Central Michigan University Top Questions

What should every freshman at Central Michigan University know before they start?

Margaret

Visit alot of colleges and make sure you look at all your options. Dont just pick one, make sure it is the right school for you.

Mike

Don't go where all your best friends are going. Look at every option you have and decide from there. Don't let others influence you; choose for yourself and what you want to do. You can always make new friends, and you can always stay in touch with old friends. Visiting one another is not that hard to do. Picking college is a big decision in a person's life, and it should be made with the utmost care. It is not a decision to be taken lightly. Really go through what each school has to offer, and pick the one that best fits what you want out of a school. Pay attention to class size, campus size, and, most importantly, how much emphasis is placed on the major you want to pursue.

Michelle

Parents and students need to find a college that not only fits the career pathway of the student but fits their personality as well. If you are a person that is shy, then a big campus such as Michigan State would not be a good choice. If you are looking for less craziness or just not wanting to walk that far to class, you should check out a smaller campus. You should decide if you want to be in the middle of a large city, or out in the country. My college is in a small town and I enjoy that, there isn't the hussle and bussle of living in a big city. It is a more relaxed environment. Parents and students should also take distance from home into consideration as well. You should decide if you want to live close to home or if you want to live as far away as possible. These are all things that will start your college experience in a more comfortbable way.

Alyssa

It is very important for students to find a college with the exact opportunities they are looking for as well as one that they feel comfortable with. Parents and students alike need to take campus tours. This is important because perspective students get a feel for the campus and an opportunity to talk to a student attending the school. Parents should also schedule an appointment to talk to admissions as well. That way they get a good understanding about what the school offers as well as finicial aid assistance. Once the student decides the college they want to attend it is very important they talk to an academic advisor. They will help students pick the right courses and stay on track. Once the student picks a major they should sign it and then get further assistance from the major advisor. This will ensure the students graduates on time and with all the right classes! Lastly students need to have fun. They should get involved with things that are different then what they are use to. If they do not like it they do not have to do it again, but they will never know unless they try!

Amanda

I would say look around, don't just settle on where you want to go becasue you should be looking at what you want to be in life and not if its a big ten school, or a party school. It schould be the school that is going to help you do best and get your to where you want to be.

Heather

Visit the campus. Central was one of two colleges I was considering and after visiting I knew this was the one for me. It's the right size and generally classes are small to allow one-on-one interaction with professors. Also, if you know the program you want to enter-- make sure you do your homework and research. Do not go by the name of a college or how well the football team does. This career will be your life so choose wisely and make sure you're getting your money's worth. When you're in, take advantage of what the campus has to offer. Go to the theater, attend concerts, and see speakers. Volunteer! If the dorm has activities, then take part. It's a good way of meeting and making new friends. Don't be shy or scared. You will miss out on so much if you stay in your room.

Amber

Help their kids as much as possible mentally before they get to college to help them better prepare for what is to come. Make sure they are ready for the work load and that they realize college isnt one big party. Research about their career plans or if they dont know make sure the school has a lot to offer in different fields and plan out transperation to and from home.

Andrew

Never look for a cost effective college, and don't push yourselves to go to a school where your family are alumni or where your friends are going. What truly matters is your education. Look for a school that has great programs for the field you are looking at going into. Remember that money doesn't have to be an issue, thats what scholarships and loans are for. Make sure to visit the campus before enrolling, because it is better to find out if you like the feel of a campus rather than having to be unhappy upon first arrival. Once at college, GET INVOLVED! There is no better way of making new friends and finding a new hobby then to get involved on campus. There are many opportunities, from programming, to Greek Life, to student life; the list goes on and on. Getting involved definitely beats sitting in your room. Make sure to keep up on your studies, and remember, "in the end, the only person that you are letting down and hurting is yourself!" Take it seriously, but have a blast while doing so!

Jenna

The best advice I can give is get involved early. You meet so many people that can become your friends and help you as the year goes by. Go visit colleges your interested so you can get a feel of what its like. Don't just go during scheduled tours though find a friend that goes to that college as they can show you what the campus is really like.

Kristen

Relax. Students and parents alike usually become nervous--whether or not it is publicly displayed. Going to college is a huge decision, and though Central Michigan University was not my first choice, I cannot imagine how my life would be if I had not settled in my Mt. Pleasant 'home.' It is safe to say that students are going to be faced with plenty of challenges, not only academically, but in many other ways. For one, living in the residence halls is an experience unlike any other--usually cramming four people into a single room. Respect for others is learned quickly, taking responsibility for your own actions is inevitable, (can't blame everything on your sister) and three complete strangers with nothing in common can become each others' best support system. The risky behaviours associated with college, such as drinking and sex-related activites causes uneasiness with parents and or students. What needs to be remembered here is that college is a learning experience. Students will quickly learn their actions have consequences, espeically if their decisions are not the best. They will live and learn. You don't have to change yourself to fit in. It's a beautiful thing.

Lauren

Choose a college environment where you feel comfortable. If you walk onto campus and immediately feel it is too big and scary, or too small and intimate, do not go there! Chances are that feeling won't change. Look at what schools have the newest technology and or ideas about your field. They will most likely be caught up in the world and willing to share the knowledge with you. If you are undecided as a major, go to a school that has many options so exploration can be done. If a school has a reputation for being a party place, then it probably is, so choose accordingly. Wherever you choose, remember that everything in life is best in moderation. Party, have fun, live it up while you're still young...just don't over do it. College is a place to learn, so study hard and achieve your goals...then celebrate them on the weekends! Get involved, meet new people, step outside of your box and become a part of the campus whether through a job or organization. Being a part of the big picture will make college feel like home.

Heather

Advice that I would give to incoming college students would be to keep your options open and explore campuses. In order for students to make the right choice that they wont regret later, they should explore all the options available so that they realize what it is that they want. Furthermore, I would recommend seeking financial aid from other sources than just the university. College is expensive and the funding that schools provide is not enough. Fianlly, I would recommend that students go into college blind; students need to break away from their home ties and going in blind and getting new roommates is a good way to go about doing that.

Laura

I would look closely to see if the program you are looking at is offered at the school of your choice and look to see what that program has to offer you. If you don't know what you should/are going to major/minor in, look at each school you are interested in and see what programs catch your eye. Then look at each program and find out the details; make sure you find something that yoiu are more likely to stick with. Even though you can change majors, it will cost you more to switch both in money and time.

Steven

First of all, go see the colleges you might want to attend. You can tell alot about a college by just looking at campus and talking to current students and/or faculty. Students and staff are valueable resources for general inquiries regarding college. Next to get the most out of college life, live on campus with somebody other than your friend. Living with a friend is great, but living with stangers is a great experience that you can take with you after graduation. Another way to get the most out of college is to get involved in extracurricular activites. Not only do you meet new people, but you get exposed to new ideas and broaden your horizon.

Kendall

Make sure to visit campus and ask LOTS of questions. Also talk to current students, NOT just the campus guides, but students walking around campus. Make sure to ask them what the REALLY think about the campus food. Explore the surrounding apartment complexes for future housing. While on campus see if you can look into more than one dorm. Check out the resturants in town, and see what other towns/cities surround where campus is. Take a look at the list of student organizations and try to get in contact with the person in charge of one you might want to join. Most importantly, when walking around campus make sure it is a place you feel comfortable and like you could be able to find your way around easily. Also be sure that the campus gives you the right vibe and enviornment when you get there. Possibly try to make a few stops to the same campus, one with the tour, one without.

Elvis

college is a experiance that you will never forget. make the most of of it, you think four years is long they will fly by before you know it. There is that saying that you only live once so live it to the max. learn as much as you can . make as many friends as you and they will make your experiance even more exciting. get involed on campus, it a great way to meet people and to build your resume for after college when you apply for jobs. Enjoy the last few years of being young and restless because when college is over than comes the real world and that is exactly what college prepares you for is the real world.

Jason

First and foremost, I wish I had a recent college grad give me some advice about the upcoming years. I'm certain the advice that person would have given me is the same I am about to give: please don't rush into your decision. There are so many variables when choosing the right college that most tend to get forgotten; things such as expected monthly payment for student loans upon graduating, what kind of vehicle would be most suitable, which types of apartments best fit in with my goals, etc. Had I given it more thought, I probably would have chosen to sell my car, for example, to pay for a semester and actually get exercise from a bike. The first years of college are a blur consisting of alcohol, fast food, late nights and a rough introduction to college studies 101. So many days are bombarded with the thought of, "Is class going to be important today?" and "How am I going to pay for all of this?" A step back mixed with some extreme throught will go the longest of ways to a high school grad; the analyzation of pre-college choices is crucial to ones' sucess.

Justin

My advice for new college students is this: College is full of opportunities for new experiences, new friends, and new endeavors. However, it is important not to be overwhelmed by all the new freedoms you will have living on your own free from parental tyranny. You're in college for a reason, and that reason is to get a degree and get a good job. College is way too expensive to flunk out of. Depending on where you go to school, you (or more likely your parents) will be paying tens of thousands of dollars per semester! For that money you could buy a new car, start your own business, or go on one hell of a shopping spree, so don't waste it. If you are not serious about school and getting an education, don't waste your time and money, because if you aren't, that's exactly what you'll be doing. Have fun, try new things, expand your horizons, just make sure you can still make it to class. Good luck.

Vanessa

Post secondary education is the stepping stone to growing up and building a successful life. Carefully choosing the right path for you is vital to your future. College/universities are a common option that many students strive for. Focus on size and location that comfortable for you! I highly recommend you research the programs/degrees offered at this college/university as well to ensure you can find something that interests you. My number one recommendation for incoming freshman is: live in the dorms your freshman year if you can. I learned so much about campus life/activities, met lots of NEW people, and had the time of my life. Finding classes that fit your personality is very beneficial. Don?t over/under schedule yourself. Find a balance in the number of credits you take that works for you. Scheduling too many can cause stress, frustration, and even depression. However, scheduling too few can cause you to get off the path too success. Finding, attending, and graduating from college needs to be all about finding the right fit for you as a person. Being confident in you education, choices and experiences is the key to your happiness and success!

Kyle

Don't just settle for a school. Make sure you pick the school that you want to go to. whether you have wanted to go there your whole life or you just found it, make sure you feel comfortable there and will fit in with your surroundings. While you are at college make sure you do your work to the best of your ability. Don't slack off and put it off until the last second. Your schooling is going to get you a lot farther than any party you go to. The world is full of opportunities and you have the chance to take one of those opporunities and change the world.