Anderson University-Anderson, SC Top Questions

I would encourage a little more independence. I love being in college and living on campus. But actually being "on my own" for the first time, I needed to learn to make decisions, stand on my own and not to second guess everything. I would have put into practice making sp;it second decision wihtout asking others to help me think it through.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I wouldn't tell myself anything different. I would tell myself that Anderson Universty is a great college and that I was making a good decision by deciding to attend Anderson. I would tell myself to keep up the good study habits I had developed. And to keep working hard in volleyball practice so I would be in shape when I played in college. I would prepare myself for learning how to manage my time. I would prepare myself for knowing how much I would miss my mom. I love being at college in South Carolina but I definitely miss my mom. It is hard going from having someone right there with you 24/7, to being alone and making your own decisions. I would prepare myself for learning how to manage my money. It is so easy to spend money and shop when you have downtime in college. I would tell myself to find other ways to spend my time then shopping and spending money. I would tell myself that college is an amazing experience and that I would thoroughly enjoy it.

Making the decision about where to go for your college education is a major decision. It is important to select a college that is the right fit for you. Do not worry about where your high school friends are going, but pick the college you know is right for you. Most importantly you want to choose the college that has the best program for the major you choose. After all, the purpose of college is to prepare you for a future career. The transition will be a little harder than you think. Academics and managing the work load will not be too dificult. The harder transition is trying to feel at home away from home. In order to make the easiest transition, you need to get involved on campus. Attend different campus ministries, social events, and sports events to meet people that you connect with. Find somewhere where your gifts and talents can be used. If you hang in there for a few weeks, you will have a good community in no time. With this in mind, choose a college that has activities and organizations that you will enjoy being a part of.

College is a very fun exciting new world to young adults. Entering into an atmosphere where you can make your own decisions is for most students a new experience. However it is very important that before you come to school you set up for yourself goals as well as standards. I say this because many college students come to school not knowing who they are or what they want in life; mainly because they have never thought it out on their own. Perhaps it is the fact that alot of students have been carried through their whole schooling experience on the shoulders of their parents, and never actually taken the steps through life completely on their own. For this reason, alot of moral people come to college and quickly become corrupted; for this reason--they had no direction. Without direction before coming to college it is extremely easy to get caught up in newness of life on your own and the chance to make choices on your own. These choices are very important and can make or break you. Therefore, if I could go back in time I would reitterate to myself the extreme importance of having direction for college.

I would tell myself to get rid of the bubble of comfort. It took me a while that I have been living in a bubble and that the world is full of so many different people. I would also tell myself to continue doing the intense basketball training because I was in the best shape ever that year. Most importantly I would tell myself to make sure I talk to my advisors before planning my schedules because even though it is odd to talk to a complete stranger like that they know what you need to be doing.

Making the transition into college is harder than you think. There will be a moment in time during your first month where you will literally break down and finally understand that you are not at home anymore and that it is time to buckle down. My advice would be to be completely sure of who you are and why you chose the school you will be attending because trials will become apparent and transitioning into a new environment will be difficult. Also, spend as much time as you can with your true friends you have now beacause those long distant phone calls will come in handy in the up coming year. College is an eye opening experience and will really make you appreciate your home and your morals. Stay true to yourself and make the best of your situation. Go out and have fun...this is college and the time flies.

I would of prepared myself more socially. I am not a very outgoing person, so finding friends was difficult. Once I found my group of friends though I was very content. I would also advise myself to gain better study habits because that is something you really need in college. I would of told myself to keep my head up and not be so nervous about graduating and moving out of the house, because so far in college I have had some of the best experiences in my life and I know that there are many more to come. College by far beats high school.

Find a place where you feel comfortable and you know you'd enjoy the campus. Not all places appeal to everyone. If you don't like large groups go to a smaller college but if you enjoy larger classes going to a larger state school wouldn't be a bad idea. It's always important to know what you potentionally want to do, but that will greatly help you decide on a school as well. Money is an issue and can prevent you from going to places. That doesn't mean you shouldn't look into financial aid or grants or scholarships, but don't bite off more than you can chew. You may have your whole life to pay off college but who wants thatn hanging over their head as they start a career? Thousands upon thousands of dollars they will owe to their school. Be smart and know that this experience will last a lifetime and you will grow and learn more than a the curriculum states.

Make sure to visit the campus. Get a thorough tour and speak with as many professors or staff members as possible. Try and ask students other questions such as, "What do you do for fun?". Make sure you look at every dorm. Always have band-aids. Storage containers. Get involved.

Look for a college to best suit YOU. YOU are the only that will be there and YOU are the one that will be growing academically, emotionally, and mentally. Parents should support their child's descision and the student should respect their parent's wishes, as well, especially if they are providing any kind of finanical aid! Anderson University was the best school for me.