University of Florida Top Questions

I think visiting the campus is an important way to get a feel of what it is like there. Also, there are so many choices that there is no need to settle on a school unless you absolutely love it. As for the college experience, stay in a "meeting new people/trying new things" mode. Generally we all start like this as freshman but some people get out of this and start only spending time with their few friends that they have already made. Always be open to trying new things. Put yourself out of your comfort zone!! Only then will you be able to learn who you really are, and this is what college is about, self-discovery. Have fun!

The most important aspect of choosing a college is making sure it is tailored to your specific needs and desires. Consider what it is you want in a college, and proceed from there. Important areas to consider include what field you are considering entering, and whether a given college is strong in that field. However, while academics is certaintly an important factor, in order to do well it is often necessary to be happy at your college. Look into the types of extracurricular activities and student life to determine if you would fit in and truly enjoy your experience. Speak with students who already attend a college you're looking into. Finally, location is important for many people. To maximize your college experience, simply pursue your interests. You have the freedom to take classes that interest you, and the opportunity to meet new friends and try new things. All you have to do is keep an open mind and put forth the effort to get involved in whatever capacity you decide. But it does require effort: you won't make the most of your experience by sitting around and waiting for things to happen. Ultimately, it's up to you.

I have just four words for students beginning their college experience: Spend your money wisely. I would advise parents to plan and prepare for their children's collegiate futures, rather than leave all college expenses up to their clueless freshman college student. Parents should understand and explain financial aid and students loans to their recent high school grads; they need to understand that after college graduation, it's time to pay those loans back. Future college students, I plead and beg you to reconsider your spending habits. Just say "no" to that $2,000 moped scooter, say "no" to the big screen TV, say "no" to the lavish spring break trips each year. If college students were taught better monetary habits, perhaps many would graduate with little to no debt and would have a bright future in this awful economy. Those of us who weren't educated are instead left buried in debt, struggling to survive while paying back those loans. I hope more adults can plan accordingly and ensure a positive finiancial future for their children through adequate preparation for college and by teaching their children to budget.

Make the choice on your own and don't be influenced by others.

I would tell parents that the money they spend on their children during their time in college is an investment. College is worth every penny and provides individuals with an incomparable experience of maturity. This allows students to have the ability to make important decisions on their own, which helps them find themselves as individuals and find what it is they really want to achieve in the real world. Also, in reference to the real-world, college provides a great stepping stone from five day school weeks, to forty hour work weeks in the job force. This in turn, allows students to make mistakes they would make as employees because they can learn from these mistakes without as severe of repercussions. As for the students I would tell them to ease their worries about homesickness or separation from close friends. College opens you up to a whole new network of a variety of diversified groups and you are bound to fit into at least one of them, and most likely bunches of them. It will be the best time of your life and will open your mind academically as well as intellectually. Good luck with the self-conquest!

Plan ahead for what you want to do after college, but don't forget to pick a place that you'll enjoy for four of the best years of your life!

Students and parents should do as much research as possible about the schools they are considering. A campus visit should be scheduled to get an idea of the size and atmosphere on campus. Do your best to get in touch with current students at the school to ask about their classes, extra curricular activities, and what they do in their free time. Once you decide on a college, get involved in activities as quickly as possible. Get a part-time job, attend different club meetings on campus and/or start volunteering in the community. The first year of college can be a lonely, scary time and getting involved is the best way to meet good people with common interests. These activities can also help you in deciding on a major, if you are still unsure what you want to do. Pick your classes carefully, taking into consideration what time of day you learn best and in what setting you learn best. The transition into college can be rocky at times, but it is also an amazing time in life. It is a time for growth, change, and experience. Make the best of it!

Your college experience is unique and helps mold the person you become. Coming from a Senior who has tested the trials and errors made through college, The BEST advice I could ever give anyone is to get involved on campus. My freshman year at the University of Florida was not very memorable because I my routine consisted of going to class and heading back to my apartment. I felt no connection with my school or even my peers. My classes were so big I did not get the chance to really meet anyone. After stepping out of my comfort zone, I found an organization and like fate, it fit perfectly into my life. I became a sister of my sorority and opened so many doors to involvement on campus. By getting involved, I was motivated to participant in campus events, like Dance Marathon, and become the leader who I am today. I helped plan many events to raise awareness for philanthropies, and generate revenue for organizations. This involvement ran cohesively with my major, Event Management in Hospitality. By taking that one step to get involved, I changed my life and molded my future for the better. Go Gators!

Try to find a school that fits your needs. Some people excel at small schools, other at large schools. Go with your gut so you do not regret your decision. Excellent academics is always important, but in the end its what you make of your education that really matters. Financial aide should be considered, but remember there are always student loans that can be paid off after graduation. College should be a fun, exciting time. Find a college that brings out the best in you!

Students who are trying to find the right college to attend, should take into consideration different factors and situations that will impact their future when they graduate. It is very important to consider financial aspects, as well as location and size of the college. Big Universities are not for everyone, and while a strong academic level is very important, social life plays an important role in the life of college students, and in many cases, means the difference between failure and success.