Old Dominion University Top Questions

What should every freshman at Old Dominion University know before they start?

Lauren

have fun and work hard. choose a college that fits your needs.

Kristen

Do some research, check out the school's website, and make a list of pros and cons about your school options. Try to talk with other students at the campus to find out what it is like to live there. Visit if you get the chance or take a virtual tour. Keep in mind that if you aren't happy you can always transfer to another school. Once you do find a school you like try to get involved your first years there and meet as many people as you can. Being involved will help you to meet new people, share new experiences, build your resume, and network. Communicate with your teachers as frequently as possible because they are there to help you as much as possible if you are willing to put in the effort. Just remember to learn to mannage your own time between your social life and school work. College is a ton of fun but it is also a valuable educational opportunity you shouldn't toss away because you would rather skip class. Stay focused on your goals.

Mia

As exciting, nerve wracking and daunting the search for a college may be there are several things to keep in mind. Firstly, you are attending college for the sake of gaining an education and not to party or waste thousands of dollars a year for youthful excursions that end up being embaressing memories. While the memories and parties are a part of the college experience, they are not the primary reason for attendance and so you should focus on whether or not the schools you are looking at suit your learning style before you start choosing places for the nightlife. Finding the right college means finding a place that you could call a second home. Many people experience homesickness in their Freshman year, but if it's so chronic that it affects your studies because your environment just doesn't suit your personality then that school isn't right for you. Visit as many schools as you can before sending in your money and try to make them overnight stays if possible. You shouldn't judge a book by it's cover and you shouldn't do that with a University.

tari

research the school you want to attend. make sure you are ready financially.

Jocelyn

I would recommend finding a college that matches your personality and how you would prefer to live. Parents to you I recommend knowing your child if they are not ready for college and maybe do not seem like the child to attend college maybe a technical college or a two year college. Also when your student enters college they should know a little about what they want and if they are unknown tell them to take a class that discusses their options. Parents should also understand that the student may change their mind and that is a normal thing. Students please understand that you know what you like and you should go for it no matter whether you know it will make you millions or not. Live your life fully and do what you prefer and not what you think others would want you to do. College is too expensive to follow what others think you want its better to do what you like and not waste your time.

Amaris

Follow your heart and dreams! Make decisions based on what is right for you.

Jordan

Students- Do not take your high school education for granted. It is essential to yor success in college, as well as your acceptance to the college of your choice. As far as choosing colleges, visiting colleges is very important. Use your instincts to guide you to the college that is right for you.

Doan

Drawing from my experience, the best thing I can advise young students who are planning to attend college is to start exploring as many fields as soon as they can, whether by volunteering, attending conferences, working part-time, traveling, etc. By exposing themselves to different places, people, situations, they will learn to like doing certain things and dislike doing others. They establish their identity. They can select, make choices, way before their first year of college. For me, I didn?t know what I really wanted to do until my third year, and I felt like I had wasted a lot of time. I am a first-generation American college student, so there was little guidance. So I hope that every middle school and high school student (my younger brother is one) engage his or herself more in out-of-classroom activities, make a point to travel, etc. so that he or she will be better prepared for college, and save time and money. Many young people think college is a new big journey into life. I also think it?s a journey, but you can begin it much earlier, and once in college, continue it.

Jennifer

Visit the campuses that you are interested in before you make a final decision.

Arielle

No matter what choosing what you want to do is one of the most important parts of going to college. This is where you are learing how to become an independent person and really finding out who you are. When looking for a college, do not follow others simply because you want to go somewhere with your friends. College is a time to make new friends and have new, unforgettable experiences. When in college it is important to choose courses that will make you happy and will help you achieve your goals. Make sure to focus on yourself because college is your time to shine.