Miami University-Oxford Top Questions

What should every freshman at Miami University-Oxford know before they start?

Emily

The most important thing about finding the right college is doing what feels right. This may seem like a cliche, but this statement is incredibly true. If a person visits a college their parents love, but it does not appeal to their own personal liking as a college student, then that person will have a lousy college experience. Finding the right college may, indeed, involve looking at tuition costs and the location of the campus, but it is more important to have that feeling of being "home" when actually away at school. College is a colossal part of a person's life and can change them for the better once they have experienced it. It will build friendships and relationships, as well as promote learning and endless possibilities for one's future. To first have these experiences, however, a person must go with their first instincts of where they know they will be at home for the next four years of their learning career.

Samantha

College can be a very vital part of your growth as a human being. You want to be sure to pick an environment you feel comfortable in and one you feel like you belong. It might be wise to get in touch with students who currently attend the colleges you are interested in, in order to understand what the classes are like and what the other students are like. It is also important to go to a place that fits you academically. Even if you get accepted to a very competitive and prestigious school, it doesn't mean that you will be happy there. You don't want to struggle through your classes and overwork yourself. Having friends and a social life during college is essential as well because it helps to veer away from the stress of schoolwork at times. It is a good idea to find the balance between challenging and ease. College really does change you. I find that I have definitely grown as a person and learned a lot more about myself. I have experienced, learned, and gained knowledge through my professors and through others. Be wise and choose what feels right.

courtney

I would suggest that the best thing to do when finding the right college is to visit the school more than once when students are present. When you are surrounded by a group of people you feel you fit in with, it is not difficult to know that you are making the right decision. Don't limit your choices, apply for schools you may not qualiify academically for, challenge yourself. I would also suggest participating in as many activties as you can for the school (advisor meetings, visits, etc..). As for the college experience, getting involved is the number one thing. I am on a club sports team and in a sorority and they are my life i love them and i still have time to do well academically.

Carl

I would say for the students to find an environment that they are most comfortable with. This is most important because there are so many good schools that offer what you want to study. That is the second thing, go to a college that is fairly good at teaching what you want to study and also send in as many applications as possible as well as taking the ACT and SAT. Lastly, when you get to the college, try to get involved. You will make more friends and have a better time if you get involved with activities. To the parents, I would say for them to not force their child to go to a school but rather help their child find a school that they enjoy. Lastly, as at my orientation, try not to be over protective. It stops your child from growing and becoming independent.

Audrey

Look at the people who are there on your campus tour and see if you can really see yourself being friends with them.

Kiley

Be sure to visit the department you are interested in. Doing so will help you feel more comfortable when you arrive for the school year. Also, contact advisers within the major or department to talk with them about outside opportunities or programs you should keep in mind for the future. This will help you better-prepare your requirements as well as get you good practice in the field.

Katie

Each prospective college student should visit the campus during the class week in the middle of a school semester in order to appreciate the genuine feel of the campus. The visitor should note the behaviors of current students during their free time, as well as the interest of students duringclass. These qualities are the most important for estimating how comfortable he or she will be at that school. How often students study will also be an important guage of the academic demands of the school. In the college experience, organization, preparedness and enthusiasm are key elements for success. Dorm rooms are small, particularly when shared with one or more other student. An organized and peaceful living space is as important as the classrooms themselves, if not more so. Preparedness for class will prevent unnecessary stress during the school year, particularly during the first semester of the first year. Most of all, enthusiasm for the new school, classes, roommates and people will acclimate a new student and welcome the changes college brings.

Tyler

College is a very important time of the students life. A student needs to find a college that has the major that he or she thinks they want to pursue. Also the college should have the same morals, values and just similar extracurricular activies that apply with the student. Price is also an issure, especially in this hard economic time, so if a school gives the student a lot of money in scholarships, he or she should really look into that, only if the college is suitable for the student. When in school, it is important to both study and enjoy college at the same time. All play and no work can back fire quickly, even ending in failing. All work and no play can also backfire and contribute to the student not being a well-rounded person. A good balance between studying and going out and enjoying college life is essential fo rthe student to realize. The people that the student will meet during his or her time at college is also a very important part of the life. They can make or break how much the student ends up enjoying the college.

Daniel

TAKE YOUR TIME!! DONT RUSH IT. This is an important step in your life, and you want to make sure that the school you select fits you in a variety of ways. Dont go becuase someone expects to attened that school, or because your friends are going there too, because your real friends will always be there no matter what. You have to make this selection for your, because this is the building block for the rest of your life!

Mark

I would tell them to live life to the absolute fullest. These are four years of your life where you have very little responsibility other then keeping grades. You're finally on your own, and you should go somewhere where you can discover who you really are. Also, don't be afraid to pursue your own desires. This is your time to make yourself into the person you want to be, a fresh start. You are going to college to benefit yourself, so major in something that makes you happy, something you want to do for the rest of your life. I would recommend entering college with an open mind, and be willing to try anything and everything. There are so many things to discover, especially if you are away from home for the first time. Your social game lies entirely in your own hands, make the most of it. It is college where you may meet your friends that will be around forever, and you may even meet your future spouse. If your not open minded, these things may pass you by. Just remember that this is your time, your moment. No one can take that away.