University of Northern Iowa Top Questions

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, there are a few words of advice I'd like to share. Be true to yourself. College is a time that calls for a lot of disipline and freedom. Remember your inner self and follow your beliefs. Don't try to be someone you think everyone wants you to be. Secondly, don't be afraid of hard work. At be times that college will require so much time, effort and late nights that it might make you want to give up. Push as hard as you can to succeed. Thirdly, reach out and explore new and different atmospheres, activities and people of diverse backgrounds. Make friends with someone you'd never imagine to in high school, join a campus activity that spikes some interest to you. Don't be afraid of the unknown. My last piece of advice, always smile for your well-being, and those around you. There will be many times you won't want to smile because of the stress but smiling is a stress reliever an can make someone's day so much better just by showing that you care.

If I could go back in time and give my senior-self some advice it would be to be open to new things and to try new things when you get to college. I'm now a sophomore in college and I've started to be more wiling to change and more open to new things but it wasn't easy. If I could go back I would tell myself to be ready for new experiences in college - because they will happen- and to be completely accepting of new and adverse situations.

If I were to talk to myself as a high school senior there would be a number of things I would say. First I would say to bring plenty of quarters for laundry, and that you'll never run out of uses for duct tape and ALWAYS wear shower shoes in the shower! Secondly, I'd say to leave the room door open and to take more initiative to meet people. I would tell myself not to deal with conflict when I'm emotional and tired, and that it's healthy to swallow your pride now and again. I would tell myself to learn things in order to use the information, not to just pass the test. Next I would say, "Be faithful in friendships, bold yet humble in opinion, patient with yourself and others, and live in the moment. Prepare for tomorrow, but live in today. Life is right now." There are a lot of things I wish I had known. On second thought though, I am thankful for the experiances I had and the lessons I've learned as a result. So I'm not sure I would tell myself anything...except for maybe about the shower shoes.

Don't worry so much! You are going to transition wonderfully into this great school! You are going to make some amazing friends and do some great things, only after just two years. Stop fretting about where classes are, everything is centrally located and you will have no trouble getting to class. The dorms are great, they aren't luxurious but they are definitely big enough. Professors are not scary. They are your biggest allies. Go to the library or the union to study, great quiet spots and the union has delicious food and smoothies. And whatever you do, do not procrastinate.

Take risks.

What college you attend is the first of many important decisions in your life as a young adult. Please do not take this lightly! Picture yourself in five years. What do you see yourself doing? Picture yourself in ten years. What kind of person do you want to be? Who are you? What makes you, you? Your college experience will forever shape who you are: make sure you find a college that will help you reach your long-term personal and academic goals. Finding the right college fit for you is so important, and that requires considering many different aspects of what will soon be your life as a college student. What are the academic programs like? The academic advising? What other resources are available? Are there opportunities to get involved? How will you stand out on this campus? What will my social life look like? College is a coming-of-age experience - choose the school that will take you down the right path. You will discover things about yourself that you didn't know about. How exciting, and congratulations!!

Don't worry! UNI is the PERFECT fit for you. You will grow so much spiritually, physically, mentally, and your music career will take off! BE PREPARED!

If I was allowed to go back to talk to myself as a high school senior, knowing what I know now about college life, I'd have some major advice for myself. First, I would tell myself that the transition from home to college is a bit difficult but that my friends would be there for me when I needed them. Secondly ,I would tell myself that my study habits must change. As a high school student, the word "study" had no meaning to me. A's were grades that came easily with no effort given. In my transition to college, I received a major wake-up call. Lastly, I would tell myself right off the bat to get to know my professors. They are there and paid to help me. They have office hours and I'm more than welcome to take advantage of those. Who I know will help me along my path of becoming the professional I want to be as well as what I know.

The University of Northern Iowa is the perfect campus for you. It is easy to make friends and get one on one time with your professors. The classroom sizes are consistently small, so you can always ask questions. Your MIS major is one of the leading areas of this school too, and the professors in this area are prestigious and helpful. The social atmosphere is perfect for you as well. Everyone is so friendly you can make a whole new group of friends every night. You will love your college experiance here. Be sure to get involved in a few more activities and volunteer more of your time, especially during the 2008 floods. Work hard that freshman year, college classes are much more difficult! Good Luck

I would tell myself that I need to do what makes me happy and not what others expect me to do. Also, that a variety of involvment around campus is more important than monopolizing my time in one area--intramurals, campus ministry, and student government are a blast!