University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Top Questions

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

Brianna

If I could go back in time, I would advise myself not to worry about the pressures of being in college and let myself know that it is better to do what feels right to you, rather than what others think you should do. There will be times when you?re wondering if you?ll survive, and you think you?re going to fail, but just know you?ll make it through because it?s not as bad as it seems. Just have faith in yourself, and you?ll be ready for what?s up ahead. You have so much to look forward to. The friends you?ll make, the changes you?ll see in yourself. Right now, your scared about the ?what ifs? in life, but spending your time wondering ?what if? this happens will only lead you to missing out on the best moments of your life. Don?t shy away from a challenge, instead, face it head on. Last, but not least, don?t forget where you came from but don?t let your past rule your future, or you will never learn from your mistakes.

Carrie

The only thing you need to change about yourself when you go to college is? nothing! Don?t worry about fitting in with the sorority girls or football guys. Stay true to yourself! Do what you love and it will lead you to a path of success academically and personally! Stay focused on your work load. Put your ego aside, and ask your professor questions! They are the only ones who know what you must do to reach your academic goals. Don?t be shy! Get out there and get involved in intramurals and volunteering! You have always felt fulfilled doing such things! Open yourself up to new friends, even if they are a little different than you?re used to. You never know, you may end up best friends! Keep in touch with high school friends! Get a job and start saving! Step outside of your comfort zone, and indulge in new experiences! That is what college is all about! Just because you are moving away doesn?t mean you need to change who you are or what you do! Don?t follow the crowd, God made you unique for a reason! Have a blast being YOU!

Misty

The advice I would give myself as a high school senior would have been to try as hard as I could throughout my senior year and not just blow away the year. That there would be plenty of time when you are out of school to party and socialize. Just take the time now to get the best education possible. I would have told myself to to live in the dorms for two years and experience what that life really is like. I wish I could tell myself back then that healthcare was my career choice and go to school to become a doctor now while you are young and fresh. I would also have told myself that the people who love you and care for you would be there the entire way through your journey. I would have told myself to enjoy the opportunity that is in front of you.

Daniel

Remember how hard you worked in high school and all of the things you've accomplished. You know what it will take to have a great academic experience in college and don't let anything bring you down. Build relationships with the people on your floor, the people you meet in classes, and the professors you have. Experience as much things as you can, try a new thing whenever you are presented the chance, and in each thing you do make sure it is with an open mind. Make a list of your goals and put them in a spot where you can see them daily, and make sure you are doing the things that will put you in the best spot of reaching your goals. The future is yours, what you do now decides your future. Good luck, work hard, and good things will happen!

Alyssa

Look at me now; a tall, brunette woman at the young age of twenty whose passions center on God and music. Look at me then; a punk-style, fun-lover at the yet younger age of eighteen whose focus was only the several moments prior to the last school bell. We are two completely different characters, yet a soul the same. My current self has rounded the jagged edges and sculpted a much more intelligent and less fragile lady. I am no longer able to wear those baggy boy-jeans I once had. I am incapable of shutting off the world to compose a prose relying mainly on deep focus. But, I can say that I am a better person, now. If I were to meet myself two years ago I would have to teach her that she is not the center of everything. There is so much going on in the world and, as Americans, we have no idea it's happening. We need more than just a school-educated mind (which is important, nevertheless) we need a genuine effort to change to our community, and a hunger to change this world.

Samuel

I would give myself the advice to start off with a more open mind about everything. Before college I had considered myself to be fairly open-minded. Within my first semester of college I have discovered that despite my best efforts, I was only doing a 'satisfactory' job. I have opened up to so many new ideas and new ways of thinking that I had previously avoided without knowing my avoidance. If there is one thing that I could tell myself as a high school senior, it would be to open up to new paths of learning despite the uncomfortability because, as I would soon discover, I will be exposed to them regardless of my feelings. New ideas should be embraced no matter how strange, uncomfortable, or archaic they may seem. I would have told my high school self that a completely open mind is required before you can asses a new idea with any accuracy or validity.

Emily

The first bit of advice I would give myself is to not be so nervous about meeting new people and impressing them. My true friends quickly showed themselves to me, and we all got along despite (or perhaps because of) our quirks. I would tell myself to not feel like I have to impress people by doing the "typical" college weekend night-- aka partying. My best friends and roommates now, in my third year of school, I met the first weekend of orientation, and although we did go out, we all agree: the party scene is not for us, so I would tell myself to not worry about not being "cool" for not going out. I would also tell myself to not be in a rush to figure out my career path! I didn't discover my true calling until sophomore year, and I actually love that it took me three semesters to find my niche, because that's how I really knew I truly loved kinesiology. Bottom line, I would let myself know that this is an amazing time in my life to find out who I truly am and to appreciate every day and every moment.

Ben

I would tell myself to learn how to study better and more efficiently before getting to college, and to work harder at seeking out and applying for scholarships. Saving money is incredibly important because there are a lot of costs that come with education, and you need to spend your time as efficiently as possible. Lastly, I would tell myself not to waste my first semester trying to be a Bio major. Otherwise I don't have much advice; the transition was relatively easy because of the environment provided at UWEC and because I am a pretty open and outgoing person. Have fun, and work hard.

Nicole

If I were able to travel back in time and chat with myself, I would say that I need to take as many academically challenging classes as possible. The more I am exposed to these challenges earlier on, the easier college will be in the long run. I would tell myself to enjoy my senior year and not worry about anything else but my future. I would say that I would need to really preview what jobs are available in my field of study before I commit to it. I would tell myself that knowing more about the real world and what careers lie ahead would be a good idea. Also, I would tell myself to choose a school based on what they offer and not location-don't be afraid to leave home behind! Explore your options and careers, and never regret taking a chance and seeing what is out there. Do not limit yourself. If you feel like trying something new, then do it! Do not hold back just because you become set in your ways. Enjoy high school because life is not free anymore after you graduate. Make yourself proud of what you have accomplished thus far.

Michelle

I have learned many things since leaving home and starting college at UWEC, and would therefore have a lot of advice to give myself. Getting involved with some groups on campus was one of the best decisions I could have made at the beginning of my freshman year of college. Those groups were where I have made some of my closes friends. That is one decision that I will never regret. The biggest piece of advice I could give, though, can be summed up into one word: Patience. Have patience with yourself. College classes are not as easy as high school, and it is fine if you are not good at everything. Have patience with your roommate. If something is bothering you about your roommate, take some time to think about it before making a big deal out of it. Chances are, something that was upsetting one day, won't be the next. And, have patience with your friends. They are college students too, and that means they also don't have it all together. My final piece of advice would be to have fun.

Drew

In retrospect of my transition period to college there are a few things I would have loved to know before entering college. First and foremost is to ignore the negative stereotypes of college. That is to say that, I would have said that college isnt all about drinking, drugs, and other negative factores. I would have mentioned all of the positive outlets that are offered through clubs, organizations, and other events on campus available to students. I also would have encouraged my high school self to make even stronger bonds with the professors of the courses each semester. The bonds you create with professors are great "apprentice" like situations, and allow students to learn a great deal more than is offered within the classroom itself. Look at professors as new friends your making, that want to expand your knowledge, instead of the very distanced and powerful overseer that students tend to associate high school teachers as. Remember that, as an (adult) college student, the professors are willing to treat you as much more of an equal and even basis, and that recognizing this will help push a student to their intellectual limits at college.

Jessica

Never give up! Keep researching, asking questions and reaching out to everyone and anyone who could help and don't be afraid to ask if there's anyone else I could talk to. Success depends entirly on you, not anyone else or what they think. You can do anything you put your mind to, just do it!!!

Molly

Looking back, I would tell myself to never be afraid to do what you truly desire. Sometimes, taking a chance and putting yourself in a new situation can cause you to see yourself from a new perspective. Don't be afraid to try new things, meet new people, and change as an individual. It is a natural part of growing up, and will help you define yourself and what you want to do with your life. No choice is permanent. You can always change your mind and set your heart to a new goal or destination. With a little effort, and a lot of patient, you can do just about anything you want to. And always, always do what YOU believe is right. No one should be able to tell you who you are or what you should do. You decide.

Cory

I would tell myself to get an earlier start on projects and homework., as well as study more for tests. I would say that I need to balance my social life, school life and work. I would also suggest to sign up for more on-campus activities depending on the course load. Also get to know more students in your classes, especially those in your chosen degree. Staying at home may be a money saver, but it would be better to live on-campus, especially to be able to interact more with others.

Steph

I would tell myself to make better use of classes that may have had college credit or possibility to transfer to college credit.

Alyssa

Know kinda what you want to do (as a career) before you enter college, and also take the oppertunities to gain new experiences.

Richard

College, especially freshman year, is a once in a lifetime experience. You will meet hundreds of new people, experience many new things, and above all, you won't know what the hell you are doing. The most important part of being successful in college is finding a balance between your work and your play. Remember, after all, you are there to recieve a college degree. Having said this, it is unrealistic to assume that this is possible without finding something fun to do where you can relax after a long day or vent some of your stress. Work hard, play hard. You will find this statement has more truth to it than you have ever realized.

Roxie

I would listen more closely to my mothers advice. I spent so much time wanting her to be wrong that I almost went to the wrong university.

Nicholas

Don't be afraid to dive into the mix of things. During freshman year, everyone is apprehensive about meeting new people and transitioning into a more free and independent lifestyle - if they say they aren't, they are lying. Nearly everybody is looking for new people to meet and something new to try. And, lucky for you, there are a plethora of new people and experiences. Everyone is in the same boat. Step out of your comfort zone a little bit, take advantage of your new surroundings. The goals of attending college should not solely be related to academics and careers alone - they should also focus on personal development and growth. This may be one of the last opportunities you get to try/be exposed to this many things at once. Join an organization, talk to your neighbor, get involved in a cause... whatever you want to try, as long as you try something new. Dive in, and you won't be dissapointed.

Nathaniel

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to get involved in college right away. Get involved in student organizations, intramurals and other extracurriculars. I would tell myself to relax and take things as they come - don't procrastinate. Finally: be yourself - don't worry about what other people think of you; because those that mind don't matter and those that matter don't mind. If you go into college worried about what others think of you, then you won't get as enjoyable a college experience as you should. College is an adventure...a life-changing experience; enjoy it!

Kayla

If I could go back in time and talk to the high school senior Kayla Lake, I would tell her to enjoy herself, and to figure out what makes her happy. Too often in high school I was busy with extracurriculars, jobs, and friends. Although these things were all good and helped shaped me into the responsible and respectable young woman I am now, I wish I had let go of my fear of disappointing other people and spent more time on getting to know myself. If I could teach the high school version of myself one thing, it would be to do what makes me happy rather than worrying about pleasing other people. The environment and people around you always change; however, if you have a strong understanding of yourself and your goals, the road to happiness will be much clearer. In college and in life, success and failure are two unsteady variables, but knowing at the end of the day who you are and where you're going, that is the foundation that will pull you through to tomorrow.

Luke

Take your time in finding the school that is right for you. Select a handful and research further into those schools to pick the one that is the best for you.

Joshua

Never choose a college unless you have toured it. Some colleges can be overwhelming if they're too crowded. Also, make sure the staff is friendly and upbeat. They are the ones that will be most useful to new students along with Resident Assistants. Most of all, make sure the college has diversity in the courses and majors offered. College is a time of discovery for young adults, and many of my friends here have already changed their major once. It's great to have plenty of choices should you discover you want to do something else.

Shelby

Stay overnight at the college. You will really get a feel of college life.

Bill

My advice for future college students and parents is first to get out there. You will never know what type of college fits you best without visiting lots of different colleges. Each college communityis unique and has pros and cons. Stay overnight and experience what the dorm life is like. It is completely different experience to get away from parents and the tour guides. The tour guides show the positive sides of campus and it is best to experience it yourself. See for yourself what there is to do with in the local area for entertainment, find out from college students what they like to do on weekends. For making the most out of your experience first get involved and stay active. When you are living in the Residence Halls take part in hall activities and organizations. Get involved with organizations that involve your major. This is so Important! You will not know if it is the right field for you if you are not immersed around people who love their major. Finally remember to have fun; this is a chance to rewrite yourself. You have an open plate and it's your choice what to do/eat.

Rachel

You need to figure out what type of enviornment you want to be in. It makes a big difference if you want to live in an urban or rural enviornment. Focus on your studies, but get involved in social groups.

Giselle

It's important to not just consider a school's reputation. Many schools are "famous" but they are not necessarily the best choice for all students. It's important to consider smaller, public universities, even if they may not be as well-known. A smaller university, of say 10,000 students, like mine, allows students to have individual attention and really get to know their professors, allowing for an enhanced learning experience. Classes are smaller and are taught by professors, not TA's. It's also important to not feel a lot of pressure about choosing your major right away. Keeping your mind open to everything will widen your opportunities and make you enjoy your college experience. Also, don't be afraid to change your major if you find something you like better; most students do. Dedication to learning is also important. You will get more out of your college experience if you pay attention and work hard in your classes. However, finding the right balance between school, work, and your social life will make your experience much more enjoyable. Don't be afraid to meet new people and try new things. New experiences are what college is all about!

Allison

My advice to prospective students and their parents is to keep an open mind. College tours are the best way to learn about the culture and opportunities available at different campuses. Visit a variety of campuses ranging from large to small and move from the city to the country. It is helpful to speak to current students attending the university and asking questions regarding their experience at the college thus far. Making the most of the college experience is all about finding yourself. It is necessary to feel a sense of belonging and being able to fit within a university. Keeping an open mind is the most important thing coming into college. By doing so, you will be able to fully indulge yourself into college life. Parents should trust their child will make the correct college decision that will best suit them and support their children in the tough decisions that follow. The support of your parents is a key ingredient in the success of a positive college experience.

Kris

I would say that choose a school that best fits you and what you want to get out of your college expreience. Dont choose a school that all your friends are going to just because they are going there and you want to be with them. I would also tell them to look at the clubs and different activitys the school offers through the year because this is where they will meet lots people out side fot he class room. Lastly I would tell them not to be afraid to try new things at school, you can learn just as much outside of the classroom about yourself and the world around when you explore different things that you have never done before.

Megan

The day that I had an insight into my life started like any other. I sat at my desk waiting for my math class to start, I couldn?t help but overhear what the girl sitting two rows behind me was saying: ?I go to college because I don?t want to end up with a low-paying, dead-end job. I don?t know what people with those jobs are doing with their lives.? That comment lingered in my mind the rest of the class. Afterward, as I walked down the hall to my next class, the motivation for why I am attending college hit me: room for improvement. Not just of myself, but of how my intellectual and personal growth will influence and enrich others who cross my path in the future. Although important, this growth is not just academic. That is why I divide my time between school, intramural sports, my singing group, my sorority, friends and work. Do not let yourself become a person with nothing else to offer but a college degree. Find a college that can also fufill the "extra" needs. They are just as important.

Kelly

My advice to future college students is to do your research. Many students choose quickly and are then dissatisfied with their experience. When proper research is done of aspects of college life, one can better find their fit. These include education, field of study, college life and finances. I suggest future students to spend a weekend at the college with a current student. This covers the research of college life by allowing one to be immersed in the way the students live, eat and play. Finances is a topic of research that needs to be done prior to the college weekend; if you cannot afford the school, scholarships and loans are an option. Many future college students get so wrapped up in moving on to a new stage of their lives, many forget to see if the college specializes in their field of study. After proper research is done and college has started, immerse yourself with other students and start studying hard. Start college off right by diving in head first, which means dont be a hermit! Get out with your new friends and dont go home on the weekends if you want to do college right!

Nicole

Look at money first to find the right college. Find a college that is within a students or their parents budget unless the student has an excellent scholarship. Then submit to every single one of those colleges. Never expect the student will get into a college he/she wants; it is like counting chickens before they hatch. These steps really won't matter if grades, money, and an excess of extracurricular activities are in abundance but for the other students (80{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} or so), they will need to options open. Once the student has a list of colleges he/she has been accepted to, he/she needs to make a list of pros and cons of what the student wants or does not want in a college (in order to find out what a student wants or to know what is avaliable, some touring of different types of colleges may be recommended). Whichever college fits the list best wins. If there is some sort of tie, find out the distance the colleges are from home, because there is a great deal of social, familial, and economic factors that change with distance. The student needs to balance practicality with wishes.

Jayne

The right college is the one that feels like home. If a student can feel comfortable in a new place, or see themselves becoming comfortable there in a short amount of time, they will be more open to the opportunities presented them. Taking initiative to make new friends is one of the most important things about college, especially in the beginning. Everyone needs someone to talk to and understand them, and when you're moving through such a monumental transition in life, having someone to help you through it who is experiencing the same thing is very helpful. I am a student who chose the school in my hometown, and because I lived at home I had less of a chance to meet people than those who live in the dorms. I regret not befriending the people I saw on a daily basis last semester because I now know most of them quite well and I can't imagine life without them. My first semester of college was very difficult not having anyone to talk to who understood what I was going through. I really, really hope that people will take the chance to step outside of their box.

Barbara

Start looking early and keep your options open! The thing I regret most is not really looking at all my options until my senior year of high school and by then it is about time to make your decision. Also don't get your heart dead set on going somewhere. You might visit and find that it really isn't the right place for you. Apply to a lot of places and visit them all. Also don't think that you have to know exactly what you want to do with your life. We are young, we have lots of time to figure that out. I'm a college sophomore and I've changed my major five times! So don't stress yourself out about figuring out your whole life as a senior in high school, because trust me plans change! Get as much information as you can, have fun, meet new people and make connections. It is all about the networking.

Sara

I think the most important thing to look at is the campus and the academics themselves, friends will come and go but if you do not love your campus and find something you absolutely love studying then you won't be happy. If you feel at home when you go visit the campus it is probably the right one for you. College is all about experiments and finding out who you really are and what you really, truely enjoy, if you don't feel comfortable in the place you are trying to find yourself then you won't achieve your goals. While at college you need to try everything that sounds interesting to you, any clubs. sports, classes, anything and everything. You never know what things you might really have fun with or the kinds of people you will meet, or maybe there is something you really like but you don't know how to get involved. There is always a way, you have the power to go find it and follow your dreams, no matter what they are. College is an experience all in its own, it is what you make of it, nothing can get in your way.

Chris

After your tour, take a walk with your parents across the campus. Tours are very misleading so try to find someone who goes to the school to show you around. They can give you a more extened tour and more practical view of the layout of the campus. This is very helpful in seeing the "real" school in additon to knowing exactly how far you'll have to walk at 7:30AM in the winter!!

Sierra

It's much easier to pick a college if you know what you want to get your undergraduate degree in. Coming out of high school, I wasn't exactly sure what I wanted to go to school for. By picking a few majors you might be interested in and researching the schools that specilaize in those fields are a good thing to do. Also, I came from a small town and a super big school would have probably discouraged me and made me feel a bit intimidated. Don't pick a school that doesn't fit with your lifestyle and what you are used to. If you grew up in a huge city and loved it, stick with a larger school. If you grew up in a small town and don't think you are ready for big city life, stick with the smaller campuses. Also, consider extracurricular activities. If you feel passionate about something, religion, sports, art, theater, find a school that has those things available to you. College is all about experience and growth as a person, so make sure it's a college you could see yourself at both academically and socially.

Trina

The most important aspect about choosing a college is making sure it's what is right for the student.

Jordan

Don't be afraid to go to a school that seems far away. I wish I woudn't have opted for the closer school. Good luck!

Kayleen

To get involved from day one. To ask your professors questions at all times. To get help when you need it.

Garrett

To find the right college, I think it's best to think about what you want to do, and chose a school that has a good program for that interest. If you do not know, it is best to chose one that is good in several fields, and that will offer a lot of oppertunities for exploration. Also, it is good to talk to older friends who have gone to college to see what they've experienced, and to parents; communication is vital to a choice as important as this. As for making the most out of a college experience, I believe it is as simple as getting involved. It does not matter what the activity is, but if you find some sort of activity or club that interests you, you will meet new people through it, and feel more motivated to do well academically. Studies have shown that the more a student is involved, the better their academic performance.

James

Make sure you take the time to look around for a place you think will suit you, and somewhere where you know you will receive a quality education while maintaining a social atmosphere that is comfortable to you.

Samantha

Pick a school based on your gut instincts. You will most likely be attending this school for the next four years and it has to be a place that you feel you could fit into- do you like the city, the campus, the dorms, does it have multiple areas of your interest-to ensure major flexibility, how are the sports facilities, art and music venues, how far away from home do you want to be? There are so many things that a prospective student needs to think about, the thing that I went by was my gut. My university, just felt "right". I have made the best decision ever and it was all about what my insticts were telling me. Once you pick that perfect school, remember you are there to make friends for life, try to be open-minded and try everything at least once. College isn't just about academics, you will meet a lot of interesting people that are very passionate about what they want to do and where they want to go in life. Take advantage of this once in a lifetime opportunity and learn from all that are around you.

Luke

First, parents must let their child have a major role in picking a school. The child must have a genuine good feeling about a campus even before an application is sent out. Secondly, the student must be proactive to have a great college experience. The student should go out and meet new people. This may put the student out of his/her comfort zone, but it will make the rest of his/her college career so much memorable. Third, students need to create a balance between their schoolwork and their social life. It is way too easy to get caught up in the fun of college and forget about the real reason why we students are there. Lastly, parents must learn to let their children go. This is usually a process that all parents have to go through. Even though it may be hard for the parents, it is crucial that the student learns some life lessons on their own. This may mean that the student makes mistakes, but I have always found that I learn a lot more from my mistakes.

Caleb

Finding the right University is key. Look at as many college you can before deciding which school you want to go to. Do not rely of the testimonials of your friends or family. Try to meet with some of the professor who teach courses in your intenede major. As for the college experience; there are an enormous number of students on campus that you can identify with. Find new friend who share you interests, and don't just hang out with old high school friends. But don't let your social life dilute you academic performance. Study hard, and don't procrastinate.

Andrew

There is a college out there for every type of student so it is important to take into consideration certain criteria when looking at colleges to attend after high school. Colleges come in every size and shape, so it is important to find the one that suits the needs required. While the size of the college itself, as well as average class size, are important; one needs to take into consideration the town/city that this college is located in. The town/city surrounding the college is important to the social life of the college and should be a major consideration. Colleges are all around the nation in every state and most major cities. Therefore choosing one that is the correct distance from "home" is important. Choosing a school the correct distance from home allows for the student to return as often as they want while giving them the freedom in their lives they require. The first year of college may be intimidating, but if students are involved in clubs, frats/sor, sports from day one the transition to college life will be much smoother by helping to create a foundation of friendships/relationships.

Dana

To students making the decision of which college to attend i would say, apply to every college in which you are interested. Don't limit your choices by thinking you might not be accepted. Also visit as many campuses you can; you can get a good feel of the culture by campus visits. To parent, dont push a choice on your child. Give advice when needed buy allow your child to make this important decision for the reasons they want.

Benjamin

Try to avoid going to school where all of you high school friends are attending; broaden your horizons and follow your heart. Don't neccessarily go to the school that is financially the most realistic if it will not be able to fulfill your goals. Get involved into social groups outside of the classroom and remain open minded. Reach out and try to create a professional network as early as possible; an internship, volunteering, etc. Experience the freedom of independance but don't let the partying scene consume you. Keep goals and re-evaluate them as you transition through your college years. Stay focused, because the reward of a college educucation and the personal expereinces that college delivers are priceless.

Michelle

Many young adults are faced with the difficult decision of deciding not only the right college for them, but the field of study that will guide them into their future careers. For me this was always the hardest thing. I was only 18 years of age and had no idea what I wanted to do with the rest of my life, or what direction I wanted to pursue. Thousands of dollars later and a change in my degree the semester before my Senior year, i wish i would had invested more time during the high school to research schools and programs. Thus, my greatest advice would be for students and parents is to start looking at colleges early. Take the ACT or SAT early and more than once. Apply to as many schools as you want, and don't think "I can't get in". Take the chance. Parent's allow your teenagers to attend college fairs, allow them to embrace their talents, dreams, aspirations, and interests. More importantly, if you are a student and know what area of study you want to puruse, then find the best school with the best program in that field. More importantly, LIVE LIFE!

Kristin

I would recommend that students do college visits and meet people who go to the college, and ask them what they like/dislike about the school. They always put out the best cafeteria food when tours are coming through... don't be fooled!