Luther College Top Questions

What should every freshman at Luther College know before they start?

Amanda

lose the anxiety be more outgoing and spontaneous try and meet everyone practice and prepare more take chances don't worry about appearance

Rachelle

The most important thing that I could tell myself would be: Don't let your insecurities about fitting in hold you back. One of the wonderful and unique things about your freshman year is that every single freshman is going through the same thing you are. Every first year is feeling, in varying degrees, alone and uncomfortable with themselves; college is a completely new experience for everyone and NO ONE feels properly prepared for the moment when their parents leave and suddenly they are on their own, surrounded by hundreds of strangers. Don't let this get to you. If you keep in mind that everyone else feels just as insecure as you do, it makes it easier to be yourself; it keeps you from worrying about how you will fit in/be accepted. Relax; meeting new people takes time, and a surprising amount of effort (particularly if you are introverted), but it will be infinitely easier if you remember that you all have a common point of reference and you are all experiencing a similar situation and emotions.

Madison

As a high school senior living in Iowa, I did not experience being exposed to as many cultural and social differences that might come along with living in a big city. Had I the opportunity to retreat to that time and give myself advice on college life, I would tell myself to jump in with both feet and experience those differences first hand. Sometimes, as a young person making the transition to a new setting, it might be stressful to step outside this comfort zone of "what-I-know." In my opinion, the most rewarding realization any young person can ever make is "I don't know anything." I finally learned to open myself to this concept, and since have made great relationships and learned much from the opinions and expertise of those who think differently than I do- including professors, professionals in my field, and especially other students. If I could go back, I would have taken advantage of the transition, been open, and made more conversations early on rather than having wasted time in my comfort zone.

Leslie

If I could go back in time and talk to myself, I'd tell myself to stress less about applications and enjoy senior year more. I think I took for granted all of my friends during my senior year. We all scattered all over the U.S. and I rarely get to see most of them now. It's a tough transition going from knowing hundreds of kids in your school to knowing one person. It's also important to really try to make friends during that first semester in college. It can be a stressful and lonely time in anyone's life and it's really important to get out there, expose yourself and really try to meet people. Having friends, especially those who are going through what you're going through is important because especially at this time you need a support system that's close to you, not 3 hours away.

Sydnie

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to be more open to ideas about what I wanted to do with my life. I was so set on being a doctor for as long as I can remember, that when I started to take science classes at college, I realized that I did not really enjoy them. I began to look at other areas and realized my true passion is in music and education. If i would have been open to this idea in high school, there are major strides I could have taken to improve myself in this area. I would also suggest that I challenge myself more. When I got to college, I did not understand how to write a paper or even how to study. If I would have tried harder or taken more difficult classes in high school, I would have been better prepared for college and probably would have a higher GPA from my first year.

Bryanna

I would tell myself to look at more scholarships. I would also tell myself to find a good job and save up for the school year in order to pay for books and any extra costs for school. I would tell myself that the adults weren't kidding when they said that college is hard. The transition is tough and there is no way that high school can prepare you for how hard college is. You have to study hard and much longer than you did in high school. Call home often and talk about your day. Write home too. Somehow, these little things can help with the homesickness. Make friends and don't be afraid to ask for help. The professors are more than willing to help you reach your goals. Find a tutor if you need it. It's free and worth the help.

Sondra

Prepare to juggle. Having a job, school, and a social life at the same time takes a lot of effort and it's hard to get used to, especially if you are taking challenging classes.

Erin

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself that college is not as impossible as it seems. Although it is stressful and overwhelming at times, college is really a wonderful experience and its an important time to learn about yourself. You grow intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually. Most importantly, you don't need to be afraid because there are so many people there to help you with whatever you need. It will take awhile to make new friends, learn new rules and the layout of the school but all the worry and apprehension will be worth it in the end. Though your family and friends from home are far away, they will always be there to support and love you no matter what you decide to do with your life.

Emily

College goes fast; though I am a Freshman I feel like so much time has slipped away from me. Make the most of your experience; knowing that you are at school for academics is important, but it doesn't mean that all of your time must be focused on your studies. Be happy with the people and opportunities around you and get involved! College may seem daunting, and it is rigorous, but don't let that make you stressed or take away from your overall experience. Talk to other people, especially students older than you, they give good advice, and are all much nicer and less scary than they seem. Take time for yourself! You will be living with a roommate, and while the experience is wonderful, you are always around other people and being able to have some "alone time" is essential to keeping yourself happy and focused. More than anything, have fun! If you are already focused on your studies and that will continue to be a mantra, do not let opportunities slip to meet new people and try new things!

Felecia

I would tell myself to look into studying abroard early, and to give myself the opportunity to travel. I would tell myself to start out strong with good grades, so as to make it easy to maintain a higher grade point average. I would remind myself that I can do anything I want and that I am whoever I want to be and to follow my dreams. I would tell myself never to forget whats important in life, and to do thing for myself once in a while. I would tell myself to stay strong and do great i life, and to never take anyone for granted because you never know if you might not see them again. I would also tell myself that 4 years speeds by real fast and to make sure I don't miss a moment of opportunity, and always try new things.