University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Top Questions

The transition is the hardest part of being a college student. You're away from home for the first time and you know nobody. The best advice I can give is to not be afraid. Don't be afraid to ask a professor for help. Don't be afraid to try the new dish served at Blackhawk. Don't be afraid to go to a play or attend a sporting event. Don't be afraid to talk to people you have never met before. Don't be afraid to figure out who you really are. College is the time to figure out who you are. If you never try anything new, how would you know if you like it? The friends you make in college are ones that last a lifetime, and you may even meet your future husband or wife. Before you know it college will be over and you'll hit the real world where you won't have time to try new things. College is the time to stray from your comfort zone. It's a time to start over. Nobody knows your past, nothing is holding you down from who you really are. Just be you.

Try not to decide what you want to do with your life right away. It is too hard for anyone to know coming out of Highschool who they want to be, and what they want to do for the rest of their life. Enjoy and pay attention in your general ed classes; in the long run your gpa reflect the work you put in, in the early years. Work hard, but don't forget to make new friends, and have some fun!

The transition from high school to college was one of the biggest reality checks I had ever encountered. During high school, I most looked forward to seeing my friends, and driving to the nearest McDonalds for my lunch breaks. I was able to doodle in class, pass notes and giggle with my girlfriends; all while still passing classes with flying colors. College was the wake-up call that told me these luxuries could no longer happen. If I could go back and give myself some advice for my college career, I would start out by saying, "Don't worry so much about not making friends; these next few years will offer so much more. Unfortunately, you WILL need to learn how to cook for yourself now, and if you think you can finish all your homework during class... forget it. Also, you may want to study two days before an exam instead of two hours. Your academic world will seem to flip on you. You may have your moments of wanting to call Mom every day your first two weeks, but remember to push through and enjoy the little things. The fun and sleep you sacrifice will pay off."

My advice to myself would be don't be afraid to go to the same college as all of your siblings. It's okay to go and house with them because then they can help you with any financial needs. Also if you're not sure of any scholarships for the college go to their website and type in scholarships. They provide you with their campus scholarships. You'll want to also plan early because you won't get a lot of money for college. You're going to want to work hard and focus on writing for scholarships. Don't fret about going to the same college as your family, and apply for scholarships, they will become very helpful to you if you want to go full time.

I would tell myself to not be afraid to follow my gut instinct. I was terrified of making wrong choices in transitioning to college and in my academics because I knew that it would impact my future. Looking back, every big and small decision I've made in college so far has been in the best interest of my education and professional career. We all have to make sacrifices to reach our goals sometimes and going ahead with those sacrifices is what sets apart being an adult from being a teenager. I am very happy where I am in life right now and I have been more succesful in school, co-curricular activities, jobs, and my social life than I ever thought I would be. I would also tell myself to not be afraid of sticking up for your beliefs and that with hard work comes great rewards.

I would make sure to take a study-skills class the first year of school because I think that would've helped me to be an even better student. I try so hard, but have a hard time with studying so i think that would help others from the beginning, it will give them an even more successful college career!

Dear myself in senior year, So, you're off to college soon. It's going to be a huge transition, but it's apart of life. Live and learn. The biggest advice I could give to you is to not forget your family back home. Yes, college is super exciting; you meet a lot of new people and form new relationships- but don't forget about the ones who have been there your whole life. You may only be an hour and a half away, but you don't have a car. Family life may be somewhat difficult, but you have to learn to deal with it when you're away. It's hard to know that grandparents are getting sick and there's nothing you can do about it. You're not just twenty minutes away anymore. Try not to fret too much. Just keep in touch with them and go home every so often. Letters a great way to let them know you care. Your family understands that you wish you could be there. They know how you feel. Don't forget to call your parents and tell them you love them. -Katie

Seriously, shoot for the stars. Remember when you just went out for Cross Country, and because of your coaches, you were able to make it to state? Yeah, you can do that. Which means you can excel at pretty much anything you try. Please, don't just do things and be "good" at them. Be excellent! It's okay to be noticed. Now, as a college junior, you are on the journey of starting your own business and have mentors there to guide you. You knew there was more out there than going to class, and work, and back. So don't be afraid of going on journeys by yourself. You went to state as an individual and your family and friends were there to cheer you on. Now do everything in life that way. When you make it, they will be there to cheer you on there as well.

Dear Abbey,You’ve made it. Well, you will make it. Oshkosh is the best fit for you, trust your gut. The academics are perfectly challenging but the out of classroom opportunities are what will push you to be better. Freshman year you will produce a movie, sophomore year you will get to direct one! You’ll meet some interesting people who open your mind to new ideas. You’ll meet some horrible people, too. The good people are worth all the bad. I promise. You are smarter than some professors, but that’s okay. Allow their views to educate you. And make friends with the good ones. Always remember that whether you like them or not, most of the time they are good people and they have lots to teach you. It might not be about their subject, but it will be valuable never the less. Lastly, save your money. You’re going to need more than you planned.Love,Future Abbey

"Enjoy the remainder of your senior year," I would say to myself. Look around and thank the teachers that have gotten you this far, and enjoy the time you have with your high school friends. During your senior year, take the time to focus on how to study. As easy as it sounds, you will soon find out that you may have been ineffectively studying, or not needing to study at all. Learn how you learn and study best. The knowledge you discover about yourself may make the difference in your continued education. Also, step out of your comfort zone. Do not be afraid to try something you would never have considered in high school. Be courageous and knock on your neighbors' doors- they may become your best lifelong friends. Involve yourself not only on campus, but also in the community. There are incredible opportunities that are waiting for you to discover; be brave and have the courage to branch out. I am forever grateful to have met the friends I did and become involved in everything I have involved in- thanks to a little courage to try something new and meet someone new!