Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis Top Questions

What should every freshman at Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis know before they start?

Cody

High School is almost over, thank goodness. There is so much to look foward to - I have a bright future; stay focused and you can do anything you put your mind to. I will be successful.

rhea

I would tell myself to enjoy senior year, I stressed so much about college. Everyone is different, and you cannot judge how you yourself will handle something based on someone elses experience.

Samantha

learn better study skills now before entering college and learn to feel comfortable with socializing and talking to professors and advisors.

Quatina

If I was able to go back into time and give myself advice on the college life and the transition, I would tell myself to not procrastinate. Procrastination is an issue with many college students and personally, I suffer from it. I have always suffered from it however before college it was not as hard to stay on track. The college life gives you more freedom and the instructors do not hound you to complete work as they did in previous schooling. Also, I would tell myself to get involved in on-campus activities. My freshman year at IU I failed to do that. This year at IUPUI I plan to become more involved with on-campus activities. Getting involved can help my networking skills which could do wonders for me in the future. There are different types of people, from personalities to cultures on campus, so it is always fun to venture out and meet new friends and associates. Some of the best friendships can be established on college grounds, so that is also a plus. Last, I would remind them to study, which also falls under my NO PROCRASTINATION rule! College is great if you approach it correctly.

Alicia

Going back in time to my naive high school self I would simply advise "Don't be scared!" I would want to tell myself to set all my worries aside and just put yourself out there. Yes, you many be rejected by some people and you may stubble in your classes, but these are only minor obstacles that do not impact the bigger picture of college; to just live and experience life. There is no need to be self conscious, because everyone else around you is just as nervous and self conscious! Try your hardest in everything you attempt and do not give up easily! Many times a class is hard because they are trying to see who is truly committed. Most importantly self, stick to what you believe and your morals! There are many people out there who many try to push you into doing things you do not agree with, but do not allow them to make you stubble. It may seem very scary but it is nothing you cannot handle! Do not be scared!

Scott

If I could talk to myself in high school, I would say "Take the hard classes now". The one major thing I regret from high school is not take the classes I would need for and engineering major. I would also tell myself to take classes more seriously. It's not like I didn't take them seriously, but I needed to work harder. I would also suggest learning how to cook, do laundry, manage time, and I would have saved a lot more money.

Nicole

If I could go back in time, I would let myself realize how important high school is, both the academics and extra cirricular. I would make sure that I would realize that learning everything I can in my classes, whether it is required of me or not, would be very useful in college. I would start researching and visiting colleges my freshman year of high school instead of waiting so long. I would get in the habit of studying on my own time, out of class. I would let myself know that "going above and beyond" will never hurt, only help, even if it is not immediately apparent. As with extracirriculars, I would be involved in many more activities in order to increase my social skills and learn to express my opinion. As with basic living, I would tell myself to become less independent of everyone, such as my parents, and get used to doing things such as cooking, cleaning, laundry, and shopping on my own.

Jaclyn

If I could go back I would tell myself how focused one really has to be in order to be successful. Setting goals for your future will help one stay motivated in accomplishing the goals that will lead them to a brighter future. Staying focused on yourself and your studies will make life so much easier once you are graduated. I believe possitive thinking will help anyone accomplish these goals. I would ask myself how bad do I really want to be successful, and what am I willing to do to get there. Late nights of studying, complicated finals, less social time and more studying time, these are all things one must be willing to do in order to accomplish their goals. College can be hard, but only if your not ready for it.

Timothy

I would say you dont have to know what you wana be for the rest of your life before you start off because most people change their major 2-3 times. i know myself ive changed once and now i plan on proceding the major of photography. College is a time where you test the waters figure out who you really and truely find out who you really are as a person. It is also about getting an education and something that ive been learning over the years is you only get what you put into it. It may not be alot of studing but the knowledge that comes from the professors is life knowledge they have been in the world and they have been in your shoes just give them some credit sometimes. The last peice of advice would be "breath" take time to live your life college is the best years of your life but there are alot of challenges that you have to overcome, so take time to do something fun and enjoy it while you can. Your not grown up yet so you dont have work full time take time with friends!

Cody

I know what I want out life and for a career. I will stay focused and won't ever give up on my dream. I am smart and can do anything I put my mind to. I have overcome diabetes and have learned to live with it. It has taught me responsibility. I have lived through back and neck surgery. I have a great future and can't wait to move forward. High School is only a stepping stone, as is college, but college is going to be so much better than high school. College will let me put my own future in my own hands.