future it is important to attend a college and receive a degree in an optional major. Majority of the ecomonmy's jobs that non college graduates work pay minimum wage. Other jobs offered with a pay check thats well over minimum wage an hour are offered to those with college degrees. Staying focused is the key to sucess in graduating and getting the job you love and a paycheck that brings a smille, not a frown. What i have gotten out of college experiene personally is that it will bring a great future and to stay attending if i want to recieve the outcome thats guaranteed if i made it to graduation.

Christian

I realized that I love to learn, not the studying but the learning part is a blast. I am a business major and the business classes are the best. I feel like I am parpared to go into the real world and become a business man. Book knowledge doesn't prepare you for the real world but most of the business classes have been hands on and that is very important to me. I would hope that everyone that wants to go to college would find a way to do so.

Josalyn

Besides the wealth of knowledge just from learning, I have learned valuable research tools necessary for my field. I have learned the importance of primary verse secondary sources to pull details for a better argument. I hope I have learned to write an interesting and readable research paper. Above all I learned not to procrastinate. I learned how to manage my time around work, school, family, children and friends. My most memorable experience while attending UNC-W was travelling with my classmates across the ocean and seeing a whole new way of life and experiencing another culture first hand. There is more than this small town and I tasted a small piece of it. Now, I hunger to experience more of the world and learn as much as I can about other people, places and cultures in hopes of finding meaningful ways to promote the similarities that tie us all together in this world.

Rachael

My high school year I was focused on getting into the "right" college and having the perfect grade point average. I left behind my social life and some extracurricular activities that although I enjoyed, were not resume builders. I know now that my first choice may not have been the perfect choice for me, but I'm happy. I wish I could just tell my past self to worry less, and enjoy high school a little more. I ahve learned that no matter how you try to meet people, it will be easy enough. I've learned that sometimes your grade point average does not get you as far as your personality. Most importantly I have learned that life is not so much about making the right decision as it is about loving the decision you make.

Jessica

Relax. Don't stress about doing everything perfectly. As time goes on, what you want to do with your life will hit you. Everything that is going to happen will be for a reason. You're going to meet amazing people, and you have to let some of the old ones go. Being shy and selfconcious is not an option! Go out there and do absolutely everything you have the abilitiy to do. Never regret any mistakes you're going to make, just learn from them. Also, be sure to get that room and board application in on time.

Kelly

First of all, relax and trust that everything is going to be great! The roommates that you are going to randomly be put with will actually turn out to be some of your best friends. Also, classes will be difficult and you will definitely have to work harder than in highschool. Try not to feel pressured to go out and party with everyone else when you really rather not. There is no rule to how often you have to go to parties. Be careful to keep in touch with your friends back home. When you start to get incredibly busy you might not think about calling them up, but being over 900 miles away will make it easy to let your friendships slide. Also, I know you're excited about getting involved with tons of stuff around campus, but you can not do it all. So pick two or three things and do your best at those. Lastly, stay true to yourself. College will always bring drama, but you can avoid it just as well as you did in highschool if you just keep in mind why you are here in the first place. Love, Yourself

Shelby

If I were able to talk to myself a year ago, I would have told myself that I had better learn how to cook and that UNC-W is the school that I should shoot for, not the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. I also would have told myself that I shouldn't be spending my money, but that I should instead be putting it all in the bank and not spending it all by eating off campus everyday, which was unnecessary. I could have kept that money in the bank and I would have been making at least a little bit of interest of off it, which I have learned at this point that any little bit can help a lot. I would have told myself to work hard in school, even though it was senior year, and to work hard at my job to earn all the money I could, and to work hard on my truck, because I've learned that having a vehicle at college would have allowed me to get a job.

Emily

The transition from high school to college is a tough one, as many people know. It can be harder for some people and easier for others, and I feel that my transition could have gone more smoothly. I live in the tallest dorm on campus (six floors) and there are a lot of people here. I am still seeing new faces even in the second semester. I thought there was a bunch of people at my high school, but college has even more people. In high school I had plenty of friends, but most of them were in the marching band which I participated in. It was easy to make friends when you are with a certain group of people five or more days a week. I was happy with my life in high school, but I feel like in college I could have made friends easier if I was used to making new friends. If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to start being more open, talk to people I normally wouldn't talk to, and risk a little. Knowning that, I probably could have had a completely different experience my first year of college.

Lexie

First of all I would tell myself to get rid of that ugly brown jacket that I always wore, ick. Once that is out of the way, I would address the more important issues (not that looking fabulous has no importance, it's just not top priority). The first issue I would like to address is how shy I was. I would say "Listen Lexie, in college it doesn't matter who you were in high school, no one really cares, so get over yourself now and get out there and have fun. Do things you've never had the guts to do, like be youself! Chances are, you're not going to see these people again for years and years! Making the transition to college isn't that big of a deal, it's really not that big and scary. College is your chance to start fresh and be who you want to be. " I would also tell myself "Live your life to the fullest while you still can because the real world is about to come crashin down on you. Say hello to bills and loans, college ain't cheap sista! And remember: live, laugh, and be you!"

Taylor

Of any advice that I could give myself as a high school senior headed to college would be, first and most important, your GPA goes down very quickly but takes forever to pull back up. Goofing off your freshman year will cost you. You will fight for the next three years just to get your average back to something respectable. Secondly, at all the orientations the staff tells you to get involved. Get involved! Especially on larger campuses where things are spread out and you only see your classmates in class, it is important to find your niche. Thirdly, take as many advanced placement and higher level classes as you can. Take the AP tests. Sometimes you end up getting 6 college credits and do not have to take history in college. These classes also help you enormously in your freshman classes. The Biology book that you used in the AP class in high school could end up being the same one you use in Biology 101. Finally, your parents are not as dumb as you think they are, especially when they have "been there and done that". They are willing to do almost anything for you. Keep them close.

Kathleen

You are going to over study for finals, its who you are. The prerequesites are really not as hard as you think so take an extra math class so you have a challenge. You are going to meet your best friend in the back of statistics class. It's amazing how friendships happen so quickly, so if you realize he has a crush on you ignore it because in a few years you are going to need him to be there for you more than you could possibly imagine and he will be there through thick and thin. I have no idea what is going to happen during the nursing program, it will probably be ten times harder than the first 3 year so enjoy the beginning of college., In the beginning the only stress you are going to have is that of life and death. Yes, it is going to be tough but your friends are amazing. They will help you through it because you were there for them whenever a boyfriend broke their hearts, so they are going to be there for you when life comes crashing down. Do not be stupid, get a prom photo with Mom.

Amanda

If I was able to go back in time, and talk to myself about college during my senior year, I would tell myself to get going. During high school, I had a lot going for me; I never had to crack a book to get the good grades, I did not study for my SAT's, I procrastinated all the time. I would tell myself that I needed to start taking out the books even though I did not need to and stop procrastinating before I had to learn the hard way. I would have told myself that school mattered more than friends because I have not talked to half the people I knew in high school, and the friends you make in college understand when you have something to do for school. I would make myself understand that I will be able to be completely myself, have great friends, and do well at school all at the same time, but I will have to keep my head straight and focus on what needs to be done.

Tamara

During the first year of college, primarily the first semester, it is extremely easy to get caught up in the party scene. My biggest piece of advice concerning this would be: there will always be another amazing party. When faced with the choice between a party that sounds like it would be an unforgettable night or a study session for a very important midterm, the logical decision is obvious. However, when in the process of making new friends and establishing your new self, it is easy to lose sight of the long term goal. There have been several occasions where I wish I had made the right choice, and had known that no matter how tempting a night out or party may sound, there will always be one just like it, and twice as fun. Plus, going to a party after a succesful night of studying and a successful exam is much more gratifying than guiltily choosing the party rather than studying. It is important to remember why you are going to college. The new freedom and friends are great, but in the long run a good education is even better.

Marisa

The best advice I could give myselfis that it will be alright. I may think I have all the answers; who I am, what I want to be, how to live my life. But I don't. And that's ok. College will open my mind to new experiences and people, question my beliefs and scare the hell out of me. But it's alright; I will survive. I used to think I knew it all, and looking back I know that I knew nothing. Looking ahead, I know even less. That fact doesn't scare me because my lack of knowledge is not ignorance so long as I always wish to learn, and college has instilled in me a burning desire to learn and wade through life's mysteries. My advice would simply be to try to be the best person I can from one day to the next, because that is still the closest I am to finding myself. To never have my life planned because life changes, and so will my fickle mind! My best advice to myself is that, despite my misguided self-confidence, everything will be alright, I will figure my life out in eventually.

christina

"Pssst...hey Christina!" "Wow, you look just like me! Who are you?" "There is no time to waste! I have something to tell you that will make your life flow much more smoothly. I know right now you are confused, nervous and a little scared, but my advice to you (from the future) is to be persistant and take initiative. No matter who you are talking to, no matter what you want help with, everyone is more willing to help someone who is willing to work for that help. Do your research and apply for ALL scholarships without hesitation. You can't win if you don't try. Keep everything organized and neat in case you need it quickly. Never give up on your dreams! Don't be afraid to make a change in your life. This is about YOUR life and YOUR choices are what is shaping that future. Stay happy and try not to get discouraged. Make new friendships and try to keep the old friends and never forget those that love you and are proud of you." With that, the older Christina hugs the younger, kisses her on the cheek, tells her good luck and disappears.

Aana

I chose the University of North Carolina at Wilmington because I received financial aid that helped me make my decision. If I could go back and give myself advice about college life at UNCW, I would tell myself that I should go to a school that would make me happy rather than a school that I could afford in the present situation. I got into many schools that I think would have been better fits for me, but I thought they were too expensive. However, knowing what I now know, I would have rather gone to those schools than attended a school where I don't feel that I fit in. I would have had school debt, but I would have been happy, and that's what is important.

Jordan

When I was a senior in high school I was so excited about going to college; about moving on to the next level of my education. I had my whole life planned out, where I would go to school, what I would study, everything. If I could go back I would tell myself to be open to new ideas. Altering your path a little might not be such a bad idea, it could help you in the end. Listen to what people have to say, you are not always right about everything; listen to other people?s opinions. I would tell myself to not only think about college for the end result, a career in anthropology, but also to focus on the path that is going to get you there. Have fun while you can, but also stay focused on school and live your dream.

Tiffany

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a highschool senior, I would first tell myslef that you have to be yourself and go after your dreams, not you parents dream or anybody else. You cant give up, dream the impossible then go after it. Also, research the field you want to go into extensivly, do internships early, shadow someone in the field you are interested in. It's never to soon to start building your resume. Also, Start scholarships EARLY! and pick up a third job if possible so you can start saving for college. Don't let anyone or anything hold you back from your goals. be strong and dont be afraid to go as far as you need to get to where you want to go.

Jennifer

Hindsight being 20/20 and the numerous life lessons I have encoutered, I would probably tell myself to take time and actually investigate what educational options are available and what career path interest me. The transition from high school to college will be a difficult one and you will not feel prepared. As a result, I started college and did not finish due to pressure from outside influences regarding a traditional educational experience, the pressure of time and starting a career. I would decide whether or not I want a traditional 4 year degree versus a technical 2-year college degree. I would also take a more in-depth personal analysis of whether college is right for me and what type of career I am truly passionate about pursing. I would tell myself that the jobs available to me will be limited, but that probably working in the real world for a year would give me the motivation to pursue higher education and actually finish to achieve the type of career I want. The most important thing I would tell myself is that success is only measured by your own happiness, desire and the difference it makes in the world.

Nicole

Congratulations! You've picked the right school. Keep your head in the game at all times and make sure you get help in Calculus 1 from day 1! You're going to do just fine. You're life is going to give you at lot of challenges. You'll have to be strong. Make some close friends to get you thru it all. The transition from Community College to a 4 year University is a little more challenging but you'll settle into it quicker than you may realize. Just hold on and write it all down. Don't close yourself off and try to get much more involved than what you are thinking. You'll do great. And the career path you're on/ after is the right one for you! Good Luck!

Hannah

The transition to college from high school was extremely difficult for me. I was very homesick and felt very alone. I had no friends there and did not know a single person. Now, I have some of the best friends I've ever had and barely miss home at all. If I could go back in time as a high school senior I would tell myself not to worry about making friends in college. The first semester will be your hardest, but after that everything will be great. You are not the only person that feels the way you do. The most important piece of advice I could give myself is to reach out to others and step out of my box. Don't just sit in your room all the time. Go out and get involved with different organizations and clubs around campus. Form study groups and make an effort to get to know different kinds of people. I am not pomising it will be easy, but it will be worth it.

ashley

I would tell myself that the course work is more demanding and that I need to apply myself from the very start. Also that I need to ask for help when I first think that I may have troubles instead of waiting til it is too late to fix it.

Jill

Concentrate, work first, socialize second.

Chad

Don't let college overwhelm you. It's a new experience and while it's a lot different from highschool, don't put yourself into one aspect of your college life and ignore the others. You can keep the social and academic life without sacrifice, and it's much better than highschool.

Phillip

Don't ever assume that your life has a set path. Most students think going to college is about getting a degree so you can get a good job and make a decent salary. But what college is really about is learning how to live your life the way that you want to, and discovering by what means you want to do that by. Let your mind be as open as possible as you make your way through you first year of school, because that's the only way that you'll ever find your purpose. Take chances and risks, because you might not ever come across opportunities to take them again. And most importantly, above all else, be yourself -- even if you think that the person you're being isn't the one you thought you would be.

Kyle

Apply for any and all scholarships. I hated writing essays for scholarships so I skipped over those and did the easy ones which did not require and essays. I would have also prepared myself better for the SAT in order to get into the college of my first choice.

Caty

The advice I would give myself would be to really and truly take advantage of the opportunity that going to college provides you to become your own person. Once out of high school, you can leave all the silly things you did behind you and redefine who you want to be. Also, I would advise myself to really learn, not just memorize for a grade. The things you learn in college are invaluable, not to mention expensive! Take advantage of the resources your university provides, and not just at crunch time when you have no other choice BUT to ask for help! Lastly, enjoy yourself. Once you graduate from college, you're out in the real world and things get a lot more difficult than passing a calculus exam. Live in the moment and learn for a lifetime :)

Jenna

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to try everything. Even though some things seem uncool or stupid, it would be fun to atleast try it once before judging it. Get more involved. Everyone says, "get involved," but no one ever takes them seriously. There are so many things that I should of tried to get involved on campus my freshman year. Getting involved allows you to make the right friends, who like to have fun on campus and not just party all the time. Lastly, be prepared for a little more free time in college. Even though, you are a full time student, does not mean that your busy all the time. If you learn how to use your time wisely with school work, you'll have extra time to get involved and socialize. Make sure you have fun. You only go to college once, so make sure you study hard and play hard.

Alysha

Study hard and do not procrastinate.

Eva

I think the best advice for anyone about to enter college is to join as many groups/ clubs as you can. Always try and say "yes" when asked to go out and experience new things. Also, don't underestimate your school work. People always regret the grades that they made in Freshman year when their classes were easier, but they didn't appreciate how their grades affect their GPA. On the other hand, having a 4.0 is not the most important thing in life. The purpose of college is to grow as a person in all areas, not just academically. More personally, I would tell myself that I should leave my options open and not pick a major that is so specific. I am still young, and can not be sure the career I envision myself having at 17 or 18 will be the same that I want when I am in my 40's.

Mellissa

WOW!! If I could go back in time and tell myself what I know now ... I think that I would have had a better transition from high school to collge. I would tell myself that the SAT is a huge factor when colleges look at your application for admission. This means I would have taken the SAT more than the two time that I did to try and score better. Also I would have told myself to start early at applying to college and pick several to apply to just in case you do not get into the school of your first choice. One piece of advice I honestly do wish I could tell myself back then was to get more involved with extracurricular activities in and outside of the school, because colleges really look at that stuff as well for acceptance into their university.

Melisa

Visit the college and talk to students, ask what they like and DONT like about it. Live on campus and have a roommate, it's an easy way to meet people

Lauren

go with your gut. When you visit a campus, dont just take a tour. spend time in the town and with current students to really get a feel for how your life would be if you attend this college. I know its one of the most confusing and tough decisions you will have to make, but take your time and go with your gut feeling. Once you get to your selected college, my best advice of making the most of your college experience is to get involved on campus.; Join a club or intramural sport, student government or a sorority or fraternity. You'll meet so many people and have the best time of your life.

Lindsey

Finding the right college can be a tricky search but is worth the trouble. Look for a school that will support and guide you to where you want to go. Your college years should be the best of your life, so do not settle. Once you find your dream college, do anything and everything you possibly can. Study abroad, play intramural flag football, join a couple of clubs. You will never be in college again. Have no regrets. To the parents, do not hold your child back. They are full grown and ready to take on the world. It does not mean they do not need you, however. You are still the most important people in your child's life. Support them and be there for them when they need you.

Lora

In order to find the right college, parents and student should be aware of every option they have. Students need to attend campus tours and be well eduacated on the universities that they are choosing from and attend the one where they feel comfortable and fit their lifestyles. College life is one of the most amazing/challenging experiences that a student could hope to encounter. Expand your horizons and meet new people. And above all, dont forget why you came... to get a education! Don't let yourself put your classes and courses on the backburner, in the end nothing is more important.

Shelby

I know it sounds like a bad lecture from your guidance counselor. But really try and pick a place that fits you best academically. Sure, when you get on campus the first thing you will do will be to make friends, attend parties, join clubs or whatever else fits your personality. But as time goes on you will grow up and your classes will become more and more important. If you are in a place that doesn't fit your career goals you will have to transfer. And then it doesn't matter how many friends you made that first year, because you will have to leave them. Also, no matter how much fun you are having at college, if you don't make the grades they kick you out. Plain and simple. I like to have a good time just as much as the next college student. But unlike some of the people that I know, I'm not on acadmic probation, I don't have to graduate late and I haven't been kicked out. School first. Period.

Amber

The best advice that I could give for a soon to be college freshmen in search of their new school is to make sure you feel at home. There's no place like home and there are thousands of schools in the world. Finding one that satisfies the student, and of course the parents, is key. A student?s success, not only academically, but emotionally and socially as well, is hugely impacted on whether or not they enjoy being a part of their school. If possible, visit the campus's where you are seriously considering, it makes all the difference! Feeling comfortable while still expanding your horizons helps to get the sense of whether or not you can be successful in the environment of the college you are about to attend.

Austin

Visit your schools and go to the school you want. Don't let others make the decision for you.

Gabriella

I would advise students to follow their heart and dreams. We easily succumb to the pressures our parents put on us to go into a certain career or go to a certain school. I almost chose to go to a different university because of my parent's wishes. If I had done that I may not have found a major I love, met the amazing friends I have or expereinced the same kind of independence. Choosing a University is a tough and life altering decision. Choosing a college is one of the first "adult" decisions you will make so make sure it is YOUR decision.

Amber

You have to follow your heart and trust its judgement in determining where you are meant to be.

Ubah

Visit as many school as you can. And the right one will feel right for you and your child. You will fall in love with the one which comes out to you.

Erika

The advice I would give to parents and/or students about finding the right college would be to really do your research. I would suggest talking to students that are currently attending and those that have graduated from each prospective college on your list. I strongly suggest contacting a professor in your field of study at each prospective college. Ask him/her a few basic questions you may have that pertain to the way things work in the specific department you may be interested in. If a professor responds to your initial questions, that is a good indication that the faculty cares about students and would be helpful. Once you find the right college, I recommend building a good relationship with your advisor in order to get the most out of your college experience. If you can communicate your goals and interests to your advisor, he/she should be able to direct you to the classes that would fulfill your interests and credit requirements. Also, volunteering and/or working with a professor in an area that pertains to your major, such as research assistant or study assistant, is a great way to get the most out of the college experience .

Erin

The advice I would give would simply be: Look for a college that has a good environment around the school, such as the beach or mountains, so that when they are not in class, they could find a constructive outlet to become a part of. Also, I would suggest looking at schools where there are internships available, along the lines of the student's interest , for when their senior year comes. And finally, and most importantly, find a school that possesses an interest that is focused on what the student really enjoys passionately in their life.

jeremy

go visit schools. talk to the students who attend the prospective university. work hard early in the college career

Amy

Advice for students: In choosing a colleg that best suits you, consider lifestyle and academic success as top priorities rather than social and lesiure activities. Although campus involvement is crucial in developing a true college experience, too often kids attend schools where their friends go, the environment in which they are (i.e. beach, mountains, city life, etc.), and what feels most like "home". To truely experience college, go somewhere new and different. Meet new people an dmake life long friends. Be involved in clubs and social community involvement opportunities. BUT never compromise your academics, for academics will always be your foothold in the door to future career success. Most students go into college with their mind set on career goal, which is great, but to truely find out your inner most passions and strengths, go with a clear mind and open arms. Embrace the different and take whatever obstacle put in front of you and give it your best shot. You never know where your life will take you, but college shapes you into the person you want to become and will always be a memory to cherish forever.

Kira

Visit! Visit! Visit! Unfortunately, I did very little visiting to college campuses before enrolling at UNCW. The majority of my visits came midway through my freshmen year when I went to see friends attending other colleges. There is a culture and experience you will never, ever, get from just touring a campus and attending orientations. Get hooked up with someone on campus and do your research. There are literally THOUSANDS of students at any given college that are willing to take an upcoming freshmen under their wing for a weekend, show them around campus, and take them out with friends. Parents, let the kids go! Let them walk into some random Friday classes they aren't enrolled in, let them stay the weekend and meet tons of strangers, and let them see what the town has to offer without your underlying opinions and worries! This may be the only time in their life when it is a safe thing to do! Students, be fearless! Put yourself out there, meet faculty, meet current students, and network! I fell head over heels in love with my college, but will always wonder what would have been if I went the extra mile(s).