Emily
Since I am paying for my own school I spent much of my senior year conteplating whether or not to attend such a large university, or just staying back home and attending a close by community college. I know the many hours I had this on my mind, and if I could go back I would tell myself not to worry about it. There will be tough times no doubt, but getting a higher education is worth it. I would tell myself be sure to get involved because you have no idea how much it is really going to help you in the future. Finally, I would tell myself to be proud to be going to college and not to listen to others who were discouraging me from going.
Danny
Always go for what your heart wants to do and never look back. What is done is done and the only thing left to do is push on and persevere. Never give up hope, never look back.
Jessika
I think it was avery smart idea for you to go to a regional campus first to get used to the shock first. It helps you alot when you finally make it to main campus with all the people and the large classes. Freshman year made you more confident in yourself and more able to take care of yourself in a room of 500 when you sometimes feel like a number. I believe in you and you will do amazing things for yourself and the people around you.
Andrea
Not to assume the worst about the Big Ten schools. I transferred from a small liberal arts college to the Ohio State University because the rural town, small student population and minimal social life were suffocating, which I did not realize would happen to me. Also, I would have looked more carefully at food between campuses!
Lauren
Be outgoing and don't be afraid to put yourself out there. Don't judge others because you never know, they may up being your best friend.
Ciarra
If I could go back in time and speak to myself as a high school senior, I would first remind myself to not be so critical and cynical if and when I fall short of the high standards I set for myself. I would then explain to her that it is very important to develop a strong community of friends and acquaintances during the first weeks of moving in. I would emphasize that more importantly, be mindful and cautious about people's intentions and motivations, because they are not always as honest as we would like them to be. However, you should not shut yourself out of the social realm in its entirety, for the sake of your sanity! There are a plethora of events and activities going on all around campus and the city. Immerse yourself in all that you can, all that is new or sounds interesting or fun to you, not just what is popular or what the mainstream population is partaking in. I would end the conversation with stating that the most important thing to remember is BE TRUE TO YOURSELF!
Leah
Really consider your priorities. As in, YOUR priorities - not your mother's or your father's or sister's or anyone else's. Going away to college means truly being by yourself and you have to make decisions that you will be happy with at the end of the day. There will seriously be no one else to blame, so make a list of priorities that you want to get out of life at college and above all, MAKE SURE YOU ACHIEVE THEM! A lot of things will be harder than you think they will be, but they won't be impossible. Don't be afraid to try new things or ask for help, either.
Lisa
Know exactly what you want to do with the rest of your life. If you are not majoring in that, then change your major. Even if it will take you three more years until you graduate, it is worth it.
Harper
An OSU student describes how she decided on an uncommon major that she hadn't even heard of when she started college: actuarial science.
Harper
An Ohio State student admits that she was caught off guard by the level of difficulty in college coursework.