University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Top Questions

Stop barreling down the self-descrutive path of judgementalism and arrogance before it's too late

Keeping track of college goals is a hassle, like keeping track of mental notes. If you set too many goals, chances are most won't be accomplished. If this disappoints you, then all your goals start unraveling. The idea is to keep the goals few and realistic. With that in mind, the two best goals to make are: 1. Sleep on time. How many times have you stayed up several minutes past twelve, shrugging it off? It wasn't a big deal for that day, but soon the 12 o' clocks slide into 1 and 2 o' clocks. An irregular sleep schedule discolors your whole day: mood swings, shirking classes, and an obsession with pillows, cushions, and other warm fuzzy objects. 2. Go to class. No matter how mundane lectures seem, your brain will be more alert during that time than any other time (with the exception of exams). Sure, you reason, home study might be more productive. But you'll likely be missing out on announcements and demonstrations that could clear up an hour's worth of dead-end reasoning. Just dedicating an hour per day to each course will make exam preparation less crammy and more smooth.

Hey Josh! Just wanted to say, get ready for the time of your life! Don't be stressed, don't worry too much. You WILL meet friends that you will grow so close with. You will love your classes because after all, you're now taking them based on what your passions are. Be social. I can't say that enough. Never close your dormroom door while in it and always wander into others. The more people you meet, the more lifelong relationships can occur. These friends will always have your back whether you break up with a significant other, have a loss in the family, or just need help in some of your classes. Speaking of those classes, apply yourself! The more you put in, the more you'll get out. It isn't just some stupid sang, it really has meaning. When you try in your classes, you will literally feel the knowledge. Find your passion and follow your heart!

Focus. Don't get behind in your classes. Keep up with your work as soon as it's assigned. In the long run, it will give you extra time for your social life.

I would say to myself: ?You know Emily, I know it?s been a tough couple of years in the International Baccalaureate program and you?re in the middle of all your college placement tests and all this paperwork, but everything is going to be okay. You?re a smart girl and you?ve got a lot going for you. Say ?yes? to the University of Illinois, you?ll love it! You?ll get to be in one of the nation?s premier marching bands (Marching Illini), meet a great group of girls, be in honor societies and a ton of clubs, as well as work part-time. And you know what? You?ll make it all work for you. You?ve got the opportunity of a lifetime. Illinois has some of the best classes and professors that will keep you on track to help you get to law school. Don?t stress about it, keep trudging through on all that paperwork, it will totally be worth it in the long run. You?ll get to go to an amazing school, be a part of the school spirit, and have a bright future. There is nothing better than that?.

As a high school senior, I was hesitant about going away to school. After graduating from school the best advice I could have given myself is to not be afraid to challenge myself. Freshman students are often scared to meet new people and challenge themselves academically. I learned that given the desire and persistance, I could accomplish anything. I took some of the most difficult classes on campus, and was able to succeed, but I was afraid to challenge myself in my first few semesters. After learning to challenge myself and succeeding, I wish I would have taken more of the courses that forced me to challenge myself because I learned the most in those classes, and completed the work that I was most proud of. I also learned to challenge myself socially after spending much time on campus. I studied abroad for a winter course , which ended up being one of my best memories during college. I wish I would have challenged myself socially before it was too late to join more extracurricular activities and learn about more opportunities that would allow me to meet more people and learn from those experieneces.

That college is not as scary as some people make it out to be. Yes it is hard work, but there is so much to learn and do that it makes your time in college very worthwhile. If you have a passion pursue it and never be afraid to follow your dream. All of the hard work will pay off in the end.

First thing and most important, to always follow your heart, do what you like and what makes you happy, don't let others influence your decisions and college experience. Second, get involved and meet as many people as possible, go through formal recruitment and go Greek! Third, take classes that you enjoy and in ones that you struggle in or are not your favorite, take advantage of office hours, group study sessions, review sessions and any other help offered on campus. Fourth, I would say get a job; you don't appreciate money till you have your own to spend. Fifth, once school is taken care of and there is free time to play, make sure to experience Monday night Joes and Country Night at Kams and go to the hockey games they are so much fun!! College is the best years of your life; don?t blink because four years will be over before you even know it. Experience everything you can, it makes you a more unique and amazing person.

Going away for school is a great overall experience. It's given me an environment that's completely focused on academic growth, taken away the issues that come with living at home, and given me more independence and personal growth as an individual. Sometimes it is frightening to leave home and the people that love you but the experience you gain gives you an edge over others. College is an exploration of your academic and personal experiences. Don't be afriad to take the leap and get the full college experience!

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would advise managing and saving money better. I ran into this problem my second semester when I miscalculated how much of a loan to take out. Other than that I feel that I was well prepared upon arrival as a college freshman. I was already good at managing my time, studying, and involved in extracurricular activities.