University of New Hampshire-Main Campus Top Questions

I chose UNH because I really felt like I belonged on the campus. I visited at the end of my junior year, and it really stood out from the other schools that I applied to. Plus, Holloway Commons (HoCo) serves the best food, and is currently one of the colleges with the best food. Diverse wise, it was a little below expectations, but that was why I attended the CONNECT program, which was for students of color. I got to move into school a week early, and met most of my best friends. If I hadn?t gone here, my life would have been so much different than what I expected.

Parents: Let your kid decide, place no pressure or judgement on them about where they go or what they do. They are adults now, you've brought them this far, time to let them fly on their own. Kids: Take into consideration what your parents say but make your own decision, make sure the school you attend is the one that you actually want to go to and aren't being pressured in to. Realize that the decisions you make are ultimately your own.

The most important thing that a student and parent can do during the college process is actualyl travel to each school on the list. My top choices on paper ended up being my least favorite campuses. It's all about the gut feeling that you get when you arrive at the campus. If the spark isn't there, it's not a good match. I had to transfer to my current school due to monetary restraints, but even when picking this, I made sure there was a spark before making my ultimately decision.

It's always best to visit the school you are interested in before enrolling. The campus has a lot to do with how comfortable you feel at your school. Figure out what you want to gain from your college experience and then choose the institution that best fits you. It's difficult to ignore prices, but there are numerous financial aid and scholarship opportunities, so discrediting a university based merely upon money is silly. I put a lot of emphasis on academics, but I also wanted to be able to really enjoy my school and make lasting friendships. The University of New Hampshire truly is a perfect fit for me. Most large universities have endless opportunities. There's something for everyone. College is what you make of it so if you want something, then go for it. Despite my budget, I chose to go after two degrees, and I made it happen. I wanted to study abroad in Spain, and I'm headed there this summer. Chances are, there's an organization or group for anything you're interested in if you put in the effort.

Pay less attention to what everyone else is doing -- where they are applying or what they say they are studying -- and focus on what is right for you. You don't have to go to a "name-brand" college to get the best education for yourself and to be happy. Be willing to explore colleges or majors you've never considered before, and be ready to have some of your ideas or pre-conceptions changed once you start visiting colleges and doing research. Stay open to new ideas and stick with what feels right "in your gut!"

When looking for a college it is important to visit them, so you can get the feel of the campus. When I was looking at colleges I visted them and the University of New Hampshire, seemed to be the fit for me. I felt immediately comfortable here, and thought the campus was beautiful. The feeling I got from this school, was part of my deciding factor in coming here. The other school I looked at was nice, but smaller and didn't seem as welcoming which turned me away. College is all what you make of it. Some people come to college and get out of control by jumping into the partying scene, where others can enjoy just spending time with some close friends. I believe the first few weeks of college are difficult for everyone, because people are trying to find friends, and a place to fit in. It is important to do the things you enjoy, and to not fall into peer pressure, for the activites one partakes in makes a college experience into a good or bad one.

Don't rule anything out.

College is an experience that most people will only be able enjoy for four or so years. Nowadays, in order for schools to be successful and have competitive admissions, they need to have top notch facilities, professors, academics, extra-curriculars, etc. I found that once I narrowed down my selection, it was very hard to try and pick a school based on these characteristics, since many of them have such vast opportunities. The best advice I could give to a prospective student would be to visit the school. Try and remember that first time you stepped foot on that campus. How did it make you feel? I had several schools that I was interested in attending on paper, but it wasn't until I stepped foot on the UNH campus that I knew where I wanted to go to college. Just remember that the college you choose is where you'll be spending the next four years of your life. So after you narrow your selection based on academics, athletics, proximity, etc, just pick a campus and setting that's suitable for you, and make sure its a place where you'd love to be.

I think the 3 most important things to consider when looking at colleges is location, size, and the majors that are offered. It is very overwhelming at first but trust that you will get an intuitive feeling the first time you visit a campus and you will know when it feels right. Most importantly however, when choosing a school don't think about money, your parents, or any other external factors. Make a decision based on what you believe will make you the happiest and everything else will fall into place. Once you do decide on a school, dive in whole-heartedly...meet as many people as you can, get involved in campus activities and most importantly, stay motivated in your classes. Don't waste a moment because it goes by SO fast! The dorm rooms, essay assignments, and football games will come and go so form lots of memories because even after 4 years, those won't fade.

College is not about the food in the dining hall, a luxury dormitory or the landscaping on campus. As a transfer student who experienced two drastically different college experiences, I can say that I was happier sharing a cold, uninviting room with 3 roommates than I was in a spacious apartment. It is the people you surround yourself with at school that will make all the difference, professors included. While it is important to feel comfortable on your college campus, search beyond the exterior to make your decision. Talk to professors, particularly those in the department you may be interested. Are they welcoming? Will they offer good advice and proper guidance? Choose a school where you feel comfortable talking to the faculty and where the class size feels right. Once enrolled, don't just sit back and enjoy the ride. Employers are looking for so much more than a GPA. While academics are of the utmost importance, never forget about extracurricular activities. Get involved. Volunteer. Find a professor with interests similar to you and DO RESEARCH. Study abroad. Diversify your resume. The four years will fly by- take every chance you get to prepare yourself for "the real world".