Purdue University-Main Campus Top Questions

There are many considerations for freshman at Purdue University. The first thing, they should know before they start is the layout of campus. Looking up the university map and locating class buildings before the first day of classes will save a huge headache and alleviate some first day jitters. Another incredibly important thing to consider, is checking the weather report every day before leaving for class. Many students forget that unlike high school, attending Purdue requires going from building to building and the walks between them are outside. Many freshman learn the hard way (I know I did) that a compact umbrella and checking the weather report are critical considerations. The final thing freshman should know is that before they get used to the campus layout and get into a good weekly routine for class, they should allow twice the amount of time to get to class that they think it will take to get there. This prevents the stress of hurrying and worries about being late. It also makes a great impression on teachers and fellow students when you show up early to lectures.

As a high school senior, I was ready to go to college. I wanted to get out high school and have a new life, one in shich I did not have to be the second mom in my family. I believe that I did a great job transitioning to college life. I had given myself some great advice at that time, which was to get out and make friends and do crzy fun things that I'll never be able to do again. I don't know that there is any other piece of advice as great as that. I was wise enough then to know that I had to push myself in order to have fun. The advice that I would add onto that today is that grades aren't everything. I need to make sure I embrace this time and love every minute of it.

If the chance ever came, I would tell my younger self that it is time to grow up and move forward. Start preparing for the future. This high school adventure you are living now; that is all it will remain. Beyond this is a whole different world, where you really experience and learn how to be a responsible, respected independent. Yes, there will be times when you want to go party with friends, but there will also be times where a project is due the next day. Yeah, you will want to go out to eat, but then you will soon find yourself lacking funds needed for later. You have to discipline yourself in order to accomplish all you need to down the road, because it is not going to get any easier from here. Become more involved in the community; receive all the help you can get to avoid money headaches later on. Learn to really study now to minimize those sleepless nights later on. Learn to push yourself now, because you will have to later on. You have the skills buried inside you; you have the drive. Pull it out now and learn to utilize your gifts.

I would just tell mysefl to prepare for a lot of hard work and that there will be times when stress will start to get to me. Despite my performance in high school, the college experience is almost entirely new, and classes run a little differently that what I expect. Stress is a common occurrence in college, and the Navy ROTC just adds to it. The best way to deal with stress is to not procrastinate on the homework in order to have that time to relax during times of high stress. Exams are not to be taken lightly, as they are different from the tests in high school. Also, while I may feel prepared for what will happen through the ROTC program, there will be new experiences that will be extremely stressful. Just remain mentally strong, work for the best, but prepare for the worst and everything will just play out. Don't give in to stress and everything should work out.

Talk to someone at the university you want to attend. Whether it is a friend, or someone you see in the student union on a college visit, make sure to ask about the school. Get the insider's perspective because what the tour guides and professors tell you about a university is extremely different that the real-life advice you will get from a student. Also, make sure you feel comfortable in the environment. It all boils down to the fact that you will be spending your every waking moment in this place, and you don't want to be in any situations that may be potentially harmful or dangerous. Finally, choose something you want to do with your life and pursue it. Don't go for the major your best friend is taking. Be your own person, don't be afraid to change your plan of study, and don't be afraid to make mistakes because they are going to happen whether your like it or not!

Fill out more scholarships.

The best advise I could give to myself as a high school student would be, consider your future in every decision you make. There are several ways in which you can ensure a challenging, yet rewarding experience throughout your college journey. First, complete college bound coursework. This will give you an idea as to what will be expected of you by your professors. English, mathematics, and science courses are essential for a successful college experience; developing strong skills in these subjects is fundamental for college as well as your life beyond school. Next, earning exceptional grades is an indispensable element of success. Achieving good grades will not only ensure that you grasp the subjects you are studying, it will also open a unimaginable amount of doors to the future and provide you with a sense of personal accomplishment. Finally, make as many contacts as possible. By meeting people from all walks of life you will expose yourself to the incredible diversity this world has to offer. It will also give you the opportunity to meet the most passionate people, get a taste of many different fields, and even play a role in rounding your own knowledge and education.

To fill out as many scholarships as possible. Also don't slack off at all in college, the classes are much harder than high school.

In the wise words of Ellen Degeneres, "Procrastinate now. Don't put it off." Just kidding! Now in your senior year of high school, you need to start practicing the art of hunkering down and gettin' 'er done. There is no time in college for procrastination. While the homework load appears significantly less without all the busywork that high school teachers load on you, the amount of time needed to study for exams is a million times more. Start studying a little everyday so when the seemingly distant exams sneak up, you'll already have studied for them. But in the rare event that life happened and procrastination butted it's way in, do not panic! Breathe. It's going to be okay. Just do your best with the time you have, and realize that it's not the end of the world. On the same note, it's never too late to start anything... join clubs, form teams, make friends, get job experience, find your niche. Most people are going to seem so much smarter than you, but remember they're probably thinking the same thing about you. Relax and enjoy... the college years really fly by quickly.

I would tell myself to keep focues on learning and not necessarily my grades. Although grades are important, it is more important to make sure that I have learned the material. College course work is a major change from high school, and I need to not let it all get to me. I also would tell myself to get more involved in campus life my first year such as joining my residence hall's club. Serving those around me is something that I have found that I loved, and it has opened up opportunities for me that I never thought were possible. My first year of college was spent almost entirely in my room doing homework. I would tell myself to make sure I took the time to take those much needed breaks, even if only for a few minutes.