Oregon State University Top Questions

I would say to go somewhere where you are surrounded by friends and things that make you happy and secure, so you can focus on school and do better emotionally and academically

GO TO S.T.A.R.T. you are able to register for classes, as well as getting to know the campus before you start school later that same year. It is key to move to Corvallis a few weeks before school starts. This is important because you are able to get to know the town, social setting, and what is acceptable on and off campus. Corvallis is a true college town so you are able to really enjoy your experience here, but you must be respectful of others around you, so get to know your neighbors no matter where you live in town!

Go to class! Some classes, even large ones, take attendance which counts towards your grade. Plus, most teachers base their tests on lectures, not the book.

I would advise myself to prepare for a change in lifestyle, living more independently and making my own choices more independently than ever before. Make sure I know where I stand on issues of moral, scientific truths, religion, and my social circle. I would also tell myself to be sure to prepare everything before I go, make sure all of my financial aid is in place and double check everything that needs to be done before leaving the house and going to live on my own. Another thing I would tell myself is that sometimes things will seem hard and I will feel like I am in the wrong place, but I must realize in those times that I am not alone and that I am in the place I need to be in and I will do well here if I have confidence in myself and manage the opportunity I have been given well. Finally, I would tell myself to make the most of this blessing to be so fortunate to persue an education in such a great place, for I know not everyone is given such a chance. Don't take anything for granted, but enjoy it.

I know that it seems like you have to have everything figured out right now, you don’t. I know money seems tight but remember, where there is a will there is a way. Don’t take no for an answer anymore, advocate for yourself in your academics! Don’t tell yourself you’re not good enough because you are. Be sure to fill out your FAFSA as soon as possible; don’t procrastinate on that because the stress of waiting until the last minute is not worth it. Don’t be afraid to go out of your comfort zone and meet new people, everyone here is very friendly and accepting. Your morals will be tested, hold tight to them because once you lose your morals, you lose yourself. Don’t feel pressure to rush… there are plenty of women who are successful and aren’t in a sorority. Don’t bring your entire closet; the dorm rooms aren’t that big. You’ll need to get a job so apply quickly because everyone is in the same situation. These will be some of the best years, but focus on school too because its the true reason you're going.

Research early admission programs. If you your academic advisor doesn't know much about your intended major ask them if they can do some research for you or get you connected with the right resources. Get involved and volunteer. The more extracurricular activities you're involved in the more eligible you are for scholarships. You are also more well rounded and have a more competitive resume. If possible get some work experience while going to school. When you graduate not only will having a degree be important but also showing that you have some experience is very important. Make friends get to know the locals. They can introduce you to lay of the land. Have fun. It's not all work and no play. This is going to be one of the most significant chapters in your life. Enjoy it.

If I could go back and give my freshman-self advice, it would be RELAX! You don't need to squeeze every little thing into your first term or even year. Go into college with an open mind to try new things, but don't spread yourself too thin. College isn't a one-year venture! And yet, on the complete other side of my brain, I'd suggest they get involved with organizations sooner than later. Before you head out to whatever college, do some general research on things that interest you and what your potential colleges offer in that area. I didn't get involved in an organization until my sophmore year, but I've always kicked myself for not joining an OSU choir until a year later. Also, don't eat the food at McNary dining hall. You can thank me later.

If I could go back and give my freshman-self advice, it would be RELAX! You don't need to squeeze every little thing into your first term or even year. Go into college with an open mind to try new things, but don't spread yourself too thin. College isn't a one-year venture! And yet, on the complete other side of my brain, I'd suggest they get involved with organizations sooner than later. Before you head out to whatever college, do some general research on things that interest you and what your potential colleges offer in that area. I didn't get involved in an organization until my sophmore year, but I've always kicked myself for not joining an OSU choir until a year later.

Julia,Don’t worry so much about making plans. You don’t have to worry! College is fun. Enjoy it. Take your time, meet people, and take classes you like. Your long-term goals will change. You will change. You will become an entirely new person. So don’t worry about figuring out every single thing about your future. Your future will come, and if you spend the entire time worrying, you will have wasted a lot of years. Keep going, don’t give up, and don’t listen to people who try to bring you down. You will make it. Take time to appreciate your classes. If you actually try to learn what your teachers are telling you, you will gain information that you will use every day. There are plenty of people to meet and things to do, but don’t forget to enjoy learning. Also, thank your teachers. They put a lot of work into trying to help you grow. Most of all, college is a great experience. You learn new things all the time, and you have so many opportunities. Don’t forget to sit down, relax, and have a good time. Life is just beginning.

I still have a lot of learn about college life. During my senior year, I definitely worried about the general college experience. I consistently asked myself questions such as "How will I share a bathroom with other girls on my floor?" and "What if I have roommate issues?" If I were talk to myself as a high school senior, I would start out with one word: relax. I would have told myself to stop overthinking and take things one at a time. Stop stressing and keep calm. Don't worry about fitting in. The most important thing is to be yourself. It's natural to be nervous about the college life but when it starts, it will be amazing and rewarding. I would also tell myself to follow one of my most favorite quotes by Lawrence K. Fish which states: "Find life experiences and swallow them whole. Travel. Meet many people. Go down some dead ends and explore dark alleys. Try everything . Exhaust yourself in the glorious pursuit of life.” So high school senior me, there will be a lot in store but you will get through it all. Trust me, you're not alone.