University of Kansas Top Questions

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

Victoria

If I could give advice to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to visit and apply to more colleges. Although I am very happy with my experiences at KU so far, I could have made a more informed decision if I had applied to more colleges. Also, I might have found a college or more scholarships that would have provided a more fulfilling, educational experience. I also definitely would have recommended that I get involved in some of the more scholarly activities, such as the Honors Student Council. They are great resume builders and can provide lots of opportunities in the future.

Ashley

Knowing what I know now, if I could go back to highschool I would tell myself to not give into peer pressure. In high school everyone is so eager to fit and and be part of the "cool" crowd that a lot of the time we tend to lose our own self-worth. In high school I was so focused on being accpeted that I lost myself in the process, luckily as a junior in college I finally figured out who I am and what I want out of life. But this could've been the case all along if I wouldn't have converted to the social norms of high school. I wouldb't have given into peer pressure, and I would probably be a lot further on my course of success than I am now.

Rachel

College classes are not like high school classes. In high school, you didn't have to study to get good grades. In college, you will have to study and, most importantly, take good notes. Do that and you will succeed. Talk to your instructors and ask for help when you need it, but don't expect them to take every step with you as they did in high school. You're expected to already be walking by the time you get to college; college is there to help you start running - to accelerate your growth not only academically, but also socially.

Davina

The best advice I could give myself if allowed to go back in time is to continue to be well rounded and focus not only on studies but friends, orgainizations, groups, and family. Make as many friends as possible, since everyone has something to contribute. And have the opportunity to become true friends with those who felt this time in their life had no future or could not see past the pain. In the hope they might be with us today.

bobby

I would tell myself that college life is not as hard as you make it in your head. Some things are easier to do before marriage and children. I would not change anything else in my life, except for not having finishing my education. Work would have been easier, because I would have been forced to take the classes I didn't want to take, such as english, algebra. Pay would have been better. Every job I have had where I worked with someone who had a degree, their pay was better, and they were promoted faster. I also would have been an officer in the military. I don't regret most of my choices in life. This is one I regret, no finishing college

Emily

There will be times you hate it, followed by times you think your heart could burst from loving it so much. College is where you become the person you will be for the rest of your life. You meet the people who will see you through the worst and best times of your life. Your first nights will be lonely, but you aren't alone, because guarenteed someone down the hall is feeling the same way you are. That person may become your best friend. That person may be the person studying flashcards with you at three am on a Tuesday, fighting with you on Wednesday, and laughing and ordering pizza with you at four am that very next Friday. Study hard, but don't forget that these years will fly by (it's not just a cliche) and you want to enjoy every single second of it. When you throw your cap at graduation and smile for mom and dad, remember whose shoulders your arms are around and the memories you made together. Remember what you learned, academically and otherwise, and carry it with you for the rest of your life.

Mason

Mason, enjoy every minute of your college experience because it will fly by. Some extremely great things that you could never imagine will happen that you would never guess. I know as a senior in high school you have no idea what you want to do wit your life, but I tell you not to worry because you will figure it out. Take advantage of the study groups and do not put off things until last minute. Keep up with your school work because you are going to need a solid GPA for your continuing college. Yes, I said that corrctly. You will be continuing your education. It sounds crazy doens't it? I would have never guessed it in high school either. Some tips for you are to read more and practice good study habits. Ready books that are for school; learn to love to read because you are going to be doing a lot of it in law school!! Keep working hard to get the best LSAT possible so you can earn more scholarship than I. One last thing, when you meet a girl named Taylor, sit by her in SOC 104.

Lexanna

Me Now: Yooooo Me Then: Ayyyy Me Now: So I'm just going to say it. Me Then: ... Me Now: Because of your poor writing skills, we are having trouble finding scholarships. I suggest you actually use that laptop of yours to learn the basics of writing. Also, college is not what you expected at all. If we waited a little while to get our life straightened out, I think we would have a much better experience. We all could use some improvement, so I hope I get feedback on how I can apply to future scholarships and really standout. Me Then: LOL! You talk a lot, I used to be able to talk that much when I was like a kid. Am I dying? Me Now: Nah, haha.

Taylor

I would tell myself to really look at my options, but also know that it's okay to change my mind. I feel like freshmen believe that the first school and first major you choose is your 4 year permanent decision. It's okay to change schools and explore different majors. It's your life and you deserve to make decisions that will make you happy and lead you to the life you want to live.

McKenna

I entered college with 19 hours from high school and a very high GPA, so I feel I was very prepared academic-wise. Advice I would give myself would be to go with the flow and except speed-bumps. Life at college is a lot less tructured than home-life living with your parents. You are ultimately 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} responsible for your choices and your life. There is no one to tell you when to come home, or when to study. Self-discipline is a trait that is a definite MUST for any new college student. Also, transitioning to a much larger school you will encounter a lot more variety of people. Do not judge. Be yourself and stay tru to your morals and values. It is ok to be different. Be a leader, rather than a follower.