University of Florida Top Questions

While in high school it was always plunged into my head to get ready for college because it is so hard. I think every one of my senior teachers told me that. However, what they didnt tell me was what exactly made college so hard and what I needed to prepare for. Now that I am in college I feel that I could have been easily prepared if I took better steps in high school. Managing study time, doing constant reading, and still getting proper rest is mainly what I struggle with in college, but I am surely progressing.

I wish I had not under-estimated the importance of self-confidence. Not only regarding your self-esteem but also possesssing self-confidence with your morals and decision is vital. Although many students are intially elated at leaving home for the first time, becoming independent in college is a rather daunting task. So many peer pressures are thrown at you at once: socially, academically and emotionally. It is tempting to get bogged down in trivial matters surrounding campus life. I wish I had entered college with an unshakable faith in myself and in my ability to succeed.

I wish I had learned better studying techniques.

Before I came to the University of Florida, I wish I had known how advantageous it can be to not be afraid to ask questions, i.e. talking to an advisor, going to office hours, or talking to a professor about his or her research and opportunities for involvement.

I wish I had known just how large this college is and how its size affects the quality of teaching. I have had difficulty meeting with professors outside of class in order to ask questions, and there is simply no time during class. Several of my classes have consisted of over 400 students. I have also discovered that many of my current classes are called "weed-out" classes, in which the professor must fail a certain number of students in order to cut down on the applicants for Medical, Dental, and Veterinary School.

I wish I would have known to get a scooter for this town. Gainesville is pretty small and having a scooter here is ideal. Also having a bicycle to ride around campus and around town is another great investment for new comers to Gainesville. Riding my bike is good for me and good for the environment. So I highly suggest investing in a scooter and a nice road bike to get around campus and town.

I wish I would have known how to become more involved as a freshman. I joined a non-panhellenic Christian sorority on campus, yet, I would sometimes find myself feeling lonely and missing home. It is difficult to make friends and establish relationships when school is a main priority at the University of Florida.

A sense of direction on the campus and people that were already attending

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I wish I had known that the winters were cold