University of Oregon Top Questions

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

Clyde

My advise to incoming freshman students at any particular college is to think about the reasons why you want to go there, and do this choosing a variety of colleges. Then begin to search from those Universities that you've chosen of what kind of degree you are looking for? Look for financial aid so they can help you in your studies so that you would not let money stop you from reaching your dream of getting a degree in any field becoming whatever you wanted to be. So always look for other alternative ways to help you through your years in college ; as well there are people in all the Universities who are train to help you in any circumstance that comes your way while you're in college.

Kim

During high school, I made a big deal out of searching for that "perfect college." My mom was kind enough of to take me around the country, visiting the schools that were on the top of my list. I looked at colleges from Humboldt State in California to Barnard College in NYC. I knew one thing, and that was that I wanted college to be an adventure--I didn't want to go to an in-state school. As deadlines quickly approached, however, I became more aware of daunting private school tuitions. I was an above average student, but I just didn't think my credentials would be enough to come up with any substantial merit money. Discouraged by this, I decided on an in state school. While my first-year college experience wasn't bad, deep down I knew I had let myself down. Because of this, I didn't approach college life with the enthusiasm and passion that would have made all the difference. Four years of in-state college costs roughly $80,000. Don't take that lightly. Create the college experience you've dreamed of and don't ever settle for anything less.

Kelsey

A lot of students make the huge mistake of chosing a college based on pretigious reputations, partially because of pressure from parents, and partially because of pressure from society. While we are young, many students are forced to believe that the only way to be successful is to make a lot of money by getting a good job, which is attained by a degree from a "brand-name" college. Many students do not realize that college is more than just 4 years towards a piece of paper boasting a degree. It is about the entire experience. College is the place where students go to learn academically AND socially. To make the most of the college experience, one must find a place in which he or she truly thrives in. It is not always about strictly academics, but also the impact one makes on the world through personal development and life-long friendships and memories.

Brian

What is the student interested in, instate tuition is much more affordable, come to the Univerity of Oregon.

Zach

My advice is very simple: go with your gut. The only factor that you should really follow is that instint that you have that tells you whether or not a place is right for you. If you feel like being in a certain city, and that's the place you really want to be regardless of whether or not the school has the programs you want etc., than you should be there. FOllow your heart and everything else will follow.

Tyra

Don't just think about what you want to be after college, think about who you are and how you would feel in a certain campus. I am very academic, but turned down an offer from a prestigious East Coast school because I did not feel I would do well in a cut-throat academic situation, such as the ones presented by those schools. I chose instead a smaller university with a more communal approach to education, where everyone contributes to the learning process and tries to share and help everyone out, and I think it did me more good than the pressure of competition from classmates. Sit around a coffee shop on campus and look at and listen to the type of people who come in and out and see if you can see yourself with or as one of those people. Even if you're not excited about living in the dorms, live in them and figure out how you can live with other people from different backgrounds, and embrace the possibilities the dorms offer, such as the opportunity to meet people and make some of the best friends you'll have in college.

Cameo

Chicken Pot Pie: A Recipe for College Success Ingredients: For Crust: An Important Surrounding and Decision 3 cups of starting the process early, examine options and don?t get overwhelmed ? cup of figuring out whether the environment cultivates extracurricular activities 3 teaspoons of finding out what the average class size and student to teacher ratio 4 tablespoons of checking out financial options, many opportunities exist 2 cups of encouraging campus visits, the best way to fully explore any college ? cup of examining crime rates, safety is key, know what resources are available 1 cup of seeing how learning is presented, interdisciplinary course work allows for a variety of ways to learn For Filling: Making the Most of the Experience 4 cups of getting involved, college is what one makes it 2 teaspoons of including extracurricular activities and nonacademic pursuits ? cup of creating study groups, maintain contacts for research projects 2 ? cups realizing that self-motivation is essential to succeed ? tablespoon of taking courses that link academic with personal enjoyment 1 cup of realizing that deciding one?s major isn?t essential the very first day Directions: Preheat oven to 425 Mix all ingredients together. Enjoy the flavor of success!

Kelly

Be willing to get uncomfortable for a while, make new friends, be open and willing to experience new things, but sure make you are fully aware of your own values and morals so that you do not find yourself in compromise situations. GIve your school at least two years before you decide to change, unless it is absolutely, terribly unbearable. However, most of the time, you can find that you will like your school after two years.

Cassandra

Finding the right college is really based on what your looking for in an education and also other activities that you wish to be a part of. I believe that it's very important to visit the college you want to attend and stop and visit with some of the students there, it makes the experience very really and they are able to answer pretty much any question that you have about the school. If you already know what your planning on majoring in then finding a school with a great background or program with that degree would be helpful, i do not recommend a trade school because if you change your mind its harder to transfer somewhere else, that's why universtities are so nice they have many options and most of them have excellent degrees in all areas.

Nana

I would suggest visiting the campus and talking to current students. Often you can get a good idea of what to expect when you have been surrounded in the environment. And to make the most of your experience I would say GET INVOLVED! There are many student organizations that provide you a social network and positive ways to impact your society.