college q&a: view all
questions about deciding to go
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"I would probably have taken my freshman year in college a little more seriously than I did. My grades were not ideal to what I would like them to be. Also, I would probably try to get more information about different majors before I committed to one."
Did anyone help you think through your options for college? How did you get this person to help you?
Several students provide answers:
"My high school counselor was a huge help. I gave her a list of what I wanted out of my college experience (opportunities for undergraduate research, strong liberal arts curriculum, proximity to a large city), and she helped me screen colleges and programs. I also asked tons of people who were already in college for advice on where and how to apply."
"My mom helped me a lot. I was really nervous at first, but she helped me think through my options."
"My parents offered their opinions, but ultimately it was my own work and decision. It's not as hard as you might think."
"My father helped me out. I also got help from teachers. They are always willing to help if you ask."
"My high school counselor was a huge help. I gave her a list of what I wanted out of my college experience (opportunities for undergraduate research, strong liberal arts curriculum, proximity to a large city), and she helped me screen colleges and programs. I also asked tons of people who were already in college for advice on where and how to apply."
"My mom helped me a lot. I was really nervous at first, but she helped me think through my options."
"My parents offered their opinions, but ultimately it was my own work and decision. It's not as hard as you might think."
"My father helped me out. I also got help from teachers. They are always willing to help if you ask."
Answers from three students:
"College has helped me become a better communicator and critical thinker. It has allowed me to meet many new people and hear many new perspectives."
"College has helped me become a stronger leader. I've learned so much from my classes and my activities outside the classroom. It's a great opportunity to learn who you are and to prepare for the 'real world.'"
"I've done so many things that I had never done before. I explored the city all by myself, took a bus to a different state and took a road trip with my school's Alternative Spring Break group. I joined a bunch of groups and activities, and I learned to get myself up in the morning!"
"College has helped me become a better communicator and critical thinker. It has allowed me to meet many new people and hear many new perspectives."
"College has helped me become a stronger leader. I've learned so much from my classes and my activities outside the classroom. It's a great opportunity to learn who you are and to prepare for the 'real world.'"
"I've done so many things that I had never done before. I explored the city all by myself, took a bus to a different state and took a road trip with my school's Alternative Spring Break group. I joined a bunch of groups and activities, and I learned to get myself up in the morning!"
"I wouldn't say it's necessarily a negative thing, but the amount of work is more than I expected. Sometimes I have to do things that I don't want to do, such as write a paper rather than go out with friends. I've heard people say to treat college like a full-time job, and it's totally true."
"That's okay. You will make friends in college but you will always have your friends from home to spend time with as well. You will meet new people but still have the same important people from home in your life. They might even enjoy visiting you at school."
"Probably working at some job, being very unhappy, not using my brain and letting my potential go to waste."
"My concerns were about leaving home, living on my own, missing my old friends, making new friends and doing well in my classes. I overcame them by working hard and just giving college a fair shot."
Three students share their insights:
"I decided to go to college both to achieve personal and professional goals. College opens many doors and allows you to experience many new things."
"These days college is almost a necessity to get a job that pays well. Also, I really want to help people, and college was necessary for me to be able to do that."
"I was tired of working low-end jobs where anyone can take your job for nothing, and I knew there was something out there better for me."
"I decided to go to college both to achieve personal and professional goals. College opens many doors and allows you to experience many new things."
"These days college is almost a necessity to get a job that pays well. Also, I really want to help people, and college was necessary for me to be able to do that."
"I was tired of working low-end jobs where anyone can take your job for nothing, and I knew there was something out there better for me."
"I think it is better to attend full-time, if circumstances allow it. Attending full-time lets you experience the whole range of college life, and it also allows to you focus on your studies and finish in a shorter amount of time."
Here's how four students responded:
Think of it as a new journey that you are embarking on with new experiences that may change your outlook on a lot of different things. Go into the experience with an optimistic outlook.
Go out and meet new people as soon as possible because when you do that your college experience will be a lot better in your earlier years.
I would tell them to relax; going away to college is an exciting adventure that they will enjoy.
You can do it! Everyone else is going through the same transitions.
Think of it as a new journey that you are embarking on with new experiences that may change your outlook on a lot of different things. Go into the experience with an optimistic outlook.
Go out and meet new people as soon as possible because when you do that your college experience will be a lot better in your earlier years.
I would tell them to relax; going away to college is an exciting adventure that they will enjoy.
You can do it! Everyone else is going through the same transitions.
"No, I never regret going to college. College has been an incredible learning experience, both inside the classroom and in everyday life in general. The things I have experienced in college have allowed me to grow as a person as well as learn about the world around me."
Three students share their insights:
"It can be a long and hard process. Remember to keep your options open and don't tie yourself down to one choice. There are thousands of schools, and I'm sure there are several good fits for every person. Consider your own academic priorities, social needs and location preferences before applying. I made sure to read up on all the schools I considered, which included looking at course catalogs, the size of their departments, the diversity of the student body and campus accessibility to nearby cities and attractions."
"I chose a school based on size, distance to home and quality of the academic programs. I wanted to be close enough so it wouldn't be a horrible drive to go home."
"It took a while for me; I didn't go to school after I graduated high school. I took a year off and worked. When I was ready and had a direction I wanted to go in, I talked to a counselor at my high school, and she helped me find a school that would work for me."
"It can be a long and hard process. Remember to keep your options open and don't tie yourself down to one choice. There are thousands of schools, and I'm sure there are several good fits for every person. Consider your own academic priorities, social needs and location preferences before applying. I made sure to read up on all the schools I considered, which included looking at course catalogs, the size of their departments, the diversity of the student body and campus accessibility to nearby cities and attractions."
"I chose a school based on size, distance to home and quality of the academic programs. I wanted to be close enough so it wouldn't be a horrible drive to go home."
"It took a while for me; I didn't go to school after I graduated high school. I took a year off and worked. When I was ready and had a direction I wanted to go in, I talked to a counselor at my high school, and she helped me find a school that would work for me."
questions about getting there
"Not at all! Your choice depends on what type of job or position or path you want to take after college. There are also people who first obtain their associate's degree and then go back to school in the future to finish with a Bachelor's or advanced degree."
Two students gave these answers:
"Grants from my university, student loans (both subsidized and unsubsidized), and a college savings account from my parents."
"Loans and financial aid. I'm also a Resident Assistant (RA), so the university pays for my room and meal plan, which makes going to college about $7,000 cheaper."
"Grants from my university, student loans (both subsidized and unsubsidized), and a college savings account from my parents."
"Loans and financial aid. I'm also a Resident Assistant (RA), so the university pays for my room and meal plan, which makes going to college about $7,000 cheaper."
Four students respond:
"I chose my major based on what subjects I enjoyed and excelled in during high school. Since writing for the school newspaper became my favorite class, I decided to major in journalism."
"Your choice of major depends on your interests and what you'd like to do after college. For example, I'm really interested in helping people, so I chose psychology."
"The best major is a completely personal decision. When you get to college you will have the chance to explore classes and subjects that will help you figure out the right major for you."
"There is not really a 'best' major. Remember to choose one that's interesting and enjoyable to YOU, not one that your friends and family think is best. After all, YOU will be taking the classes and doing the work!"
"I chose my major based on what subjects I enjoyed and excelled in during high school. Since writing for the school newspaper became my favorite class, I decided to major in journalism."
"Your choice of major depends on your interests and what you'd like to do after college. For example, I'm really interested in helping people, so I chose psychology."
"The best major is a completely personal decision. When you get to college you will have the chance to explore classes and subjects that will help you figure out the right major for you."
"There is not really a 'best' major. Remember to choose one that's interesting and enjoyable to YOU, not one that your friends and family think is best. After all, YOU will be taking the classes and doing the work!"
Perspectives from two students:
"I took Advanced Placement classes, articipated extracurricular activities (such as Debate Team, Model United Nations, newspaper staff, etc.), participated in National Honors Society and other community service opportunities, attended college informational sessions, and talked to my high school counselor about academic and professional options."
"I admit I didn't do too much in high school to prepare for college. I took an SAT Prep class, did average in classes, but mostly I was more obsessed with my social life than my future. I should have taken more Advanced Placement classes to better prepare myself for college. I came to college with only three college credits from high school, and I would definitely have been better off had I taken more."
"I took Advanced Placement classes, articipated extracurricular activities (such as Debate Team, Model United Nations, newspaper staff, etc.), participated in National Honors Society and other community service opportunities, attended college informational sessions, and talked to my high school counselor about academic and professional options."
"I admit I didn't do too much in high school to prepare for college. I took an SAT Prep class, did average in classes, but mostly I was more obsessed with my social life than my future. I should have taken more Advanced Placement classes to better prepare myself for college. I came to college with only three college credits from high school, and I would definitely have been better off had I taken more."
Ideas from three students:
"Yes! You should choose classes in high school that challenge you, whether mentally or culturally. If your high school doesn't offer a large selection of classes, you can also look into classes at local community colleges."
"Be ready to step out of your comfort zone. Don't stay in your dorm room during your first week of school. Explore your college, meet as many new people as you can, and just go for it."
"Reminding myself that people do succeed in college helped to calm me and remind me that I would not fail. You should be ready to become more independent. Create a schedule for yourself, do your own laundry, make your own food, wake yourself up and don't rely on your teachers to tell you when things are due."
"Yes! You should choose classes in high school that challenge you, whether mentally or culturally. If your high school doesn't offer a large selection of classes, you can also look into classes at local community colleges."
"Be ready to step out of your comfort zone. Don't stay in your dorm room during your first week of school. Explore your college, meet as many new people as you can, and just go for it."
"Reminding myself that people do succeed in college helped to calm me and remind me that I would not fail. You should be ready to become more independent. Create a schedule for yourself, do your own laundry, make your own food, wake yourself up and don't rely on your teachers to tell you when things are due."
"My SAT/ACT score was pretty important. And yes, had I studied more, I do think I would have been accepted into a few more schools."
"There are many majors for people interested in sports, such as physical rehabilitation and therapy, advertising, sports reporting/journalism and much more. You can even pursue an education degree to become a gym teacher. If you want to play soccer, you can ask your school about any varsity, club or intramural sports they offer!"
"Absolutely! Most schools actually encourage contact with professors or administrators to help with the selection process. First, I would ask the
Admissions Office of the college what types of questions you want to ask and have them recommend a professor you can contact."
Perspectives from two students:
"It is very important to pay detailed attention to application instructions, as well as possible supplements, resumes and additional forms required by many schools. Staying aware of application due dates is extremely important. Figure out as soon as possible if you would like to apply early decision or early action to any college."
"For me, the college application process was hectic, chaotic and stressful. But it was a learning experience, and I was proud when I finished."
"It is very important to pay detailed attention to application instructions, as well as possible supplements, resumes and additional forms required by many schools. Staying aware of application due dates is extremely important. Figure out as soon as possible if you would like to apply early decision or early action to any college."
"For me, the college application process was hectic, chaotic and stressful. But it was a learning experience, and I was proud when I finished."
"According to career statistics some majors (like business) will pay better and offer more job opportunities. However, both business and English majors offer opportunities to excel. It is up to you to decide if financial stability or personal career satisfaction is more important, and which job will provide you with whatever you deem most important. Often, just having a college degree will open up many new career opportunities that would not otherwise exist. It doesn't always depend on what your degree is in."
"For the most part, it is possible to complete any major within four years at a four-year university and within two years at a two-year university. But, yes, some majors do take longer."
"At a two-year college, you can typically earn an associate's degree,while at a four-year college, you can earn a bachelor's degree. Somejobs require an associate's degree, and others require a bachelor'sdegree, so it depends on what you want to do after college. But atwo-year college is a great way to get your education started, becauseits usually cheaper and more accessible."
"This depends on your motivation, the majors you select and the school where you enroll. Sometimes, two majors will be closely related which can make the process a lot easier. But it's likely you will have to work harder and take a few more classes."
Two students' answers:
"Financial aid played a huge part in what school I eventually chose. There are also hundreds of scholarships available to high school seniors across the country and it's definitely worth your time to do a little research on which ones might apply to you."
"I found the money to go to college by working part-time in high school. But I'm paying for college mostly through loans, financial aid, and grants."
"Financial aid played a huge part in what school I eventually chose. There are also hundreds of scholarships available to high school seniors across the country and it's definitely worth your time to do a little research on which ones might apply to you."
"I found the money to go to college by working part-time in high school. But I'm paying for college mostly through loans, financial aid, and grants."
Two students offered these answers:
Going to college from high school wasn't difficult, but it was different, especially with all the free time.
No, it wasn't a difficult transition for me. It all depends on how well a person can adjust and catch on quickly.
Going to college from high school wasn't difficult, but it was different, especially with all the free time.
No, it wasn't a difficult transition for me. It all depends on how well a person can adjust and catch on quickly.
Four students' suggestions:
"Make short-term and long-term schedules, especially for important application deadlines for colleges and scholarships. Don't forget to have fun, too! You should still enjoy your last year of high school."
"It's called time management and prioritizing. Start your college search process well in advance. Create an organization system that works well for you. And above all, DO NOT PROCRASTINATE!"
"Your schoolwork and job should come first, but when you can find some free time, that's when you can squeeze in time to look for the college that's right for you. Organize your college search so that each time you look, you can narrow down your choices a little."
"I did the same thing, and it is tough, but you have to learn when to say no and what to say no to."
"Make short-term and long-term schedules, especially for important application deadlines for colleges and scholarships. Don't forget to have fun, too! You should still enjoy your last year of high school."
"It's called time management and prioritizing. Start your college search process well in advance. Create an organization system that works well for you. And above all, DO NOT PROCRASTINATE!"
"Your schoolwork and job should come first, but when you can find some free time, that's when you can squeeze in time to look for the college that's right for you. Organize your college search so that each time you look, you can narrow down your choices a little."
"I did the same thing, and it is tough, but you have to learn when to say no and what to say no to."
Here's how three students answered:
Be prepared for different people, new experiences, and more responsibilities.
You must be prepared for taking responsibility to go to classes and make good grades without being told to do so.
You should be preparing for the environment to change. You are more independent in college and it takes a lot of personal responsibility and actions to adjust.
Be prepared for different people, new experiences, and more responsibilities.
You must be prepared for taking responsibility to go to classes and make good grades without being told to do so.
You should be preparing for the environment to change. You are more independent in college and it takes a lot of personal responsibility and actions to adjust.
Two students offer their perspectives:
"Yes and no. The most important part is outlining your own wants and needs and then finding a college to match. If there is a specific college you want to attend, make sure the admissions people are aware of you! Talk to your counselor to get in touch with the admissions office, attend informational sessions, e-mail or call to ask questions; make your name known!"
"Getting into college can sometimes be difficult, so you definitely need to work hard and succeed. I should have worked a lot harder in high school than I did. Taking college and Advanced Placement courses really helps and I highly suggest it."
"Yes and no. The most important part is outlining your own wants and needs and then finding a college to match. If there is a specific college you want to attend, make sure the admissions people are aware of you! Talk to your counselor to get in touch with the admissions office, attend informational sessions, e-mail or call to ask questions; make your name known!"
"Getting into college can sometimes be difficult, so you definitely need to work hard and succeed. I should have worked a lot harder in high school than I did. Taking college and Advanced Placement courses really helps and I highly suggest it."
"There is often no accurate or clear-cut answer for this question. You should consult with your parents, counselor, teachers and friends to get their input before formulating the final decision yourself. Make a list of expectations most important to you and use them to narrow down your search."
"That depends on the specific scholarship. Some will write you a personal check, whereas others only count toward tuition credit. Read the fine print for every scholarship, because dates and amounts vary across the spectrum, too."
"It really depends on your preference. I attend a smaller school, and I've found that it's easier to get to know your classmates and professors on a personal level. But it's really up to you and what you're looking for! The main question to ask is: Will I get the proper education I need from going here?"
"Typically universities who employ a waitlist will ask if you want to continue to be considered in their application pool. It never hurts to continue to keep your name in the application pool. However, if they decide to offer you a spot, you have very limited time to respond, so it is best to have a plan of action. Can you afford it? Sometimes acceptance off of the wait list means you must forgo financial aid. Have you visited the school already? In order to allow time to visit the school, it is best to visit before you receive an acceptance off the wait list. If your second choice requires an answer before the wait list mails final decisions, it is wise to pay the enrollment deposit rather than be left in the dust if the wait list falls through."
The responses of two current students:
I would say it is because some students already go into their first year with a good idea of what to expect, while others are not as prepared.
I think the transition to college is easier for some students because they are more open to new experiences and changes so they can adapt well in school.
I would say it is because some students already go into their first year with a good idea of what to expect, while others are not as prepared.
I think the transition to college is easier for some students because they are more open to new experiences and changes so they can adapt well in school.
"Speak with your academic advisor and switch majors. Many students switch majors at least once during their undergraduate careers. It's possible some of your credits will roll over into the new major, so you will not have to start from scratch."
questions about college life
Two distracted students reply:
"My distraction is friends. There is always something fun going on and it is hard to say no to my friends when I need to do work and they are inviting me out to have a good time."
"Involvement is my biggest distraction. There's always plenty to do both on and off campus, so it's a tough balance between in-class and out-of-class activities. It's all about prioritizing and managing your time."
"My distraction is friends. There is always something fun going on and it is hard to say no to my friends when I need to do work and they are inviting me out to have a good time."
"Involvement is my biggest distraction. There's always plenty to do both on and off campus, so it's a tough balance between in-class and out-of-class activities. It's all about prioritizing and managing your time."
Two students' opinions:
"In high school, I thought I was busy. Compared to how much I do now with work, school and friends, I am way busier. The lifestyle is completely different, but definitely different in a good way."
"In college, you need to be more active in your learning. No one is there telling you what to do, and so you have to have the initiative to get your work done."
"In high school, I thought I was busy. Compared to how much I do now with work, school and friends, I am way busier. The lifestyle is completely different, but definitely different in a good way."
"In college, you need to be more active in your learning. No one is there telling you what to do, and so you have to have the initiative to get your work done."
"I pick my classes based on the required classes for my major and for my liberal arts degree. There are so many classes to pick from, however, that it is fairly easy to find something to take that fulfills these requirements that is also personally interesting."
"Some classes and some majors are more challenging than others. For this reason it is important to do the required reading outside of class and keep up with the work. Once you see your class syllabus on the first day, you will probably have an idea of how much time you will need to spend studying for that particular class. It definitely pays off; what you put in you get back in the end in the form of a good grade."
"It's very easy to get involved. At the beginning of every semester at my school, there's an open house where student groups are invited to share information with prospective members. There are so many different clubs and organizations, not to mention concerts and sporting events, that it is not hard to find something you enjoy. I highly recommend getting involved."
"I like to keep busy. It is hard for me to not be doing something, but I always need to keep in mind that 'me time' is important too. I find using a day planner is a very easy way to keep track of my commitments, inside and outside of class."
"Many schools will require that you have a meal plan. It is definitely a very convenient way to get all your meals. The dining halls are usually centrally located and designed to handle large crowds, so lines are not too bad. Plus, you don't have to do the dishes."
Two students' experiences:
"It was not hard to settle in. Everyone is nervous about classes, friends, homework, sports, clubs and everything else, and for this reason it is really easy to make new friends right off the bat."
"At first it took me a while to get settled in my new college environment, but I got used to it. I was open-minded and developed a routine for myself."
"It was not hard to settle in. Everyone is nervous about classes, friends, homework, sports, clubs and everything else, and for this reason it is really easy to make new friends right off the bat."
"At first it took me a while to get settled in my new college environment, but I got used to it. I was open-minded and developed a routine for myself."
"I stay focused by thinking about what I want to accomplish by doing whatever work it is I am doing. I set goals for myself and reward myself when I complete these goals."
"I did not find it difficult. There is always the gym to go to. If this is not your thing there are plenty of intramural sports to get involved with. Walking around campus is also a big part of staying in shape. I always try to take the stairs inside buildings."
"A typical day starts at seven thirty in the morning when I wake up to shower and get ready for class. I go to class, then I go to lunch, then I work for the rest of the day. When I get out of work I meet up with friends for dinner, and then go find a place to study. After I am done studying I go home and watch some TV, then go to bed."
"Classes are very interesting. Professors can be so knowledgeable about a topic, which can be intimidating. It's important to remember that they are there because they want to be there teaching and talking with you."
"The food is pretty good at my school, but nothing beats home cooking. It is definitely easy to eat (sometimes too easy), but it can get a little boring after a while."
Two students offer their opinions:
"I would live on campus, at least for your first year if at all possible. Living on campus is, in my opinion, the easiest way to meet people. You will live together, work together, eat together and play together. It is also a great way to develop people skills; learning to live civilly with others is an important life skill."
"It all depends on your comfort and what you can afford. Living on campus will allow you to meet many other students your age, and it will make the adjustment a lot easier. Living off campus will give you a lot of freedom; you get to make your own rules and determine what you do with your time. Living at home will be less expensive but may limit the amount of time you can spend getting to know your college campus."
"I would live on campus, at least for your first year if at all possible. Living on campus is, in my opinion, the easiest way to meet people. You will live together, work together, eat together and play together. It is also a great way to develop people skills; learning to live civilly with others is an important life skill."
"It all depends on your comfort and what you can afford. Living on campus will allow you to meet many other students your age, and it will make the adjustment a lot easier. Living off campus will give you a lot of freedom; you get to make your own rules and determine what you do with your time. Living at home will be less expensive but may limit the amount of time you can spend getting to know your college campus."
Perspectives from three students:
My biggest adjustment moving from high school to college was meeting new people, managing free time, and getting adjusted to the college class schedule.
Time management was one of my biggest adjustments moving from high school to college.
I think my biggest adjustment moving from high school to college was living in a dorm. You have to make sure you are respectful of others as well.
My biggest adjustment moving from high school to college was meeting new people, managing free time, and getting adjusted to the college class schedule.
Time management was one of my biggest adjustments moving from high school to college.
I think my biggest adjustment moving from high school to college was living in a dorm. You have to make sure you are respectful of others as well.
"My biggest challenge has been adjusting to the work load. There are fewer hours of class in the day, but more work to do outside of class. It can also be difficult to motivate myself to go to class."
"No. I had to take some classes, such as writing, for my liberal arts requirements, while some classes I took purely because I found them to be interesting. It can be a nice change of pace to take a couple classes outside of your major. Your academic advisor can help you determine which classes you need to complete your general education requirements and which ones count for your major."
"Final exams can be very stressful. They are often worth a large portion of your grade. It is definitely important to figure out a good way to study for a given exam and to follow a study plan. Don't cram the night before."
"Many colleges offer free or reduced price tutoring through a college tutoring office. Also, professors and teaching assistants who hold office hours may be able to help you with any questions or problems you might have."
Two students, two different experiences:
"I kicked my nerdy parents out so that I could meet new people without them hanging around. A bunch of us from my floor went shopping together for school and dorm room supplies, then we hung out in a friend's room and watched a movie. We did not have class that day."
"On my first day of college, I set up my dorm room with my mom. When she left, I cried. But, I met so many people in my dorm that day that it made it a little easier."
"I kicked my nerdy parents out so that I could meet new people without them hanging around. A bunch of us from my floor went shopping together for school and dorm room supplies, then we hung out in a friend's room and watched a movie. We did not have class that day."
"On my first day of college, I set up my dorm room with my mom. When she left, I cried. But, I met so many people in my dorm that day that it made it a little easier."
Three students share their experiences:
"I was a little overwhelmed by how many people there were and how many different things were going on. But it didn't take long to adjust and meet people.
"At first, I was overwhelmed by the sense of freedom and responsibility I had when my parents drove away. But it was also a great time to meet so many people from many different backgrounds. I found myself thinking, 'This is going to be a great four years!'"
"I was terrified and lost. During the first two weeks, I was very homesick and wanted to go home very badly. But then I made some new friends who helped make the transition a little easier."
"I was a little overwhelmed by how many people there were and how many different things were going on. But it didn't take long to adjust and meet people.
"At first, I was overwhelmed by the sense of freedom and responsibility I had when my parents drove away. But it was also a great time to meet so many people from many different backgrounds. I found myself thinking, 'This is going to be a great four years!'"
"I was terrified and lost. During the first two weeks, I was very homesick and wanted to go home very badly. But then I made some new friends who helped make the transition a little easier."
"I typically take four or five classes in a semester. This depends on how many credits I need to fulfill toward my degree, and how much time I have to take the classes and do the associated coursework."
"It can be hard to live with a roommate. It is important to develop some ground rules that will make sharing a small space with another person easier to do. It is important to stick to these ground rules."
Ideas from three students:
"I made friends in college by being open and talking to everyone I met. Sometimes this meant going out of my comfort zone and doing new things. It was definitely worth it, though."
"I just put myself out there and started talking to people in my dorm and classes. The nice thing is that everyone's in the same boat, so you don't have to feel awkward or weird about talking to people."
"You start with just seeing people in classes or just jumping into a group of people and making conversation. Join clubs or athletics to meet others with your interests and go to school functions."
"I made friends in college by being open and talking to everyone I met. Sometimes this meant going out of my comfort zone and doing new things. It was definitely worth it, though."
"I just put myself out there and started talking to people in my dorm and classes. The nice thing is that everyone's in the same boat, so you don't have to feel awkward or weird about talking to people."
"You start with just seeing people in classes or just jumping into a group of people and making conversation. Join clubs or athletics to meet others with your interests and go to school functions."
"This depends on your program. Some schools allow you to pick classes ahead of time, some do not. It never hurts to contact a particular school's advising office to learn about their procedures."
"No, I'm not part of one, but you can choose to join a sorority or fraternity, or any of the other student organizations that are offered on your campus. What's important is that you get involved in an organization or activity that fits you and with what you want to accomplish."
Three students offer these suggestions:
Professors can help, especially your freshman seminar teachers or advisors. Most of the time they are very willing to help students who are having trouble adjusting.
If I have problems adjusting to college I ask my older family members and friends who went to college.
At my college, we have college life guidance counselors and they help with adjusting to the college academic life as well as the social life. Find out if your school has college life counselors.
Professors can help, especially your freshman seminar teachers or advisors. Most of the time they are very willing to help students who are having trouble adjusting.
If I have problems adjusting to college I ask my older family members and friends who went to college.
At my college, we have college life guidance counselors and they help with adjusting to the college academic life as well as the social life. Find out if your school has college life counselors.