Purdue University-Main Campus Top Questions

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

Brandon

If I had the opportunity to go back in time and talk to my high school self I would insist for him to be bold and believe in himself more. Since neither of my parents went to college it was extremely difficult to receive guidance on what major to or college to pursue. I had absolutely no clue what I was supposed to do after graduating high school. Luckily one of my best friends ended up going to Purdue so I followed suit. I was extremely timid and scared about putting myself out there when dealing with this situation. I cannot emphasize how important it is to ask questions before you’re a senior in high school. It is crucial for parents and counselors to stress the importance exploring job fields and visiting colleges to set themselves up for success in the future.

Keith

I would start by telling myself to keep fighting and working hard through all the tough times, but to also enjoy the experience. Don't just get caught up in the academic side of college life but to enjoy more of the external opportunities such as: more sporting events, more intramural teams, and the campus wide events. There are so many great memories ahead of you and dont change your morals. Stay grounded in the way you were brought up, and that along with you work ethic you will grow into not only a good student, friend, familiy member, but you will come out as a educated, successful MAN. Keep you faith and shoot for the stars. Dont let little failures impede you journey to great things. There will be trying times but use your ever strong resources and support to get through them. Tough times dont last, tough people do. So, be the best you can be and make the best of your time at Purdue University. Purdue will give you so many great things, and you will not regret your decision to follow this path to do big things. God Bless along the way

Julianne

The main advice I could give is to not allow yourself to become overwhelemed with classwork and to make sure you make time to be with friends. Classwork is very important but there is no need to put further stress on yourself than what already exists. Friends allow an escape from the classroom and a support group when things do get tough. When starting college everyone has a different approach to getting adjusted. Mine was to find a good group of friends and to always be open to new opportunities.

Kelly

"College is not easy. It takes a lot of hard work, but in the end, it will be worth it." If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, that is what I would begin with saying. Depending on the size of each school, the majority of college students reveal that they had difficulity with the transition from high school to college. College is all about independence. Students do not have nearly as much access to one-on-one help from tutors or teachers. First year college students and beyond must learn how to develop good study skills on their own. After telling myself the importance of academics, I proceed to assure myself that another important aspect of college is a social life. Getting involved was one of the best decisions I have made at Purdue. By doing so, I have made many new friends as well as developed excellent leadership skills. I would leave off by telling my high school senior self that things will be difficult, but as long as I set goals for myself, I will end up successful.

Marissa

I would say, be more prepared. Work hard and know what you want to do before you go to college. Be more wise with your money and do things for you, not others. Work hard, play later. It will pay off in the end.

Kaitlyn

There are a few things I would tell myself. First off make sure to go out and seize all of the opportunities that are given to you. You never know what you will learn or who you will meet so you need to make sure that you put yourself out there and get involved. Also know that while things may seem challenging now, in retrospect it is all work the hard work and long nights. There may be times when you want to quit and give up because it does not seem worth it or that you won't make it through. These challenges are what will shape you into who you will be in the future and are an important part of your accomplishments because without them, you wouldn't appreciate all of your successes. Finally, in the midst of all your work, remember to take joy in the small things and remember that it's alright to take a break once in a while. If you push too long without stopping, you'll burn out. Make sure to maintain the right balance in your life so you still enjoy it while working toward your goals.

Amandeep

Be prepared from the begining. Your easiest classes are the first year so do VERY well. Don't concentrate on getting involved only socially, but actually concentrate on getting involved professionally and on campus, this will help you ind the right social groups. Rushing is better if you do it sophmore year, it allows you to develop professionally, concentrate on classes, gives you time to figure out time management, know what your looking for before you dive in.

Stanford

Take it at a moderate pase. Not to fast or slow. Rushing into to many activities and groups for however rewarding they are, they can be a sink for time. Purdue is a school where one who wants to succeed can obtain their goals. Focus on staying organized. As one of my favorite chefs, Alton Brown, would say, "Organization will set you free." Time management in conjunction with organization is very important in college. Whether it be group projects, extra curriculars, or any other choice made. Those are skills that need to be sharpened and integrated into every day life. Another key attribute to key doing is never giving up. At Purdue your goals are obtainable however you need to work for them like everything else life has thrown at you till this point. And lastly be yourself. Happy, upbeat and optimistic. Never let anything keep down, like water on a roof. You are an adventurous person both in knowledge and life. That quality about you will not only get you through college but much more. The path least travelled is your own. My parting word to you, myself for you to find is find the meanings of Ohana.

phaedra

I would tell her that she was over thinking high schooll and that just applying herself a little would make a big difference in how she feels towards school. Telling her that college is not really that hard that she just needs to decide on what she wants to do and there are schools that are flexible for single moms. I would also tell her that no matter how rough life gets for us it always passes and gets better. And that all 4 of her kids grow up to be very smart and turn out very well despite the rough times we all go through. And her children are always right there with her even when she thinks that they have given up on her that they respect her for everything she done for them.

Gregory

If I could travel back in time and have a conversation with my high school self, I'd be sure to emphasize a few important points. First and foremost, I'd tell the younger me to think LONG and HARD about the long term cost of attending that expensive out-of-state university you've always imagined yourself at (and whether the cost is warranted or not). The proposition of being a slave to your student loans doesn't seem to hit most kids at this point in ther lives. Second, I'd tell myself that yes, it is in fact okay to change your major; however, don't do so just because whatever you're currently doing is too difficult. Everything worthwhile in life comes with it's fair share of difficulty; when that time comes around, you just need to suck it up and keep moving forward. Lastly, I'd tell myself to not sweat the small stuff. Focus on what you came to school for in the first place: getting a worthwhile degree! Everything else comes secondary to that one goal. Don't worry, you'll make lifetime friends and wonderful memories. That, I can promise.