Nicole
To the students: Get involved - join a club, play in the band, become part of the newspaper, etc. Meet as many people as you can, professors included. Eat lunch in a populated area, whether it is the cafe or the student center, even if you're alone - someone may come and sit next to you. Try not to get involved with a boyfriend/girlfriend until you are settled into your courses and coursework - if you are with someone when you go into college, tell them that space is needed until you have acclimated. Stay in touch with your family.
To the parents: Stay in contact with your child - phone, email, letters, care packages. Help them move into their room, even if you're stuck doing the cleaning and not the setting up. Tour the campus with your child - it means a lot when a parent knows where the student is going to school, even if it's not shown. Most of all: give your child space. They're on their own now (especially if they're in a dorm). They can miss you, but don't cater to their every whim and need from afar.
Caleb
To the HS graduate and parents.
When selecting a college to attend, you, the prospective student, must keep three things in mind: can this campus satisfy my social needs, will I be able to easily choose another major should I decide to, and will I be able to easily find a job in my chosen field with a degree from this school once I am graduated? If a university can answer these three questions in the affirmative, they are a school to look at more closely. And while money is always on the lips of every parent, it should not be what makes the final decision for the student. A quality education and good experiences at college far outweigh material costs, even in economical times as dire as these.
To the college student.
Do not stay hidden away in your room with a textbook always open. Your campus is full of wonderful places and things to do, so go participate! College is not just a place to learn academically, it is where you learn more about life as well. Go out with friends, join social clubs, and enjoy yourself! Live your life to the fullest.
Your college friend,
Caleb
Mike
Go to a college that has the major that you want and the best progams for you to be successful after you graduate. Everything else will fall into place after you get there.
Naomi
Atmosphere is crucial when picking a college. So much time, money, and energy are invested in the college years, it?s important that the atmosphere is a good match for you. Every college has its own personality. Don?t just take the word of the pamphlet or the tour guide, but visit the campus and engage students you meet in conversation rather than interrogating them. Current students can give you great insights to the college?s atmosphere. Realize that every college is going to have some aspect that is less than ideal. Consider what you are really passionate about and ask whether the prospective college or surrounding community offers programs or opportunities that feed your passion. Atmosphere should certainly not be the only criteria for choosing a college, but it can really enrich or, if the atmosphere is not compatible, really impair your college experience.
pamela
Harding university is great
Ashley
As a young adult, my advice to parents would be to find the college that best fits their child's personality. If a student is going to attend the University for 4 more years, it is important for them to feel comfortable in the environment that they are in. It's also good to find a school that has a strong department in the major that their child wants to pursue. It's not always easy for your child to know exactly what they want to do with their life, but it's good to have an idea of what college fits that particular major. I believe that college is a place that the student can grow and become more independent. A student needs to be in a well rounded University that has great opportunities and strong core values when it comes to rules and regulations. College is more than just studying all the time. It is a decision that can ultimately effect your child's life forever. The strong education your child gets, the people they spend time with, and the opportunities they have to do good things are an important part of the college experience.
Anna
First, I think you should be aware of what the school stands for and what kind of environment you are getting into, because that will make or break your overall enjoyment of the college experience. Also, visiting the school and talking to professors in the department you are considering is extremely valuable in the decision making process. Second, taking initiative once you get the school to try and get involved. Even if the school has great orientation activities, it is still the responsiblity of the student to jump in and get to know people and know what is going on. Most schools will do their best to help the process of adjusting as a new student, but there is still some responsiblity on the students shoulders to put themselves out there. This will help you get connected and build that foundation to grow off of in your college years and beyond. Last, just enjoy the entire experience. Everything from looking into schools, to choosing a school, to picking a major. Enjoy every step of the way, because the less stress you put yourself through the more you be happy about the choice you made.
Suzanne
Find the college with the program and resources you need to succeed in life. Also, do everything you can; be involved-especially freshman year. Don't go to college until your ready, otherwise, your attitude, or lack of money in the long run might make things worse for you. Christian campus life is really helpful in allowing students to focus on their work, but still have clean fun. And honestly, it's more helpful for kids to get the kids out of the house if they go to a school far away. The independence is good, and shows them what they really can do on their own as an adult.
Daniel
Speak to lots of people who are at different stages of the college process, applying, enrolled, and graduated. Ask them what they wish they'd known prior to going to school, and ask them what they'd like to do differently if they were to go through the process again. Ask them what worked well for them, what didn't work well, and how they found the school that was right for them.