Ohio University-Main Campus Top Questions

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

Kyle

If I was to go back to my high school senior self, I would have to advise myself to have worked a little harder in my more difficult AP classes. I know I did do well and I can definetly tell that making the effort to take such challenging class helped my studies as a college freshman tremendously, but I still think I could have tried a little harder so I could fully grasp how difficult college classes would have been. I would also have to advise myself to apply for more scholarships during my senior year. It would have been easier financially to have had some more money available. Maybe i could have also put more effort in running for my cross country team so I could have the option of having a sport scholarship as well as an academic one.

Brandyn

I would advise myself to wait for a year or two before going to college. Take the time to think about what you really want and try a few different jobs. This would allow for more exposure to the real world before re-imersing in academia. With this added seasoning, you would be able to make a more informed decision. Another bit of wisdom is not to fear adventure. I would advise myself to be much more open to experiences that are far ouside my normal sphere of concern. This is the one time when these things can be accomplished and it's important to take advantage of it. My last bit of advice is to be involved with social, professional and academic groups. These are a vital tool for meeting friends and making inroads in your chosen field. Embreace change and take risks!

Christopher

I would tell him to focus on school. After high school I wanted to enter into the work world and have fun, soon I realized how important it really is to have a college degree. I would tell my high school self that my academic performance shows great promise and to stick with it.

Rachel

If I could go back in time to when I was a high school senior, I would give myself some very good pieces of advice. One piece of advice would be to look at many different colleges and not just one that you like. I would also tell myself that I need to work harder in classes to prepare for college level classes and the college level classes that I took, I need to pay more attention in. I would say to look for scholarships harder and also to get a good job so that I could afford college when I go. I think these were all things that I really did not look into when I was a high school senior. I cared about school, but not about preparing for college. Money is a big deal at college, and I wish I had actually saved up some money.

Carley

Dear Carley, Soon, you will be making choices that will sculpt your future. You need to invest as much time as you can in making these decisions. Don't just apply to one or two schools! You need to explore your options and be sure not to limit yourself. The same goes for choosing a major. There is no rush! Take your time and check out everything rather than just settling. If you think you have found the right one, there's nothing wrong with changing your mind either. The biggest challenges you will face in the next couple of years will be a result of your transition into college life. You will be making some HUGE adjustments. It's an entirely different lifestyle. At first, you may not feel like you belong, but that void will fill in time. One last thing, work on your study habits, now! You will thank yourself later. Good luck! The best way to go into your new experience is to stare it straight in the face, don't be afraid. No one said it would be easy! Love, A wiser, older you

Camee

I would tell myself not too bring so many clothes to college first and foremost! I also would tell myself to stay home for a year instead of going off to a university right away. I would probably tell myself to visit more college campuses and talk to as many college students as possible to get their advice on where to go to school, what to expect, and what I would need. I would tell myself to not worry so much, that everything would be strange at first, but in no time at all I would be used to the routine and rythm of college life. I would tell myself to also apply for more scholarships, to work more hours, and to not spend as much extra money. As a poor college student I wish I would have saved a lot more money in the year before my freshman year of college, so I would make sure to really make this stick in my past self's mind.

Stephanie

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to spend more time with my family and friends. When you go off to college you really realize how important those relationships are. I talk to my parents on the phone at least once a day. They help me stay on track and give me convidence that I can achieve whatever I want to with hardwork and dedication. College can be very stressful and having someone to give you a positive outlook will help you deal with the hard times. I would also tell myself the importance of applying for scholarships and grants. My senior year I did not comprehend how much of an investment a college education was. I knew before I went to college that I was going to have to pay for it myself and that my parents couldn't afford to help me so I really should of done more research and tried to receive help. I wish I would have saved more money from working throughout high school to at least help pay for books and spending money.

Cierra

As a high school senior I wasn?t fully aware of the new adventure I was soon to be embarking on. As the year came to a close I began to reflect on the past four years of high school and my next 4+ years in college that I would soon start. The reality that I was going to be starting college in the next few months hit me harder than I was expecting. The piles of college applications I would receive, the long lectures about approaching deadlines, financial set-backs, and so much more, were stressing me out and causing me to become a little depressed, but the good news is that everything worked out and I got through the stressful process of preparing for college. So the advice I would tell myself if I could go back in time would be that it is okay to ask for help and receive help from others, because there are people who are there to help make the transition to college easier, so that you can enjoy that important time in your life.

Rachel

The one thing I wish I knew before I got to college is the concept of time. I never realized in high school how my days were planned out for me; I had to be at school for a certian amount of hours, I had a certian mapped out time for homework, meals, everything. In college, time is abundant, and time is scarce. You have to make your own time. Time for classes, time for relaxation, time for eating, time for sleeping, time for homework, time for friends. If I had only known how to deal with time, I could have used it better when I got here. If you know how to manage your time, then you can do everything you want in college. You can take that exciting new class, join that club, meet new people, and still have time to read a good book. College has so many opportunities to meet interesting people. It is a shame to waste any of the time or the money you are spending on college to not get everything that you can out of it. So, in my opinion, time management is the most important thing to know.

Cecily

You need to focus on your grades do not worry about your social life. You need to score as high as you can on your ACT and save your money from your job for college spending money. When you get to colleg utilize the library and writing center for all papers. Make sure you are familiar with your surroundings and do not stay out by yourself past 12am on weekdays. Make sure not to focus on having a social life that prevents you from studying. Surround yourself with people who are academically focused and career driven. You need to be motivated and interact with intellegent, positive people. Do not let your finances consume you that is why you came to college to better yourself and gain a degree. I know everything seems overwhelming but know in your heart that you can do this and anything worth having is worth working for. You need this oppurtunity to begin your life so make it a good one. Good luck and through all of this keep your faith. Love Cecily