Ohio State University-Main Campus Top Questions

What should every freshman at Ohio State University-Main Campus know before they start?

Anastasia

I would definitely tell myself to start saving for college and supplies for the dorm room. The tuition is so much, and adding all the stuff I had to buy for my dorm didn't help the costs. I would also tell myself to think ahead, to think about the future because you won't be a kid forever. Once you turn 18, you need to grow up really fast. Last but certainly not least, I would tell myself to have fun and get involved in all the wonderful activities they offer in high school, but not to neglect my studies.

Keagan

The advice that I would give would be to put yourself out there for new opportunities. Talk to new people and don't be afraid to try new things. However, never lose sight of yourself and your values. If you lose sight of your values, then you will lose yourself. Be outgoing and engaging, be friendly and make new friends. Don't be afraid to introduce yourself first. If there is an opportunity that you are interested in, then go for it. The worst thing that can happen is that you don't get it. Pick yourself up and try again. You can't succeed if you don't try first. College is all about exploring your interests and getting involved in organizations and programs that you like. College is about your future and you have to take the step towards your own success. Never be afraid to fail and never be afraid to try new things. Putting yourself out there and open to new opportunities is one of the most important parts of college. Just be yourself and be open to new experiences.

Stephen

Don't be afraid to try new things and meet as many new people as possible. You'll find some of your closest friends by getting involved with things you're passionate about.

Jordan

I would look myself in the eyes, and say, "Relax. It's going to be okay.", because stress was (and still is) a big part of my transition. I would tell myself not to worry about all of the fees I owed, because somehow my struggling family would find a way to pay everything off. I would tell myself that all of the friends I had made where not going to forget me, and that I would still remain in contact with them, despite my thoughts otherwise. After saying all of this, I would smile and finish off by saying this, "Jordan, listen, I understand that you're scared. You're not a child anymore, but you know what? That's okay. It's time to move onto the most important part of your life, and there is no reason to be over terrified. Sit back, and enjoy the ride, because you'll never be as young as you are now. Enjoy it." and walk away.

John

I would tell myself to enjoy the summer more and not hurry up the time to get to school, because once you get there time flies and you get busy with clubs and class and meeting new people. Also not to worry so much because in the end it will all work out and nothings as bad as you think it will be and you'll never know about new things if you never even try them. Most of all I would tell myself to keep in touch with my old friends, but not to be afraid to go out and meet new people and see what they have to offer.

Olivia

Entering college is a completely new experience. It is life changing, but should not be intimdating. I think the only thing I would tell myself is to be more open and social and to not be afraid of the changes life is bringing to you. College is about experience, having fun, and excelling in your academics to set you up for a bright future. It is OK to make mistakes or to not know exactly where you want to be in five years, but the experiences you have and the people you meet will make this a lighter situation and less intimidating. Have fun!

Brooke

High school was a tumultuous time, but college life is not the same safe bubble that you grow up in. For this reason I would urge you to be willing to listen to your peers and in turn change if and when the time warrants it. None of us are perfect and you will find yourself having conflicting views with your peers. You must be willing to embrace differences, and acknowledge when your own views are flawed. Instead of being focused on only yourself, you should keep an open mind and share in experiences that make you feel uncomfortable. It is only when you feel uncomfortable that you have truly stepped outside of your bubble and can make progress learning and maturing as a person. You are the product of your actions; this is what defines you in life.

Taylor

As a senior, you probably think that you can do this school thing and everything is so easy. You don't study, you just go to class pay as much attention as you need to and still get the grades. What you really want to be doing is learning how to actually study and teach yourself class material that the teacher does not go over. In college anything in the book or that has been mentioned is fair game for an exam and exam's are what your grade is going to be based on. You cannot just go to class anymore and have that be enough. Going to a school that has a great reputation means you have to work ten times as hard as you ever did to be able to earn that reputation as a student of your school as well. Studying might be foreign and it's not going to seem natural at first, but if you want to do well you will have to learn how to do it. Good luck!

Hillary

Education matters because we need a learned society. For science and technology to flourish, and for our country to stay on top of the world, we must have an educated population. Taking a few years after high school to be educated is important in a person’s career progression. They will advance faster and be more effective, if they have learned something from experts in the field. They will also know more about where to find information needed in their profession. Education matters, so learn as much as you can in high school and prepare yourself so your first year of college will be easier. If I could do it all over again, I would try more in H.S.

Kelly

Do not be afraid. To raise your hand and ask the question weighing on everyone's mind, to apply for the job that seems out of reach, to take the next step, to change your goals, do not be afraid. Talk. To your professors during office hours, the cute boy you see everyday en route to class, the boss who assigns extra duties during exam week, your parents who wonder how you're doing everyday; talk. Volunteer. Your shoulder to a friend in need, your time to a worthy cause, extra effort organizing an event, your opinion on a ballot; volunteer. Lastly, be patient and kind; to your professors, your peers and yourself. If you work hard and follow the aforementioned advice, opportunities will arise and take you far.