University of Florida Top Questions

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

Lyra

The university experience is an important and significant time in any person's life, and it is important not only to embrace the university experience on an intellectual and educational level, but also on an emotional and personal level. The college you choose will shape who you will become as a person; don't just choose the university with the best athletic programs or even the most prestigious academic programs. Choose the college that feels like home. Choose the college that you'll want to visit year after year even after you've graduated. Choose the college where you'll want to take your children to visit when they're selecting a college after high school. Choose the college where the students smile at you, the professors listen to you, and the campus speaks to you. Relish the college experience and delight in the years that will shape you as a person and groom you as an adult, and revel in the best years of your life, when you have a world of information at your fingertips, and a college full of fellow human beings within an arms reach.

Katie

When finding the right college, the students and parents must not only examine the academic side of the school, but also the surrounding town, the campus and the dorms/apartments nearby. In order to truly be successful in your college experience, you have to be comfortable in the environment. The student needs to have places to relax, as well as study. When finding the right college, ensure that there are many activities for the student to join and meet new people. Although a decision should not be completely made because a certain coffee shop is near this college, but not that one. It should be made after looking at the big picture. The college should be a place that the student can live in for four years.

lindsay

Choose a campus witht he most wide-ranging activities availble. You are young and probably don't know what you want/need yet. So keeping the options open is brilliant. Being out-going and optimistic helps in all situations. Don't stress out or worry about the present, the future is what you make of it. This is a fun time of your life, enjoy it.

Matthew

shoot for the stars and never hesitate, this is your choice your time your life so don't let anyone including yourself hold you back

Genevieve

Know yourself. Know if you want a small environment or if you are self driven and can handle a large school. Know what you can afford and handle. Know that you are making a decision based on what's best for YOU not your girlfriend/boyfriend/best friend. You can find your niche anywhere if you try.

Sophia

make sure it's the best fit for you. make sure you can focus. keep goal oriented. try to do it without having to get a job. it's the best way to focus. get help when you need it. always talk to someone. and always have your problems on record. it will help you in the future.

Erica

Study, Study, Study.

Caitlin

Know what you're looking for. If you want to live in a big city, don't apply to a university located in a small town. Look at the programs available so you can get an idea of what you might like to major in. Map out your course of study and you'll have a head start

Brelan

I think that one of the main barriers to finding the best college is a lack of communication. Pamphlets, information packets, and even campus tours are not nearly enough information to base such an important decision off of. Send e-mails to professors in the fields you are interested in. Arrange meetings with professors while you are on campus for tours. Don't be afraid. If it is a good college, the faculty will be committed to demonstrating the quality of education at the school. Find out how the programs at that school will help you accomplish your goals. Are you planning to enter the work force immediately after you earn your bachelor's, or would it make more sense for you to pursue a graduate degree first? How will the school prepare you for those choices and pursuing those options? To make the most of your college career, go beyond course work. If you are interested in business, start looking at internships as soon as possible. If you are interested in research or medicine, join a lab as an undergraduate assistant or shadow a doctor. Participate in student groups and clubs that interest you. Explore the city.

David

I would suggest the future students choose a school to better themselves. No one should attend a particular University just because their best friend is going there. I would also suggest that if the student is going to a school where they do not know a bunch of people, to join a sorority of fraternity. I would also like to say that if the student thinks they are going to completeIy depend on loans, think again. I suggest the student a part-time job, nothing serious. I would suggest that the parents let their kids live the college experience. I would also like to tell the parents that if you have money and you are not going to help out your kid because you want it to be a learning experience for them, re-think. College is supposed to be fun, not stressful because of money situations.