University of New Hampshire-Main Campus Top Questions

Go with your gut feeling.

Having been there, I completely understand the pressure that parents and students feel to find the right college. The most important advice I have for parents is to let go. This is your child's chance to break away and figure out what is best for them, and even though it may be difficult, you have to let them choose the path that makes them happy. Having gone 3,000 miles across the continental United States, I understand how difficult it is to say goodbye. However, even though I am enjoying my college experience, I advise students to really think it through before going too far from home. You may think that you want to break away from your family and have some independence, but once you have your first breakdown at school, you just might be wishing that you had your family closeby to comfort you and give you a much needed home-cooked meal. With that said, find your passion in life, and don't be afraid to pursue your dreams. Find a great group of friends to support you in a positive way. Enjoy your independence, but don't forget why you are there!

The advice I would give to parents and students looking for the right college would be to visit a variety of schools before applying to the ones you like the most. By looking at schools in towns and cities you will be able to see how different campus's are set up. Once this is done, you should be able to realize what kind of campus feels right to you. If you like one type of campus better than the other then look at more schools similar to that. One should also look at the the number of students whom attend the school because some individuals want to go to a small or big school. Big schools tend to have bigger classes, so looking at that aspect is very important. The next thing to do would be to make sure the school has the subject you wish to study. It is very important to make sure the school you want to attend has your inteded major. Once you choose a school that is right for you it is important to become involoved in something as soon as possible. This will make your college experience much more enjoyable.

College is an experience of a lifetime. Many call it the "best years of your life," and as for me, it has been the best years of my life so far. It is a time to grow and learn more about not only the world around you but about yourself as a person. When selecting a school for yourself it is important that is one that reflects who you are and what you want in life. I knew UNH was the school for me the minute I stepped onto the campus because I could see myself there. I immediately pictured walking to class and meeting new friends, it felt right for me. It is an undescribeable feeling but when you do feel it for yourself you know what it is.

The best advice i can give to any prespective student or parent of a student is be honest with yourself. Dont lie to yourself and believe you can go to college and beleive that the mediocre effort you put into your work in high school is going to get you anything other than D's and F's in college. If you change and are ready to give it a true effort than college is going to be some of the most fantastic years of your life, however if you dont you will be nothing other than disapointed with yourself/child. Students, you need to apply yourselves and live on your own. Parents, you need to support your children in everyway they ask you to, but if they dont ask, let them live there lives.

Start doing your research early! At least 2 or 3 years before you or your child is going to apply for college. That means, looking at different schools, scholarships, financial aid, housing, everything. Also start saving your money now, you are never to young to start saving for college.

College is what you make of it.

Enroll in a summer camp before you apply to the school. During college, know your limits, study always comes first. There are alot of temptations out there but the primary purpose of college is always the same: education. Also, your major might be alot harder than your friends, so study while they are partying. Lastly, time management, time management! You are in control.

When I was applying for school, my mom always told me it didn't really matter where I went because, "What you get out of it is what you put into it!" As much as hearing that again and again made me roll my eyes, she was actually right. I didn't want to go to UNH because it was my state school and half the kids from my graudating class were going there, but financially it was really my only option. After only a few days there I found a place where I fit in and I have really found happiness in my years there. So when you are trying to find the right balance between a school that you like and living with loans for the rest of your life, remember that it's really up to you whether or not you are happy at the school you choose. Sorry to hand out the same cheesy advice I got from my mom, but it really did help me.

Parents must realize that it is the prime opportunity for the children to turn into the men and women they deserve to be. They should support their children all they can, and let them experience college with good judgment and a positive attitude. The right college will be the one that intuitively feels right to both the student and the parent. This may require extensive self-knowledge, but anybody who wants to enjoy life to its fullest must understand that concept.