University of Florida Top Questions

What should every freshman at University of Florida know before they start?

Wesley

If I were to go back in time to talk to my high school senior self I would tell him to get started on more scholarship applications. I would also tell him who wins the Super Bowl for the next couple years and who wins the Fifa world cup in 2014 so he can bet and win money and be financially set for the rest of his college life. But I would also tell him that going to St Petersburg college is not as bad as I am making it out to be and that I will get into the University of Florida after I get my Associates degree. Once at the University of Florida I would tell him to get a job and continue to apply to scholarships and continue to work hard and to be more social and build more friendships. This would be my advice to my high school senior self and hopefully he will take my advice and not worry about the future as much as I did.

Jennifer

If I could go back and talk to my high school senior self, I would tell younger me that college is not that scary. It seemed my entire senior year was spent dreading graduation while all my classmates were counting down the days. I was devastated when graduation day rolled around. I was going to a new place four hours away from my family and friends, walking away from everything familiar to me. But eventually move in day came and all I could feel was unnecessary fear. Upon arriving at the University of Florida, I was immediately thrown into new situations and interesting experiences. I met my awesome roommates, cool classmates, and learned my way around campus. And the best thing was it was entirely on my own, I didn't have old high school buddies in the mix, or any connections, it was all me; I was responsible for the best summer of my life. So, with this newfound confidence I would go back and tell the little stressed out Jenny that college is different and big and life changing, but its not scary. College is freedom and a time of discovery, something to be anticipated not feared.

suzy

Knowing what I know now about college life, the advice I would give myself as a high school senior would have been, to take some college courses while in high school, in order to get rid of some of those college courses and to be done with college sooner. More so, I would advise myself to stay extremely focus on school and to make sure my highschool GPA is as high as it can be. I would’ve apply for as much scholarships I could possibly apply for, so that I could have enough scholarship and grant money to cover my college expenses. Lastly, I would work on gaining more hands on experience from the field of study of my choice, to be better prepared to help the people of this world who rely on success.

Dallas

Research each college carefully. Each college has different standards and pre-requisite requirements for each degree. If you go to a community college and plan to transfer, be sure to know what pre-requisites are needed. Find out who is going to the same college as you. Friends for roommates is generally considered bad, but it is far better than getting paired up with random people. Spend a year in the dorms- best way to meet new people and make friends. Go to teachers' office hours. Get to know your teachers. They could potentially help you find a job after college. Many jobs require just a 4 year degree because it shows you can do the work and stay focused for long periods of time. While working on the degree, learn to learn. If you know HOW to study, college will be good. Don't get behind trying to LEARN HOW to study. Most important- finish the degree and network. Network with anyone you can. All job hires seem to come from knowing someone somewhere. Networking is everything.

Cameron

Not to be completely cliche, but find something you like to do and run with it. Pick up an instrument, try programming, maybe you like to cook! When it comes down to it, college is YOUR experience and no one can live it for you. This advice transcends far beyond the classroom too. It applies to people you meet, extra curriculars you participate in, etc. If you find an awesome club, or great group of friends that you feel comfortable with, ride that happiness for as far as it will take you. Don't worry about what people might think about you joining the Harry Potter Club. If that is what makes you a truly happy person, then by all means, be the best wizard you can be.

Joseph

I suppose the main piece of advice I would give myself would be to not live on campus for a second year. I feel as though that was my greatest mistake during my time in college. Any other advice beyond that trivial piece, I both would not and should not give myself because it would damage the entire process of learning, self-discovery, and self-improvement. I suppose my refusual to give my past self any significant advice on any noteworthy event follows the old adage about giving a man a fish and would completely ruin my ability to be a self-sufficient well adjusted individual.

Chantelle

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, one of the advices that I would give myself is to not procrastinate. University requires time management. Leaving assignments to be completed at the deadline can cause added stress. To avoid the procrastination, I would have advised myself to work consistently. I would do my assignments in small increments. Taking this advice would have enabled the production of higher quality assignments since I would have spent more time working on them. This strategy would have also reduced stress level which tends to heighten when multiple assignments and tests due around the same date. Another advice that I would give myself is to be open to new experiences and be willing to adapt fully to the life of a college student. Engage in activities that I have never done prior to coming to the college campus. This can allow me to experience life outside of the classroom. Also, doing more extra curriculum activities can aid in identifying and developing of a hidden talent of mine. This can facilitate the formation of a social network that can provide social support that is essential to college success.

Jeff

test essay

Nicholas

Knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition, the advice I would give myself is be wise, don't drink and drive ever, be open minded, don't be shy, and just have fun and interact with people. You have to be wise in school and with people. You have to be smart and don't beleive evrthing you here. You should always question things that don't seem right, and usually if something doesn't feel right, it usually isn't right. Make sure you don't drink and drive ever. To many students die everyday because of drinkng and driving, don't become the statistic. Know your limit when to stop drinking. Make sure you aren't shy, and make sure you interact with people. When your shy, you don't give yourself the opportunity to meet new people and have fun. Interact with people and make friends and have fun! That's the advice I would give to myself.

Nicole

Nicole, When you first started college, your parents had a vision for you to be a doctor, or a lawyer, or something that defined success by others' standards. You did not have much of a vision for myself, since you were blinded by the advice of those around you. You did not know how to make your passion to help people into a career, probably out of fear, or simply because you were unwilling to think outside of the box. Well, I have good news for you: you realized you needed to start making your own decisions and chasing your own dreams. After a change in major to Psychology and English, hundreds of pages of information on counseling psychology read, and three months of your parents not communicating with you out of disappointment, you were happy. As the quote goes, those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind. Your life was not meant to be wasted, and you should intend to live it with the fuel of love, care, understanding, and empathy for others. I know right now you think you have no way to choose your path, but you can, and you will.