University of Washington-Seattle Campus Top Questions

What should every freshman at University of Washington-Seattle Campus know before they start?

Derrick

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a High School senior I would have a lot to say. I don't think that anyone has a clue what they're getting into until they are finally moving in and attending college. I would tell myself to really work hard at AP courses and try to do as many extra curricular activities as possible. I'd remind myself to not get caught up in the small things High School can cause to bring you down. I would also want to tell myself to have fun and enjoy sleeping in while I could. Maybe even reminding myself that although a C is passing, you should never settle for anything but perfection. I wouldnt let myself worry so much about getting those fun electives, and instead getting the more rigorous courses to get college credits. College is really an experience nothing in comparison to High School. I know for myself I have spoken to friends who are high school seniors and given them advice on the transition. The more knowledge you have the smoother your transition to college will be.

Jasmine

If was to go back to high school senior year, I would give myself the following advise: first I would say apply for as many scholarships are you can, because it helps you develop writing skills, interview skills, and networking skills. In these current economic times, it is financially straining to go to college and every scholarship helps relieve that pressure. I would also tell myself to develop good study habits. College is a different league. In many classes your grade depends purely on exams/essays. In high school it is easy for you rely on homework points and participation points, in college those factors do not affect your grade. Finally, I would tell myself to have confidence. You have made it into the college of your choice, they want you to be here and succeed. Have faith in your knowledge and ability and do not judge your abilities off of the smart kid in lecture who sits front and center. Know that people want to help you and want you to do your best. Utilize all of your resources (advisors, friends, professors) because those networks might be the reason you get a scholarship, internship, or another opportunity.

Kayla

If I could go back and tell my high school self about college, I would most likely start off by telling myself that college is alot different than high school, yet almost the same. I expected college to be intimidating, with large classes, extremely hard coursework, and scary professors who don't give anyone the time of day. In a sense, I was right- well not really. College, at least my college, is like a high school turned into a huge city and diverse community. College has all the basics of high school put into a way larger scale. It all seems intimidating at first, but you really get used to the environment and how everything works, just like in high school. The most important things that I would have to tell myself are: -be prepared to get used to ALOT of self study time -orginizing and prioritizing are going to be even more important in college -professors WILL give you the time of day and they're not the only ones who can help Most of all, I would tell myself that it's as easy to get involved in college as it is in high school.

Adam

Trust in yourself and find someone you can help you jump through the hoops to get in college that seem so insurmountable when you're alone and young. It's all there.

Roberta

To go back in time to my senior year of high school would be really strange, especially talking to myself. I was so full of myself, and so sure that college would be a breeze. The advice I would give would definately be to not underestimate school, and that high school really isn't the best preparation for college work-focus wise. I would remind myself to study hard, and try to be more outgoing. Maybe start a study group or two early on, so that way not only are we studying for class, but also making friends with fellow classmates. A big thing I would tell myself would be to file my taxes on time!! Financial aid is so important. But, the biggest piece of advice I would give would be to just be myself, and not to be affraid to try new things. Change is a good thing.

Brittany

I feel that the most important advice to have in making the transition from high school to college is about time management. The hardest change for me to deal with was having more free time after class, but much more studying and homework. With less time spent in class, it was easy to spend time with friends or at the gym, but I quickly learned how to effectively manage my time. In high school, things seemed fairly easy-- and upon arriving at the University of Washington I realized that much more studying was in order. Also, I tend to get stressed easily, and I have learned many healthy relaxation techniques, such as yoga, going to the gym, talking with friends, and taking breaks during homework. Overall, the most important things to know upon beginning college are time management and relaxation strategies.

Jennifer

Prepare mentally. You have all the objects you need; bed sheets, a mattress pad (very important), a microwave and every other physical item you?re going to need to survive college. Besides, if you forgot something your parents are nice enough to send it up. You are going to experience a big culture shock. There are going to be more people living in your dorm than the people you graduated with. People are different at the University. They don?t all know you from when you were in Kindergarten. You need to learn to express yourself and get out of your shell. It?ll be hard. Your roommates are going to drink and stay out late. Don?t try and be like them, just be you. Get to know your neighbors and do not stay in your dorm all day, it gets boring. Also, don?t spend all your money on $5 pints of ice cream, the first two are good but the more you buy the more you are going to hate ice cream. Most of all remember to enjoy yourself and anything bad that happens will only make you stronger.

Brian

The next few years represent a significant time in your life. As you get ready to enter college, you are beginning a journey of self discovery. You will discover the type of person you are, develop behaviors of responsibility and follow your calling; that is the passion that drives you inside. My advice to you is simple: Enjoy the Experience! There is no greater time in your life to try new things and meet new people. This is your opportunity to blossom, take risks and try things you hadn't before. I encourage you to study abroad in a place you can't even pronounce. Learn a new way to communicate with someone; a foreign language or American Sign Language. Listen more than you speak, because there is much to learn during this time in college. Don't wait until later in life to gather these experiences. Your life will be rich in culture and more meaningful if you take these opportunities now. In these days ahead, you will surprise yourself. You will look back on this time with a great sense of pride and self-respect. In turn, these experiences will help make you a better man in society.

Kenneth

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself two things. I would tell myself to stop being stubborn and lazy and apply to more colleges, and to concentrate in my AP classes. When I was applying to college I had already made up my mind that i was going to be a husky at the University of Washington, so i applied here and only here. Looking back on this (though i did get in) was extremely risky and all in all not very smart. I wish i had applied to other schools because i may have found another school that would have also been a great fit for me but i never gave myself that opportunity. I would tell myself to concentrate in my AP classes because like many senior i caught that awful disease that rolls into high school campuses everywhere, senioritis. Had i stuck it out and done better in school this also would have greatly opened up my opportunities for choosing a college to go to. All in all i'm happy with where i am now and wouldn't have it any other way

Jamie

One of the most important things, and something I always tell the freshmen, is that you should start meeting with academic advisors right away, even if you're not completely sure of what you want to do. Advisors are really helpful in planning a course of study, even if they're just helping you figure how to fulfill your general ed requirements. It's easy to get off track and take courses you don't need, and I know people that ended up having to take a fifth year because they didn't plan ahead. I would also strongly encourage participation in extracurriculars. Joining a club or organization is a great way to make friends that have similar interests, and a way to relax from the stress of school. Forming study groups with people from your classes is another great way to meet people and keep on top of your grades as well. If you can find a way to meet people and make friends right away, the transition is a lot easier.