Eastern Connecticut State University Top Questions

I would tell myself that is perfectly okay to be nervous for college, however, college isn't as bad as you think. I was very worried about living on campus with a bunch of strangers, but now I realize that it isn't as bad as I thought it would be. I would also tell myself to apply for more scholarships, because I really did not apply for enough during my senior year. Lastly, I would tell myself to get rid of my procrastination habit, because you cannot procrastinate when you are in college. All of these things I would tell my senior year self would have been very helpful to know.

Many people believe that college is much different than high school was. Well, that is half true and half false. There will always be that group of people that doesn't like you for no apparent reason, there will be that awkward transitioning phase when you're new. But the thing about college is that it is a fresh start. Choose your classes wisely, you're going to think that 8AM classes are a good idea, well trust me, they're not. When you're making your schedule, make it so that you classes don't have an awkward break in the middle because you're going to want to come back to your dorm and take a nap. Also, rent your books! Not only is it cheaper, if the professor doesn't use it, you won't be as mad about paying so much for a book that you didn't need. If you do have to buy a book, sell it to someone when you're done using it! College is a lot of fun, but, believe it or not, you're going to miss mom and dad! Call them once a day and you'll be fine.

Dear high school version of myself, Do not stress the little things of high school, one day they will not matter. Tell your friends how important they are to you and remember to always keep them close. Take in every moment you can, whether if it is earning a medal at championships or laughing and enjoying your time in class, absorb it and remember how it feels. Laugh as much as possible about anything you want. Make yourself open to trying new things, approaching people first and not being afraid of what others think of you. Do not force friendships. If you feel that someone is not compatible to you the way others are, then you can still be friendly but don't have to be best friends. When it comes to friendship always think quality over quantity. College is a big deal, do not diminish your successes, you've worked hard to get where you are. Do not eat the chicken stir fry once you get to college... Love, Older college version of me

I would personally give myself the advice of not going to New York an d just stay in Connecticut for now. iI would also tell myself that even though iI am not the smartest person in class i can still achieve and have a chanse to do better. I would tell myself to be prepared or what is coming up and that college is no joke, especially the "Freshman 15!!" but i would mostly tell myself to keep my head high that theres so many opportunites for me in the long run, that my lfe isn't over yet, it has just started!!

If I went back to me as a high school senior, I would grab myself by the shoulders and shake that nervous student and tell him to step out of his comfort zone. College is the first time in life that students really have to change who they are and create a new beginning. Even by going to school close by, or across the country, they may be trying something that they did not know was possible. For example, if you remained comfortable in your four years at high school, then when you arrive at University, try something new by running for a Student Government position. If you're comfortable being a general member of a club, run for an executive board position. If you're comfortable in your classes, take an upper level one. If you're comfortable in your major, pick up a minor. If you're comfortable living at home, try living in the residence halls. The amount that you will learn about yourself and what you are capable of upon stepping out of your comfort zone will surprise you and others around you.

My advice would be; stay on track. With what i know now i can easily say that college life can be great but it can also be distracting. The parties, friendships, freedom, relationships can all get in the way and then you start forgetting why your here in the first place. Sometimes you stay up all night talking to friends and forget that the next morningyou have an english paper due for class that you never finished! I'm not syaing to live isolated in your dorm room, worrying your friends and family because you won't talk to them. I'm saying keep your head on and remember that theirs still work to be done and a goal to complete.

The hardest part of transitioning from high school to college was picking my major, rather than having my curriculum laid out for me as in previous years in elementary, middle, and high school. Making a choice on what I would do for the rest of my life was terrifying and difficult. If I could go back in time as a high school senior, I would advise myself to take as many interdisciplinary classes as possible and become more involved with clubs on campus. If I had taken classes that pertained to more majors, I would feel more secure that my choice in major was the right one for me. Though I believe I ultimately made the right decision, it was with great apprehension and some tweaking that I came to my major, Environmental Earth Science. I also wish I had been more involved in clubs like Environmental Club or other clubs that helped the community, which would allow me to get to know more people and more easily interact and socialize with others in the future.

I would tell myself to not be afraid to change majors if you aren't passionate about the classes you're taking. As cliche as it sounds, when you click with something you'll just know, and you need to trust your instinct and try new things out if you aren't excited about what you're learning. From a more practical point of view, I would advise myself to take a money management or accounting course, regardless of major. Lots of unnecessary stress can stem from poor money management, and the lack of basic knowlege that many college students have about the subject can cause some very real problems down the line. If you take the personal responsibility to manage your finanaces in an intelligent way, it will help with the transition from high school to college, since you will feel more adult and in control of something besides homework. Last but not least, every once in a while set your alarm for early morning and go for a walk or run around campus. Not many people will be around, and it's a nice time and setting to be alone before starting your day.

If I could go back and give myself advice as a high school senior heading to college, I would remind myself to apply for as many scholarships as possible. My senior year was relatively easy and my schedule was left free often. I didn’t have much homework, and had plenty of opportunity to try for scholarships, especially the essay scholarships that involve more time. Also, a majority of scholarships are geared towards high school seniors, not current college students. Now, during each semester, I am too busy with studying (mostly for my own learning and achievement) and with my part-time job. Also, once I started college, I began to participate in other activities, some of which come with age. Even my summer is packed, but I calculated how much student loans could cost me, and I might be paying $200 a month for 10 years, which I would like to cut down on.

Considering the circumstances of my life prior to my going to college, I would say just tough it out. You'll survive if you're just tenacious and may get some incredible opportunities in the future if you can just hang in there.