University of New Hampshire-Main Campus Top Questions

Size can make a huge difference. Consider the size of the school, sometimes students can feel really lost at a giant school, while others feel that small schools are less exciting. Distance from home is also very important, while most students feel like they will have no problem being far from home, it becomes very difficult with travel plans and with family emergencies. Of course, flexibility and quality of the degree program is extremely important. I recommend for any student that is undeclared to attend a college with many options. The best advice I can give for making the most of the college experience is doing anything possible to make quality friends. My recommendation is to go to any kind of pre-orientation freshman camp. Most schools have these camps and I feel as though they are the best way to help a new student adjust before classes begin and to make friends and feel more comfortable being away from home. Once freshman year starts, join student organizations. They are great and give your college experience so much meaning. And of course, don't get carried away with your social life, your school work is the most important thing!

The best advice for choosing a college is to do a good amount of research and know what you want out of your college experience. You should not worry too much about making the perfect choice though. Which ever school you choose, there is a very good chance you will fall in love with it. The most important thing to make sure of is that the school you decide to attend offers everything that you are looking for. In some cases this will still leave you with several options. I would say if you get stuck at this point you should go to the school known for having the better academics because that is the main reason you are going to college to begin with. To get the most out of college the best thing I would say someone can do is be as friendly as possible early on to make the transition to college as easy as possible. First semester of freshmen year is one of the only times in your life that you will be surrounded by that many people that are all trying to make new friends and you should take advantage of the opportunity.

I would suggest students to go visit the college even if your siblings attend the same college. Colleges offer many things.. since you're on your own, make a wise decision on who you hang out with, what you choose to do in your free time. It's really easy to fall behind on your academics if you don't pay attention to yourself. Parents, all you have to do is encourgae the kids even if they do bad one semster. college is harder that you think, its easy to get depressed so support your kids. College is fun, its a part of your life that can make your future or break it. Be wise in the free world.

The advice i would give is to visit as many schools as possible and if it's the right school you will have this feeling that makes you feel comfortable with the school. Kinda of a gut feeling. Go by your first impression and when you look back at the schools you've seen try and recognize which school comes to mind first if asked which one you liked the most.

Find a college that fits the size a child can handle and the cost that the parents or whoever is paying can handle. You can't know exactly what a college or university will be like until you go there and meet the people that are part of it. Most of the time you'll have the right instinct and pick the right one. I believe there is a college out there for everyone.

Don't be intiminated by large schools...schools get much smaller over time. Visit in different seasons...I'm not a winter person...and had I known UNH's winter was so long & dark...I might have gone South... Students, get out there! Talk to EVERYONE! (upper-classman & professors included). GET INVOLVED!

To put it simply: do your research and visit campuses! My mom and I spent a great deal of time flipping through the Princeton Review book in terms of the location I was looking for, majors offered, and other activities. Visiting campuses is so crucial because it gives you a first-hand look at the campus facilities and also the kinds of students that attend. Take a tour and ask questions! Once on a campus, get involved. Attend all of the fairs/freshman events, dorm events, etc. The more you put into your college experience, the more you're going to get out of it. The people I've known who were unhappy only went to their classes, studied, and worked---make time to relax and be a part of other things on campus because there is SO much to choose from!

I want to really keep this short and to the point. I do not believe it is either the college or the student that picks the college, but what the student does with his/her time there. Anyone can live anywhere, whether it be in the mountains or at the beach, if you know what you want to do in life, all you have to do is do it, location doesn't stand in the way. To make the most out of the whole "college experience" you have to do what makes you happy and comfortable. Taking on a bunch of clubs or doing a varsity sport doesn't make college what it is, but doing everything you want to do, while still doing well in school and enjoying yourself is. Just relax and enjoy the ride.

Don't worry about the social scene. Students will realize everywhere will be virtually the same; parents need to realize this too. Try to take easy classes your first semester, it will be easier adjusting not having to worry so much about grades. Think real hard about finding a school far away. Sometimes a school a few hours away is fine. It's far enough away to not be obligated to visit, but close enough to do laundry. Introduce yourself to people. Sometimes you feel dumb, but most likely the other person was just too nervous and wants to meet new people just as much as you. Go to the library and go to the gym. Both take a lot of motivation to get to, but both will make you feel better about life. Get a job. You won't be too busy with school, just make sure you don't get behind. Without a job you'll go stir crazy, plus you need money!

Make sure that the school is good for what you want to major in and has other courses available that you may be interested in, just in case you change your major. Visiting colleges is very important. If you dont feel comfortable on a tour of the campus, then you probably wont in the fall of your freshman year. Ask about the housing availabilty on campus and other options off campus to see it the school will fit your housing needs for the next four years. Also, learn the statistics about the college because they give a lot of significant information. For instance, if diversity is important to your college experience, then check to see how diverse the school is. Once at college, go to club fairs or look around for clubs to join, even if it is hall council. Try new things, like joining a club sport just for fun, going and looking around the town, or even joining a fraternity/sorority. Be open-minded with every person and idea you come across, because college is not only about gaining knowledge but also learning more about who you are.