Eastern Illinois University Top Questions

If I had the ability to talk to myself as a high school senior about college life and the transition involved I would advise my younger self on two very important topics, which is: to live frugally and to not be afraid of change. It is easy as a high school student to not recognize the importance of living frugally, especially when the only funds available are from student loans. While the money may, at first, seem everlasting, college students, including myself, can become rudely awakened by their spending habits and are challenged by the consequences that they must face when they realize that funds are running low. I would also advise my younger self to not worry so much about the changes that will ensue. While the prospect of moving away from home into an entirely new situation may be daunting at first, the move into college life is an adventure that I?ve come to appreciate and enjoy. I would not only be able to tell my younger self that I have found myself growing tremendously because of the change, but that I also have begun new and wonderful relationships with people from all ages and backgrounds.

If I had the opportunity to go back in time and talk to my high school self I would tell her to calm down and that she will love EIU. I would also give her some pointers on studying and how to study. In this conversation I would advise her on who not to room with and tell her that the showers are not scary and there is nothing wrong with living with a random roommate. Yes there are different people on campus, but I am a different person too so do make sure to open up and let people get to know you from the get go. It's okay to be scared, but everything will work out. Don't overthink friendships people change and it is okay for you to change too. Overall, do have fun and take lots of photos.

Many people would tell others that living in the dorms was the worst experience of their lives. However, if i could back and give myself some tips on college life, I would stress myself to move into the dorms. Although I may not like my first roommate, it's a great way to meet new people that I will want to room with. I would also tell myself to apply for every scholarship offered at high school. Scholarships are hard to come by once you are actually in college. I would tell myself to invest in a pair of snowboots. No matter how much snow or ice is on the ground; colleges do not cancel classes. And campus sidewalks tend to flood...alot. So I better get a pair of rainboots and a big umbrella. And no matter what anyone tells you, there is not a cure for the hangover. So don't drink so much that you will be sick for three days straight. I would tell myself not to stress out and to just enjoy everything. You only experience college once so be sure to have fun in the process.

The advise I would give seniors would be to have fun but have self control. To manage their time and get there work done. I would tell them to stay focused on their goals and work hard. Your GPA is very important and its harder to go up than down! Also to make the right kinds of friends. If you see there just bringing you down cut them loose!

Being 32 and back in school after a number of years, I think I come from a unique vantage point for giving advice to myself as a high school senior. I don't regret the decisions I made the first time in college... I went to a private, 4-year school and graduated with a BFA in Art and Design. However, a number of years after that, I found myself reconsidering my choice of major and realized that my interest in art didn't translate well into a successful, fulfilling career. So now I'm back in school, working towards a new degree in Communications Disorders and Sciences with a goal of becoming a Speech Language Pathologist. If I could talk to myself as a high school senior, I'd encourage myself to explore all the options for a major, and not assume that early hobbies and interests will translate well into a long-term career choice. For most traditional students, college is very much about growing up and becoming independent, but it's also important to know that the choices you make in college affect the rest of your life.

I would tell myself to work a lot harder and be much better about saving my money. College is more expensive than I realized, and scholarships are not easy to get. I would kick my butt into gear and make sure that I put away more money so I would be secure. I would also apply for way more scholarships than I did, including the ones that required essays, instead of being lazy. Everyday I suffer for my laziness and stubborness, and I wish I truly could turn back time and do it again. If I had done things right the first time, I would not be worrying about being sent home for not being able to make my tuition payments.

Obviously college is necessary to earn a degree and find a career you love, but please remember to take advantage of the resources around you! Whether there is a hobby you want to explore further, a question concerning your resume, or advice on how to live a healthy lifestyle there are not only students seeking the same information but there are professors and advisors who wish you would ask them about such matters. College provides the opportunity to grow in your independence, explore interests you've always wanted to explore, and meet the best friends you've always desired. Enjoy!

Too go back in time would be an adventure in itself, but if my goal was to give myself advice about the college life, I would have a few pointers. I would make a "To-Do" List and promise to stick by it. I would attend more dorm activites and meetings- becasue the few I did were tons of fun, and more would have been great. I would tell myself to get involved in as much as I could handle. I wish I took advantage of all the awesome things my school offered, such as the honors clubs, dance teams, and fun athletic events. I would soak it all in and take a lot of pictures to remember them by this time. I would advise myself to be friendly because everyone else is a brand new college freshman too, and probably feels just as lost as I will feel. I would exercise more- to avoid the inevitable "freshman 15"- and just have fun! I would remind myself not to give in to peer pressure, and not to abuse my newly found freedom. Ultimatly, I would remind me to stay focused on school and enjoy my years as a college kid!

Do you remember the days when your mom woke you up for school? The most significant transition from high school to college is the choice you make to go to class. Attendance is generally not taken in many classes, depending on the size of the classroom, which makes it essentially your choice to go. Along those lines, your schedule will be much different from the one you were use to in high school. Some days you may not have classes, and other days will be typically shorter than what you have experienced in high school. With shorter days and more time to spare, making sure that you manage your time wisely is vital in being successful in college. The key to staying motivated in school is to remember why you are in college. Meeting people and making friends is important, however, your social life is not why you are in college. The biggest mistake I see college students make is the habits and surroundings they fall into, and the priorities they forget they have

If I could go back in time and talk to myself before entering college I would tell myself to make the best of my experience, get involved right away on campus, learn to stay away from people who cause drama and stress, and last but not least do not try to be best friends with your roommate. I believe I should have had more fun my first year than sitting in my dorm most of the time. I believe I should have got involved in many different activities so I could better network with others and to meet some pretty cool people while gaining leadership opprtunities. I think my grades would have been better if I did not have to deal with certian people I surrounded myself with that made my life difficult and stressful and people that were focused on studies rather than fraternity men. I think trying to be best friends with my first roommate was the entire wrong decision because when that occurs you become scared to say something if something you do not like occurs.