University of New Hampshire-Main Campus Top Questions

Dear Self, Next year you are going to college. You need to understand a few things. First off, cut it out with being afraid of public speaking. What are you scared about? You need to understand that there's nothing to be afraid of, and if you're going to continue with your career, you need to be able to communicate with your audience and portray your ideas. You need to be yourself. Be true to who you are and don't try and be fake just to please someone else. If they don't like you for who you are, that's their problem. Hey, they don't have to like you, but don't fall to their level and be somebody who you aren’t - that will only lead to future disappointments and mistakes. Take it from me. Sure, college can be about drinking and partying, but are you really willing to waste your time and regret those mistakes? If you want to be successful in life, you need to take advantage of this opportunity for all it's worth and become the person you were meant to be. Take the advice to heart, Joseph, good luck!

The biggest shock that most college students face during their first semester is the work load. When the professors hand out the syllabi during the first day the number of reading, assignments, and exams can be very intimidating. Take a deep breath, and tackle one task at a time. Another issue is that many freshman are stuck in the highschool mindset that teachers will hound you for assignments and remind you when they're due. This is often not the case. Follow the syllabus, and pay attention in class, because the professor can add assignments or change around due dates. The key to success is to stay organized and focused.

My high school was excellent in preparing me for the work load that I would have in college. That was one of the easiest parts of my transition. However, I did not heed the advice of getting involved when you come to campus. I was shy and did not join any clubs or activities. I was not social in the dorms and did not know any one on my floor. I stuck to the people who I had known from high school. If I were to give my self advice, I would say to get involved. Join any sort of club or activiy that seems interesting at all. I would encourage myself to be social in the dorms and to make an effort to meet everyone and be friendly. I did not have a bad experience the past few years but I can definitely say that I would have enjoyed it more if I had made more of an effort.

If I were given the opportunity to provide myself with advice pertaining to my college transition, I would emphasize the importance of self awareness and my career choice. I feel that the most important aspect to becoming a college student is understanding yourself as well as your future goals. Upon giving myself advice, I would recommend that I explore my career plans as much as possible by shadowing various individuals that practice my fields of interest. Being advised by employees in a field of my interest would aid me in deciding whether or not a particular career choice would be best suitable for me. I feel that this is of significant importance because had I done so prior to enrolling in college courses I would have been able to complete my college education at a much faster pace. I would have had a definite plan for my future as opposed to attempting to figure out my aspirations during my college career. Had I been given this advice I would have saved time and money as well as the many other stressors college can bring because I would have had a specific career plan to follow throughout college.

Coming from a high school in New Hampshire, I was so upset that I "had" to attend a school closed to home where many of my classmates were also attending. I come from a single parent family with five children; UNH was the most reasonably priced school that I was accepted into. My Mother explained to me I could attend whichever college I wanted but would have to take out student loans. I was almost ashamed to tell people I was going to be a student at the University of New Hampshire, only because everyone else from my town was also going there. I wish that I realized this institution is amazing, both academically and socially. I never thought I would be so happy with my college experience at UNH. I have found a true passion for my major and career goals. I have joined a sorority, completed community service, and worked hard to achieve my 3.9 GPA. I have made friendships that will last a life time. UNH has been the most enriching, exciting, and meaningful experiences of my life.

Going back in time and talking to myself would be very beneficial in my eyes. Having gone through high school being more into the social life then the academic side, I now realize school work was more important. Talking to myself as a high school senior, the most important piece of information I would stress would be keeping up with the school work and attending class. Going through the college life transition, making it a point to wake up for classes when you could possibly have a class that does not keep is a hard tasks. Making sure that I understand how important attending classes and staying ahead of the work load would be the first topic of discussion.With the social life at the University of New Hampshire being a big part of the students, keeping your priorities of school can sometimes be put off and under estimated. All though school work would be my number one priority to talk about, also encouraging myself to become a part of the social life and meet new people is also important in the college lifestyle. Overall balancing the work load and social life would be my most important topic to cover.

If I could go back, I would tell myself to be open to trying as many new things as possible! I found a solid group of friends early in college and stuck with them, and I love that, but I am just now trying new things as a junior and realizing I love them! I wish I had started rock climbing years ago, but I had been afraid! I would say the best way to hold yourself to this is to make a "college bucket list." As a freshman, make a list of all the things that your campus offers that you want to try before you graduate - then start checking things off! You might find a new passion that even leads you to the career path you never even imagined! Plus, you never know what amazing people you will meet who could share these same passions. Never stop trying new things, even if you think you've settled into your new home. Make sure you never stop growing!

If only I knew how hard it was for me to get refocused on school after taking a year and a half off, I would have gone right away. I was very active musically and wanted to pursue i. I was afraid however, I was just on a "musical high" and making hasty decisions based off of flaterry and enjoyment. I would encourage myself to do it, because that's what I ended up going into anyway after my "sabbatical". I went for it and eventually found my way to the right major/path for me and my future. I would reinforce studying. Not cramming, because you will not master the information. I would definately apply to more than one school; giving myself more opportunities. Mostly, I would tell myself not to be scared, and to follow my heart. Not listen to what other's wanted for me, but do what is right for myself. Other's opinions are important however, I am the one who will have to live with the choices.

If I could go back in time and give myself advise, I would tell myself to pay more attention to class, stop screwing around, and apply for scholorships now because you don't qualify for finacial aid. I would convince myself to start working and save money, but most importantly to study harder than i did that way when I reached a college level I would understand more of what was going on than I do now.

Look into all the clubs and sports that interest you and get involved with them. They are a great way to make friends and expand your network. Get in touch with DXP and join. Don't be afraid of your teachers; they are here to help you. Go outside and take care of your body. Make every day count and memorable. Get informed about study abroad. It is a great experience but you won't have time to do it if you leave until your junior and senior years. Learn to be organized and keep track of everything going on around campus. Ask your favourite professors and bosses for recommendation letter for use later on in the job market. Take advantage of programs like leadership or academic advising programs. They will earn you certificates and invaluable informationa and experiences. Look into doing more than one major and more than one minor; this will open up so many doors to you. Stay positive and get help if things start to get out of hand.