University of South Florida-St Petersburg Top Questions

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

Tiffani

I would tell my highschool self to prepare early and to work harder. I would say study more and dont slack off whenyou start college. I'm struggling now to figure out how to pay for college trying to get scholarships. I wish things had gone better when I first started college I was having some major family issues. So I would have said don't let that eefect you schoolwork.

Anita

If I could go back in time and talk to my high school self about college, the number one thing that I would say is to go to college, put in the effort, and don't give up! I say this because right after graduating high school, I went to college for only one semester, did not try very hard at all, quit, and did not decide to go back until six years later. I thought that it was going to be too hard and that I couldn't do it. I also was unsure of the career I wanted at the time, and instead of continuing my college education and figuring it out in the meantime, I just quit. Going back to college has been the best decision I have ever made, and now I can only wish that I had stayed with it the first time around, and I could be well on my way to success in my career at this point. Since I cannot go back, what I can do is to make the best of it this time around, putting all my efforts into my education and my future.

Samantha

Dear High School Senior Me, Congratulations on making it this far! We both know this wasn’t easy and at times it seemed giving up was a possibility, but you did it! There’s a few things you need to know before moving on into the world as a COLLEGE STUDENT! One, its one big, huge small town, full of wild adventures and comradery, so I recommend doing everything possible to live on campus because living at home has caused you to miss out on a lot. Also, don’t forget to get involved, and I don’t mean just academic clubs, but try NEW things and try to open your eyes to different views. It’s an amazing world out there, just give it a chance. Oh and one last thing… the boys are way cooler, so ditch that guy you have now, he’s not worth it! This is going to be an amazing life, just hang on for the ride and enjoy! Sincerely, You Awesome Future Self!

Victoria

I spent my senior year in college as a full time student. I lived on campus and went to class with regular college students, while fulfilling high school class requirements with my major requirements. If I could go back to the day I started college, I would tell myself to not panic and take the first semester slow by watching and learning before jumping head first into it all. I would advice getting a roommate because they actually help you stay on track and you’re not so alone all the time. I would warn against dating because it’s a distraction. I would say to myself that different college professor teach different ways and to learn to take notes different for each class instead of trying to take notes the same and struggle. I would tell myself to get more organized, to study with a group and remember to eat more than once a day. Most importantly, I would advice to relax and breath, because it’s all very intimidating but not impossible. I would look at myself and say what I needed someone to say to me back then, “Never change who you are, just learn to adapt.”