University of Northern Iowa Top Questions

What should every freshman at University of Northern Iowa know before they start?

Heather

Make sure they have the exact program you are interested in and make you are comfortable with the surroundings.

April

Check pricing, of course. If living on campus, find out if the building stays open for breaks. Know parking and travel distances to groceries, activities, etc. Know size of classes, maybe sit in on a few that you are interested in. Visit ratemyprofessor.com !! before signing up for a class, it's very useful for selecting a professor and knowing whether you should purchase the textbook for the class, often textbooks are not used in the class, just the professors notes.

Rachel

Find a college that you will feel most comfortable at and that offer the facilities that you will need to get a great education in your field. Look at the variety of programs, extra activities, types of classes, size, and everything into perspective.

Jordan

Talk to students that have or are atteding college. Look over all your choices before deciding what college to attend. Also keep in mind that a 2 year degree might fit in with your long term goals also. It may allow you time to take the basics and also prepare yourself for a college or university after you have completed those studies.

Abby

Selecting a college can be hard. There are so many things a potential student looks at. When I was thinking about whats important in selecting a college, three things stood out in my mind. The first thing being make sure it is a college that shares the same values as the student. Don't attend a private or religious college if those values aren't important to you. Another thing to consider when picking a college is to make sure it is a place where the student can feel comfortable. This is their first step into the real world on their own. It should be a comfortable atmosphere where safety is not among the many stressors of college. The last piece of advice I could give to prospective college students is to select a college that provides great potential for your future indevours. Make sure the school of choice is one that can assist you in every way to achieve dreams and top goals in life.

Melanie

My advice to anyone seeking their perfect college would be to talk to regular students rather than school officials or administrators. Students will have a greater tendency to tell you what campus life is really like. Likewise, students are much less likely to sugar-coat their descriptions of classes and curriculum. The other piece of advice I would offer would be to visit those colleges and stay overnight in the town where the college is located (on campus if possible.) Seeing and experiencing the campus allows the student to picture himself or herself attending that school. To make the most of the college experience, my advice to the student would be to become as involved as possible without over-loading themself. Finding the appropriate balance of extra-curricular activities and academia can provide the student with a positive form of stimulation while still allowing the student the ability to succeed. In addition, these extra-curricular activities can enrich the student's education and provide life long friends.

Allison

Visit the college or university you would like to attend before your freshman year begins, but visit during a time of the year were the campus is busiest. This will give you a better idea of what goes on at the campus and how you would fit into the atmosphere there.

Callie

Well, finding the right college is very hard for anyone graduating from high-school. I would say make a decision after you attend orientation. Make sure the college has good courses in the major field you want, and good a good teaching staff. I would also tell students to get involved with campus activities. Being involved helps build your social life, and also opens up opportunities that you wouldn't have known before. Also, make sure your social life off campus doesn't control your studies at school. You can have fun, but know your priorites. Remember, college is the best years of your life, make friends, have fun, and do good in school.

Victoria

I would tell them to look at look at the degree wanted, size of the college, affordability and location of the college. The most important thing is finding a college with a program you like in the degree you want because your education is the reason you're going to college. Next you should look at the size of the college. Big colleges provide many oppurtunities but you can easily be lost in the crowd. Small colleges allow one-on-one interaction with professors but, generally, not as many oppurtuinites. Thirdly, look at the affordability of the college. You must make sure the price you are paying is worth the education and experience you will recieve. Lastly, look at location. If you get homesick really easily do not choose a far away college. If you want complete independence choose a location far away. Also, if you can not stand cold weather do not choose a college with harsh winters. Keeping all of these things in mind will help you choose the right college for you and make your college experience a fantastic one.

Jill

I say to make sure you look around and go on campus visits because those can really make a difference for you. Also, go somewhere that is going to make you happy and not others because this is your future and not anybodies elses and your future counts on it. Also, if you know what your going into look at how strong the department is in your field of study at that particular college because some colleges lack in certain departments. You want to make sure that you are getting the best education that you can because it will only benefit you in the future when looking for jobs. Also, while in college make sure to have fun but make sure your studies always come first because that is so important.