University of South Dakota Top Questions

I wish I would have known about all the opportunities in place for students to succeed. We have so much ability as students but don't always realize the opportunities that we have.

On my first day at the University of South Dakota I was surrounded with posters and flyers from different clubs and organizations trying to recruit freshmen to join. Although this was a nice way to enter my freshmen year, I also felt very overwhelmed. What I wish I would have realized at this time was that it's not necessary to join every activity that you are asked to join. It is important to put your passions before your social status. Keep your eye on the prize, and work towards your degree, not popularity.

How to study because during high school I slid through the classes without having to open a book but when I first got to college I found out that not studying was not going to get me very far.

I wish I had taken the time to look at other colleges instead of rushing into it. I thought college was going to be a lot like high school and I could just choose one but it really did matter. I didn't know how big of a transition college would be.

I wish I would have known how to study better. In my high school, I never had to study, due to the small classes and teachers that helped all the time. I also wish I would have known a little more about actual college classes, and what was expected from the professors.

I wish I had known more about what goes on here, socially. When you visit a college, they don't give you answers about what really goes on on campus. They focus more on the education, which is most important, but it would be nice to know more about the social environment before choosing a school.

I wish I had known about the lack of good student organizations available as well as the night life in Vermillion, SD.

I wish I would have known how much of my time was going to be spent not studying. You learn so much about time management once you get into college. Your thoughts become "Exactly how long will I need to get ready and make it to class on time?" so you can get more sleep. You'll spend time with friends, you'll be on the internet, and some days you'll just wonder where your time went. I wish I knew how to prepare for that.

The worst thing about USF is very minor, it would be that the way in which the school uses their email system seems to be unorganized. For example, graduate students get emails about things that don't pertain to them. Also, the entire student body receives emails only concerning those students that work for the school.

How to apply for more scholarships.

Some better study habbits and stronger time management skills.

The opportunities on-campus for volunteering and research that were available.

That when it came to financial aid you can get your check immediately instead of waiting for the financial aid office to write you a check.

That I would be surrounded by such talented people. Also that Greeks run this campus and it's not a bad thing. People on this campus are fun and it's not the worst place to go.

That once you apply for on-campus housing you cannot get out out of it once the deadline has passed. I found a cheaper place to stay but I was forced by the agreement I signed that I would be "bound by the contract." It didn't turn out bad because I got into the student apartments, but I thought it was unfair to not let students back out if they had to.

I wish I had a better understanding of application processes to continue submitting scholarship applications.

I wish I had known what I wanted to do with my life.