Indiana University-Bloomington Top Questions

CALM DOWN! Don't be intimidated by the size of the campus, or the decisions ahead of you. You need to relax and let people see the fun side of you, and reach out to other people more. Keep up the studying, you've always done a pretty good job with balancing that. Don't stress as much about your grades because you are just figuring out what you want to do. It takes time but you'll find your niche, academically and socially. Love yourself and those around you.

If I could go back in time and give myself some advice about college life the most important thing I could say is don't stress out! I am a very responsible and stressed out student at most times, but what I realized is that my college experience didn't have to be that way. The most important thing I learned about attending college is that not all of the learning is done within the class room. Naturally, achieving a college degree is an amazing accomplishment; however, learing about ones self and about ones learning styles is just as important. I feel that college not only allowed me to gain a wonderful education, but it also allowed me to truly learn responsibity and to "grow up" in a sense. If I could go back, I would tell myself that its okay to do poorly on a test as long as you actually LEARNED something from it, for example, the relization that hmmm...maybe I should have spent more time studying than at the movies. Education is something you chose to be a part of, like going to college; however, the experiences and outside learning is what makes it worth while.

If you even think you might think that you might be interested in a school, apply and research it throughly. Don't only apply to one school, because even if you are accepted and attend, you'll regret the fact that you didn't have choices.

If I could go back and tell my senior self anything about transitioning to college it would be to dive right in! I was so in awe of IU and all of its options that I became ovewhelmed and timid. I was hesitant to choose something to get involved in. It took me all of first semester to step out of my comfort zone and put myself out there. I love where I am at now and everything that I am involved in, however I can't help but to think about how great it would have been to feel this way first semester freshman year.

Hey, It?s me, you. I?m one year into college and learning bigger words, as you predicted. However, I didn?t travel back in time just to tell you that. Oh, but I did want to inform you that they?ve invented time travel. Boy, is it handy. Someone replaced John Wilkes Booth?s handgun with a banana during "Our American Cousin" and Lincoln lived to see the war?s end. But I?m getting off track. Here?s some advice: 1. You know those college applications? Do them early or you?ll end up applying to only six places when you probably could?ve applied to over twenty. 2. You know how you and your friends usually sit around on Saturday afternoons complaining about how there?s nothing to do? Don?t do that anymore. This is called free time in college and it only comes once a millennium. Have fun. Create something. 3. And you know those scholarship essays? Do them. You might learn something about yourself. 4. Lastly, hang out with mom more. Even if it means watching those boring Home and Garden shows. You will miss her more than anything. Good luck!Love, Me (You)

Visit more schools during the school year on the weekends to see how the social life really is.

College is something you only get to do once. It is a time to focus on what you want to do with your life, what you want to contribute to human kind. A student should realize this fact but not be afraid of it. You may not get it right the first time around, but it will come to you eventually. Also, you can't stay in college forever therefore it is important that you strive for excellence which will allow for more options to be presented once yuou graduate. Finally, enjoy it! Students are so excited and nervous when they open the acceptance letter and grow so much by the time they graduate. Remeber to make the most of it! Balance work with play in order to make new and possibly life long friends, be involved with school activites and activites outside of school, create members and most of all make friendly with the bartenders!

Be happy, and follow your heart. College is a big experience, and you must make the most of your four years wherever you go. There is a college for everyone, give it time and make friends, and get involved. The time goes by so fast, you want to enjoy every minute and take advantage of all that your college has to offer, academically and socially!

College is like a huge test in life, you are remembering what your parents have taught you for the past 18 years. "Turn the other cheek", share, etc. You will be tested, be prepared and always on gaurd. the people you trust never really are who you think they are. Remember there are consequences and mommy and daddy won't bail you out anymore.

My advice to my high school self: ENGAGE AND EXPLORE! Take advantage of the wonderful opportunities placed before you in college. Take chances and discover what you are made of. Don't worry about always doing the "right" thing. It's OK to take risks that don't pan out. The most important thing is to expand your horizons and develop a true sense of self. Experience is what you take away from your successes as well as your mistakes, and the wisdom you gain from your missteps is often more valuable than that gained from playing it safe. Who cares if you graduate in four years? Do overseas study even if it puts you behind schedule! Don't be afraid to meet new people. They probably don't bite! Get involved in campus and community activities. That is how you will discover what matters most to you. As Twain said, " Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." So, get out there!