Laura
If I could give myself advice as a high school senior, I would say to not stress out over the little things so much! It's such a waste of time and energy to be so worried about getting along with roommates, making friends, or learning the campus. It's easy! Your roommate just might turn out to be your best friend and the other friends will come easily once you make a few connections. As far as learning the campus...you won't have a choice! You'll stumble around the first week or so, but you'll get your bearings once you start classes. There are maps everywhere and passing students will always help send you in the right direction. Yes, it's a big transition, but it only feels big because you haven't done it yet. Once you get on campus, you'll feel at home and ready to begin your new life as a college student!
Sara
Remember that you are making the first step towards your future, so you're already starting to make the right decisions. Know that there's more to acceiving that dream than just doing the coursework. Get to know others, network with peers, get involved early and stay involved. Having friends and faculty that you know well and can depend on will really help later on when you need supporters.
Carly
I have gotten so much out of my college experience here at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities that it is difficult to cover all of it here. I have learned so many life lessons and skills that will help me for the rest of my life. Living on my own and going to school I had to learn how to manage my finances, pay my bills, and apply for loans, jobs, and internships. Not only that, but I also got a great education. I learned so much these past four years and I cannot imagine being as satisfied with my life without a college degree. And the things that I have learned in the classroom will help me down the road in my future jobs, graduate schooling, and ultimately, my carreer path. I cannot wait to take all the values instilled in me by the University and travel the world and put my college experiences to furthur good use.
Ashley
Though I have not been in college for long, I have already discovered more about myself as an individual and have learned skills that will be useful throughout my college career. When I first moved into my dorm room, I missed my family terribly and felt alone in such a large school. However, over time I made friends with people in my classes and the people who live in my hallway, and I have changed into a more independent woman. College is a huge responsibility; it is up to the student to put the extra work in that he or she needs in order to be successful. It came as a surprise to me how challenging classes were when I came to the University of Minnesota, but I quickly learned that studying with other people in my class helps me learn the material, which I think is a value that I can carry around with me for the rest of my life. Working together in groups is something that every work place will require, and I am glad that I am learning how to depend on and trust others around me to work. College has been a valuable experience.
Chelsea
College has been an amazing experience for me so far. I have grown as a person, learning many skills that will benefit me even outside the classroom in the future. I have been exposed to so many new ideas and world views that have expanded my perspective on the world. These new experiences have allowed me to realize what I want in my future, and the path I need to take to get there. Completing my college education is a key part of accomplishing my goals. I have also been able to met many new people and do new activities, like ballroom dancing, that I never thought I would before. It has been incredibly valuable for me to attend college. I have gained a new confidence in myself and in the future that lies ahead of me. In college classes you learn ideas and concepts that cannot be learned anywhere else. The college experience has given a new meaning to my life and prepared me for a fantastic future.
KATIE
I am a returning student after 12 years of working full time in Finance and having 2 boys. My dream is to finish my degree in Anthropology at UC Berkeley and move forward in a new career doing something that I love. Attending college not only lit me from within it also boots my self confidence in this world and inspires me to be better. Although I know that my experience in the work force these past 12 years are very valuable, being back in college is where my heart is at. I love to learn and I am excited for this new adventure and the completion of my goal in 2014.
Amber
I have learned a lot during my first two years in college. One of the most important things I have learned is that it takes a lot of hard work to get to where you want to go and that you can not give up. I have also learned that there will be people who try to bring you down but you need to ignore them and keep moving toward your own goal. Independence is also something valuable I have learned. I learned not to depend so much on others because in the end it is what I do that makes a difference in my future. Basically studying hard and keeping focused is what my college experience is all about. Meeting new people and participating in new activities are just some of the perks that come along with going to college. Overall the experience so far has been a great one.
Maria
Not only have I learned a lot academically, I have learned great time management skills and how to work with others. There are a lot of students at the University of Minnesota, so there is a lot of competition for scholarships, attention from professors, and other resources. I have learned a lot about what I have to do to succesfully graduate. I have also met a lot of new people, but stayed close to some of my old high school friends too. There are so many ways to get involved and stay busy, but great resources to help students do well in school also.
Bethany
From my first semester here at the University of Minnesota I learned that you should reach out for help when you know you need it or will possibly need it. I have learned what the rewards are for reaching out for a little extra help. I have gotten a better understanding of the material I was learning and I showed myself that I was able to do that work even if it stumped me at first. This experice has helped me be more comfortable with my professors, T.A's and even tutors for help. The U of M has been valuable to attened because it helped me realize that help is offered often whether you go for it or not. This school has many students who are willing to help you if you need it and help you slowly get comfortable reaching out for help.
Alysa
I have been actively involved in my college with work and I have found a sense of community that I hold dear to my heart. I can truly say it is a home away from home and have made friendships that will last forever. Although this school is in the middle of a city and can get very very busy, there are always places to find peace and quiet. This school has 3 campuses, each as diverse as the students who go here and catered to different majors. These campuses give a person a taste of the diversity and allows them experiences they may not have otherwise.