University of North Florida Top Questions

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

Jamie

I have learned that there is more out there for me than settling for what has landed in my lap so far in my career. I am learning how to help others to stay healthy or to greatly improve their current situation to live a healthier, happier, and better quality of life. It has been so valuable to meet others with the same interests and have the support of my fellow classmates to meet my goals.

Alexandra

More than anything, while I was at college I found who I was completely independent: what I liked, what I disliked, where I wanted to live, the activities I like doing, how well I handle my money, what I'm interested in, and what I want to do, for just a few examples. I know that I would not have grown and matured in the same way if I lived or went to school elsewhere.

Ashley

My College experience at the University of North Florida has broadened my perspective on my place in the world . I feel as if I have a destiny and a true purpose in choosing a career in education, for the improvement of our children and our communities . UNF has been my partner in making me realize this dream and is helping me make it my reality . I feel like my goals are attainable with a partner like UNF in my corner . The people that I have had the opportunity to meet at college have made me understand the diversity of our society better and have given me inspiration to follow my chosen path . I feel as is college has created an invaluable support system for mu future.

Jilbert

I just started my college it's great feeling This is my second week. My major is music and I'm very happy with my major because I was trying to learn music in my country(Iran) but I didn't have chance to learn that, that's why I'm happy.

okechukwu

First of all knowledge is power! College has been my greatest gift to myself. I have gained so much, such as working as a team to achieve a goal, seeing our world from a different prospective. That is socializing with deaf persons and understanding their views and much more. The knowledge I possess as a result of being in college is valuable to me because I believe when I depart this world, I will leave with the gift of knowledge.

Aysha

In the two years that I have been at this school i've started to learn some really valuable life lessons. Because of the activities the school holds for the freshmen I was able to meet a lot of my peers and even my best friend now. I learned responsibility because of how hard working the other students were it inspired me as well to get organized and stick to my school work. Organization played a key role in my college experience. I have to make sure that nothing is distracting to me while I am doing homework or going to my job such as lost items or paperwork. I am able to use some of the skills I learned in college so far for the rest of my life. I am becoming an independent individual.

Thomas

Coming from a fairly homogenous communtiy, my collegiate experience has shown me the uniqueness of the college campus. This special quality is the product of diversity. From the broad team of faculty and staff members to the student body, each person who steps foot on campus has their own unique story. While at the surface diversity is commonly measured along racial lines, true diversity is seen through unveiling the layers of personal backgrounds and individual experiences. Only on a college campus are all of these unique individuals brought together by the common passion for education and personal enrichment, regardless of the adversities they have faced in the past. It is this amazing degree of diversity and the appreciation for education that has solidified my desire to pursue a degree in higher education and student affairs. I would be be incredibly honored to have the opportunity to touch the lives of students in the same way that countless advisors and university officials have touched my college experience.

Mia

When I was as Senior, I maintained good grades. I skipped my Junior year in order to pursue a career in acting. I am proud of the strides I made to pursue my dreams. However, if I could go back and give myself advice, I would tell myself to be patient and choose an accredited school. I went to the first acting institution that accepted me. I should have looked at all my options, invested more time into my school search, and applied to several colleges. Taking these steps would have kept me from making hasty decisions, and paying for them later. Choosing an accredited school is crucial to getting the most out of the time, and money that I invest as a student. The conservatory I chose was not accredited. After graduating from the conservatory, I learned that few of the credits I earned would be transferrable. I felt like I had wasted time and money. If I had received this advice, I would be in a better position financially, and academically. Ultimately, I have learned from my mistakes. I can now give high school seniors the advice that I wish I could have given to myself.

Diana

I would tell myself that as soon as I was done with the military, to go to the nearest community college and start my college experience there (coming from a small high school environment that would make the transition to a university a lot smoother). With emphasis, I say right after the military because I would not be the dedicated student that I am now without that experience. In addition, because it would be prior to having my three kids whom I love very much, but it is certainly a lot harder to keep up with a full time school and mom schedule at the same time (plus daycare is more expensive than college). I would also tell myself to go for the career I've always wanted, civil engineering, from the start and with confidence because I've got what it takes to do it. Finally, I would advise myself, to use the money that I would otherwise need for daycare, to find a place to live close to campus because the two hour commute to school every day will be better off spent at school.

Rachel

I would tell myself that though acedemics are important, so is becoming involved socially. Branch out and don't be afraid to meet and make new friends. Get out of the dorm room and socialize!

Ashley

I would of made sure that I worked harder my senior year, so I could have gotten scholarships to help pay for my classes. I also would of pushed myself to be more involved in clubs, to broaden my activties.

Ashley

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself that a wonderful experience was awaiting me at UNF, and to study hard, manage my time well, and to save money. I would tell myself that it's really important to make time for things you both need and want to do, and definitely to have an emergency fund in the savings account, because when you are living on your own, there is really no telling what can come up. I would make sure that I understood the responsibilites that come with living on your own, and being an independent college student.

Michael

I'm the eldest of four children. Whenever I speak to my two brothers it feels as if I am traveling back through time and speaking with myself. I see much of my past-self in my high school siblings. I do my best to explain to them what I've learned so that they can make the college transition more maturely and successfully than I did. I'm incessantly advising them of how crucial it is for them to truly pay attention in their courses; so that they learn to take proper notes and prepare themselves to capture key subject matter from their instructors lectures. Reading is paramount for academic success, I ask my younger brothers to always do their assigned readings. I tell them of the importance to read in a distraction-free environment where they may sincerely focus on their text. In high school I would never study for tests, it made my first college year difficult for me as I had no technique. I encourage Hunter & Taylor that no matter how easy the test, they always should study. I learned from my mistakes, I hope my brothers learn from my mistakes too. Avoiding hardship, welcoming success.

Katherine

If I was about to talk to my high school senior self, I would tell myself a few important things. The first being that college is not something to be anxious or worried about. Friends will come with time, and college is different then any other stage of your life. People become closer in college than in high school because they are living together. Do not fret over the small things while still in high school. Enjoy what you have while you have it, and I promise you will enjoy the next stage too! Then, I would have told myself to study more for my AP Tests. I'd explain how nice it would be to have more free room in my schedule to take classes that aren't required for my degree. But, not to worry too much about the AP Tests because it really all does work out in the end. And finally I'd tell myself to enjoy the changes as they are happening. Rejoice in the small things and the big things will come!

Kevin

Knowing what I know now I would make sure I was very organized of first off. I found being very organized made things a lot easier just because I was on my own and knew the things I had to get done. Secondly, I would tell myself to manage my time wisely. Being able to manage my time was the biggest struggle for me because there was always other distractions to get me side tracked. Lastly, I would tell myself to enjoy college. I have completed three years of college and time has flown by, knowing this I would enjoy every second.

Kristyn

When I was in high school, I was very nervous about high school. It almost seemed so intimidating to me because of the big size, number of students, and overall the amount of homework that I would be getting. So if I had the chance to go back to the high school me, I would tell myself not to be worried about college. In fact, college is a lot easier than high school. There is more freedom to decide what classes you want to take and what times you want to take them. I was always a late sleeper, so I would tell my high school self that I would finally be able to sleep as much as I wanted before a class. Yays! Overall, college is a fun experience and even though I made some mistakes, I learned from them and learned to become a better person.

Raven

As a senior in high school, my college decisions were based on what I thought other people wanted me to do. I chose a major based on what I thought would get me a good job and make decent money, not something I had a passion for. I now feel that life is too short to spend it doing something that you aren't absolutely fascinated with every day, no matter how long you've been doing it. I regret that it took me leaving school and working dead-end jobs to realize that fact, but I think that now, as I return to school, my life and my education will be much more valuable to me.

Sutherland

If I was given the opprotunity to travel back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior I would have an endless list of things to warn and remind myself about. However, first and foremost, I would have to let myself know that even though I never believed it, I'm have to study in college. And then I would mention the fact that "even though it was a breeze to fly through high school, your unfortunatly going to have to miss your first college date because science exams would kick your butt otherwise". Nonetheless, in all honesty, I would tell myself that college is going to be the time of my life and every moment needs to be treasured. As it has been said ?you can't change the past, but you can ruin the present by worrying about the future?. College is an amazing opprotunity, and I would remind myself to take it for all that its worth!

Kaylee

After two and a half years at University of North Florida, I have grown to find out the person I am today. I have grown in confidence and learned that pleasing others is not always what pleases yourself, your morals, and your values. If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to do what feels right to me and only me. Going through high school and college, there is so much pressure to be the perfect student. In high school, I was the honors student, the teacher's aid, the varsity athlete, the leadership student, and the list goes on. I was so busy pleasing everyone in all my classes, clubs, organizations, and home that I lost track of what I wanted and what made me the person I am today. In college, I have discovered that I don't have to please those who want less of what I am capable of giving. I have learned that it is alright to let my true self shine; to show everyone that I love the person who I am today. Finding yourself is what counts, the rest will follow.

Stephanie

Procrastination is a killer in high school, from waiting until the last minute to complete a homework assignment to post-poning ordering your cap and gown for graduation. It is certainly not something you would want to do throughout your senior year; I found that out the hard way. As I am currently pushing myself through my second semester in college, I definitely wish that I could go back in time to my senior year of high school to tell myself the basic do's and don'ts of preparing for college. For example, I should not have waited until the last minute to apply to colleges and to apply for scholarships. Living the life of a so-called "typical" college student, I find myself practically living off of ramen noodles and pbj's. Had I have known that all of the money that I had to my name would have been used up on tuition, fees, books and housing, I would have put more effort into the scholarships that I did apply to. I also would have pushed myself harder in high school by taking more AP classes and by being a more regular member of school clubs.

Taylor

It would be more helpful to talk to myself as a freshman for that was when I did most of my slacking. But if I were able to talk to myself senior year I would have told myself to get my applications in sooner and apply for scholarships earlier. The transition itself was easy. Having gone to Stanton College Prep I was well prepared for the difficulties of college classes, over prepared in fact for I find college must easier and less stressful than Stanton was. Mainly I would tell myself to get financially sound for that is the biggest problem I have with college. Also, by telling myself to apply earlier, I could have ended up at UCF which is where I wanted to go. But because I didn?t put in my application soon enough there weren't enough scholarships left to allow me to afford housing and tuition. All in all I made the transition quite nicely and, with the exception of applying earlier for colleges and scholarships, there isn't much that I needed to change.

hannah

Get involved before you start classes. Not only is it hard to start at a new school, but college is unlike anything I've ever had to deal with before. It is the biggest step towards adulthood. Also, figure out the layout of the school and where your first semester classes are before the first day. Another good thing to do while still in high school is to save, save, save! While you may have help with tuition, there will still be events that you will need a little extra cash for!

Rhett

As I prepare for college, I would of definetly done more preporation for my future destination. Even though I was very involved, I wish I would of done more academic training. The transition in my opinion, is no big deal but to be successfull in college, I realized that it's all about preporation. Therefore, if I could do it all again I would stay social, but increase my work habbit so I could accomplish college's tasks.

Sara

Don't freak out about college, it is overwhelming but definitley amazing! There is plenty of time to figure out what you want to do. It goes by really fast!

Michael

The most important advice I could give to myself is time. This single word describes every single aspect of a person's college career. Time can refer to the deadlines that our professors give us for assignments and projects. It can describe how long we have to understand material required to pass exams. It may describe the four years that we have to prepare ourselves for a professional career in demanding fields. It can mean the lack of time to be young and have fun. The one attribute of time that is always the same is the lack of time. There is never enough time to have all the fun we want, to learn all the material, to ace every exam. We can only budget our time and make the best of it. Never waste a minute of time worrying about the lack time, you will never change that; stay active and always move foward. Do not worry about being behind your schedule because nobody is always on top of their schedule; the most successful people can not maintain their schedules as far as their families are concerned. College time may be short; but it is the most important time.

Matthew

Be more assertive and take advantage of the opportunities available to you! I am a fairly introverted person and do not often take risks. If I were able to go back to my senior year of highschool I would try and convince myself just to put myself out there: Go ahead, introduce yourself to everyone you run into or go participate in that activity. It is not easy for a person who oftens stays within his comfort zone. But that is a key area that people need to get out of if that is how they live their life. I mean, it is so easy to live in comfort, but you miss out on so much. There are so many possibilities out there to try. Why not live life in the moment? So, that is what I would try and convince to my highschool senior self. I knew it in highschool I would say. Yet, it is quite a bit harder to do something than just saying it.

Taylor

First and for most as a senior in high school i should have taken more of an initiative to apply for many different schools and many scholarships. I also wish I wasn?t so afraid of being denied by schools and doing bad on my SAT's. I would have liked to have gotten better grades on my SAT's to have been able to attend at bigger university. But, this worked out for the best because I love where I'm at now! Also I should have had more confidence in myself and moving away. I stayed at home for the first two years because I didn?t feel I could do it on my own. Now that I have stepped out of my box and made a new home for myself I am in love with the new chapter of my life and I cant wait to see where it will take me!

Sopey

If there was the opportunity to go back and talk to myself, I am certain to tell myself to find an interest in a subject and develop into it, or progress into a passion/hobby because future self took three and a half years to finally discover her capabilities and interests and what she wanted to do in life. If I were to meet myself in the beginning of my senior year, I would have told myself to make the most of my senior year and be socially active. If I were to meet myself by the end of the year, then I would have told myself to be active and socially involved in the beginning of my freshman year in college. More importantly I would have told myself to step out of my comfort zone and take a risk once and for all despite being socially awkward, because that one step makes the next one so much easier. The final thing I would tell myself is that no matter what path I choose and how it could change the outcome of my future, I must apply for ?the? internship that changed my life and my path for the better.

Nicole

I would tell myself that it is nothing similar to high school, it is a completely new experience so to keep an open mind. I would also tell myself not to worry so much, that I am going to do ok!

Erin

When it comes to making decisions about college, do not be afraid. Growing up one views college as a major step into adulthood. It is, but it is a step that should be looked forward to not looked at anxiously. One should not let fear deter him/her from taking a chance on a college that may be better suited because it is far away and he/she may not know anyone. College gives one the opportunity to explore and make new friends, as well as giving the opportunity to learn more about oneself. It offers diversity that one may not have been offered at one's hometown. Take the opportunity without waivering and remember that it is not just oneself that is plunging into college life. There is a myriad of other students going through the same thing, and once in college one can go through it with his/her new comrades. So, take a leap of faith and choose a college that is right for oneself no matter the qualms.

Emma

If I could go back in time and talk to myself about what to expect from college, I would tell myself to make all of my decisions about my education in my own best interest. I would tell myself to not choose a path based on what my friends, family, peers, or educators want for me. I would tell myself to think more carefully about my future plans and make a decision that is best for me and that will fulfill my interests and ambitions. I would tell myself to take my time and not rush through all of my experiences. I would tell myself to prepare for the ultimate balance of college life -- work and play. Balancing school work and fun in college can be quite challenging. The most important thing is to focus on work now and have fun later. The balance can be difficult for young people, as it was for me, but I am sure that it will pay off in the end. Finally, I would tell myself to take advantage of any of the fun that I would get to have because it will be over before I know it.

Ashley

Advice I would give to a high school senior would be to do your research. Find out as much as you can about your school and the opportunites before you go. Check out the campus, talk to people, get all the facts. Also, get as many scholarships as you possibly can before you enter school. College is expensive! Get the money now! There's tons out there and some is really easy to get. Apply for everything even if you don't think you'll win, you just might and that's extra money. Good Luck.

Carly

As a college freshman I would go back and tell myself that organization and time management are key factors to success in college. Balancing several challenging classes is a difficult task and completing all assignments on time is extremely important. Procrastination is a very bad idea. Getting plenty of sleep is also a key in success. I would also tell myself to be open minded about classes because some lectures have upwards of two hundred people, so being able to teach myself some material is important. I should read for comprehension after I have skimmed chapters in books and gotten a feel for the material. Re-reading textbooks is not horrible--it is helpful. But, I would also tell myself that college is supposed to be fun, so designate some time to go out and learn what the surrouning area has to offer. A new city offers new experiences and new friends, so don't be shy. Be willing to meet new people and enjoy the journey ahead.

Jacquelyn

If I was to go back in time I would say to live on campus. There are so many things that college life has to offer from plays, christian meetings, health clubs, leadership clubs and many more. I would say that to live on campus or even near would make it possible for you to enjoy and be able to get more involved with the school activites. Living so far away from the campus makes it nearly impossible to be able to get involved since many clubs and gatherings are later in the evening. I would say that even though your goal is to graduate with your degree as quickly as possible, things do happen that can keep you there longer and you want to look back on these times and say that you did get out there and make life long friends, volunteered and helped make a difference in the lives of those in your community. Make sure to get involved, have fun, do stay focused and enjoy this time in you life and don't take it for granted.

Taylor

If I were to travel back in time to my high school self, I would reassure myself that I am making the right decision. I would warn that it is not going to be easy, being an athelete and a new college student, and that I might want to give up, especially when times are extremely tough, but in the end it will all be worth it. I was injured as a freshman and had to sit out half of the competitive swim season, however I stayed true to my values and determined to reach my goals, and I ended up breaking three school records as a freshman. I would tell my past self not to worry because at UNF, I found a place where I can be involved with the community, work hard at the sport I love to do, and excel in and out of the classroom. I would tell myself that everything will be just fine!

Ashia

The most important advice I could give myself, from college me to high school me, is be prepared. College is exactly as so many have put it: a whole other world. It?s different in that now I'm on my own, relying on myself for food and motivation to get even get up and attend my classes. Be prepared for the differences in the environment, both physical and social. Keep track of the weather and be prepared for anything. The same goes for the new people in the new environment. Understand that the people in college may not be anything like those from high school. There is such an array of cultures in college. The most important preparation is being prepared to learn. College is far more difficult than high school and requires far more time, energy and determination. With this information, I?d have a better grasp on what to and not to do to succeed as a college student.

Jennifer

If you can't keep up with your workload in high school, eventhough teachers basically hold your hand through every single assignment, then what makes you think that you will be able to handle college? Everything you do in college will be your own responsibility. Find a way to balance your social life with your academic life. Although academics should be number one on most peoples' lists, the experiences you will encounter and people that you will meet all throughout your college career are irreplaceable; set aside time to have some fun and allow your life to change. Take my advice and do not get a full-time job and take 5 classes, this will not only completely ware you out but you will left with absolutely no time to have any sort of fun. Not only that, you will barely have anytime to keep up with homework, papers, or exams. An important piece of advice, please do not blow off picking your school schedule each semester. Be timely and prepared to pick your courses, or you will end up having to take "left over" classes at 5:45am or 9pm; been there, done that, it stinks. Good luck=)

Faith

If i could go back in time and talk to myself, i would tell myself as a high school senior that i should have applied for more scholarships. I should have been more focused on getting my GPA up and just to get out there and get the free money that was offered to me. I wish there were more programs available for me as there are now. I would tell myself that i need to have better understanding of what grades mean and how important they really are in high school, not just when you get to college but your grades will reflect on how well you do when you get to college. I would tell myself to study more and be more actively involved in school activities. Education is very important and i think now Im just now really realizing it.

Claire

I would tell myself to not be afraid. I was so nervous that I would not enjoy the school that I chose and that I would have a hard time making friends, but that was not the case. I would tell myself to get invovled in everything. Take the time out of your schedule to become the President of a club, apply for a job at the university, take a few classes that you don't need. I would tell myself to just enjoy the experience. Meet new people, have crazy adventures, and learn everything you possibly can. Getting involved in campus life is the best thing you can possibly do.

renalda

if i could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior....i'd 1st tell myself not to fall for the boy with nice brown eyes and thick curly hair, he's a waste of time, laugh out loud. but in all seriousness id tell myself to take school more seriously. look for scholarships early so i won't end up a high school graduate with no direction, because i can't afford to pay for college. i would tell myself to take part in alot more activites. im only a senior once stop complaining and make it worth the while becuase you can't take back yesterday. i would tell myself to stand tall, set a pace and walk it out. i would tell myself to just be myself not what i think other people would rather me be, because i am all i have. make the best of what i have and never give up. hold my head up high and never look down on someone unless im helping them up. i only live once and life is what i make it to be so make it worth living!!!

Caitlin

If I could travel back through time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to keep doing exactly what I've been doing. All through elementary, middle, and high school I have always been a hard worker and very determined. I kept up with my studies, stayed organized, got good grades, and managed to travel the country as a competitive surfer. All throughout high school I knew when to sit down and study and when I could go out and have fun. I would tell myself that as long as I can carry that self-control through college, especially since my parents would be living two states away, I know I will succeed.

Patricia

If I could go back and give myself some advice before senior year, I would have told myself to take Dual enrollment classes, because it puts you ahead of the game once you get into college. Also I would advise myself to save up all the money that you can, and don't spend it on supid things because once you get to college you don't have parents here to pay for little things like pencils, paper, ink, beauty products, etc. Another thing that would be benifical would be to apply for scholarships even if you think don't think you get them or you don't want to write an essay because you can never have enough money in college. My final piece of advice would to be open to new people and experiences, as long as they are legal. In college your making bonds that could last a lifetime if you start out on the right foot, so come to school with an open friendly attitude!

Jan

Don't wait until you are 27 years old to start college. You have the right to better yourself now. You can be the first person in your family to get a degree and open limitless doors to your future. You have that right and you deserve it.

Abigail

Just take a deep breath, work hard and take all you classes seriously, don't slack off!

Jose

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would seriously reprimand myself similarly to how inmates, who for community service or just the recreational aspect of it, will intimidate the criminal youth by screaming and yelling all the not so wonderful things that await those who embrace crime as a career. Mind you I?m no deviant, but a rude awakening was in order. First I would ask that I abandon my unorganized ways for they do not suit the life of a full time college student. This would include scheduling so as to not let things pile up. I would engage in a serious talk pertaining to what it is exactly that I wish to study so as to not take pointless classes that do not aid in completing my degree. This last part I wish I could tell my junior self in high school. Don?t wait until that moment right before the last moment, this self-sabotaging act can be just as restrictive as waiting until the last moment. My faults, as with most students, stem from procrastination so lastly I would ask myself to desist such behavior.

Janae

Do the best that you can. Life is all about the choice we make. Be wise in every decisin that you make casue it will affext your future. Dont be so hard on yourself. You cannot be perfect no one ever is. Sometimes getting a B in a class isnt as bad as you think.

Chris

Although I have always been a hard worker, I feel I could have taken a few more challenging courses and maybe taken more in the foreign language department. Kids should really listen to mom, she is always right and she definitely has you best intrest at heart. I would not have gotten this far without my mom's constant force in my life and studies! I also wish I would have researched more scholarships, That would have helped because my parents cannot afford to help like they wish they could. I work on the days I dont have school tocover what I need for school but it is very tough and as it is now I hope somehow I can get some money to attend grad school! If I can win this scholarship, it would be a great blessing and it would take away some of my worry and my mom's. Sincerely, Chris Janssen

Holly

The best advise I could have given myself was to trust myself, and my heart. By doing that, the right path will be layed at your feet. Trust the people that love you, for they only try to do what is best for you because they love you. Never give up! The process will seem to take forever, and when you think you are almost done, you'll find you have a long way to go yet. Other than trusting yourself and others that love you, and having endurance, apply for as many scholarsips as you can now! And save, save, save. College is expensive, books are really expensive, and its going to be hard working full time, traveling to and fro, and going to college, but it'll be worth it when the light at the end of the tunnel still looks like a candle a mile away. It will be time consuming, but less stressful if you do it now, and not when the money is due.

Meghann

For me personally I would let my high school senior self know that I can't work and go to college at the same time. I have an auto-immune disorder and going to school full time and working ended up making me catch bronchitis and having to drop en entire semester of college due to how bad it was. My high school self would realize that I need the money from working so I would suggest starting the process of SSI earlier. It's currently still not even close to getting a decision maade so maybe having known all of that earlier would have helped me to move the process along faster.

Emily

I would tell myself to start getting involved with Vet's offices now and to write down everything that I do for documentation. It is extremely hard to recall all the things that I was involved in during highschool and what my awards were. I definately would tell myself to be more organized in those regards.