Columbia University in the City of New York Top Questions

First I would tell myself, ?Congratulations!? Graduating high school is a great achievement, and one of the first milestones in our lives, so enjoy the moment. I would take that time to talk about trying not to spend the first year of college in the dorm. I feel I missed out on a big part of the college experience being able to connect and form lasting friendships in those first few years. I would also council myself in being more confident. I would encourage myself to start to see myself for the person I am, not some made up image. Along those lines I would caution myself about money. To make sure I don?t treat it like something that will always be there and that my family will be able to just take care of it. After having this time with myself, I would just pray that I listened and took what I had to say about our life to heart, and remembered it as life got hard, or seemed unbearable, to remember, I make it through, and I learn from all of it, making me stronger, wiser, and a better me in the end.

Be prepared for anything. College comes with many unexpected surprises, and the only way to deal with them properly is to simply expect the unexpected. It sounds cliche, but it really is true. Be prepared for late nights of studying, lots of hard work, and the chance that your grades won't be as great as they were in high school. However, I think the most important piece of advice for college is to just make the most of it. Academics should obviously come first, but it is so important to be able to recognize that there is so much more to the college experience. Make great friends, explore your campus, and make great memories that will last, because in the end, this is what will matter. In the process of making these memories, you learn so much about yourself, which is one of the greatest lessons that you can learn. Your grades will only give you so much satisfaction; the friends and memories you make will last so much longer. There is nothing worse than looking back on your college experience, and wishing you had taken advantage of your surroundings, because these are years you can't get back.

Keep your eye on your goals, don't be afraid to experiment, but never too much that it detracts from your main course of study. Give 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} to yourself and 110{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} to your peers when collaborating on assignments.

I would say to myself, don't worry. That sounds like a clich?, but I remember how nervous I was about every aspect of college, from schoolwork, to moving across the country. I had thought that everyone would be smarter then me, that everyone would be cooler then me, and that I would end up with one of those horror story roommates. But the thing that one has to remember, in the midst of having all these anxiety provoking thoughts, is that everyone else in college has either felt the same way before, or is feeling the same way now. That knowledge can allow you to reach outside of your comfort zone: because everyone else is on the same level as you, it becomes easy to distinguish yourself by pursuing things you love. To be completely honest, the people who take risks in college and do what they truly are excited about, are the ones that are most successful and (you may not believe this but it's true) have the most friends. If you've found a college you love, have faith that once you overcome the initial awkwardness, college is the most fun experience you'll ever have!

The main advice I would give myself is to apply for admission to a strong liberal arts program. The mistake that I made was to limit myself to engineering, which I realized during my first semester was not a career path in which I was interested. I made a few friends, but my unhappiness with my classes and my potential future led me to hide in my room a lot and not build meaningful relatioinships. If I had been in a broader program, it is likely I would have been happier with my classes. I would also advise myself to join as many activities as possible, because they are a great way to meet people and avoid being in your dorm. The time that I spent playing for the rugby team was the best thing I did in my time at Columbia. Finally, I would tell myself to shed my inhibitions and never give up on trying to spend time with my classmates.

The bureaucracy is a nightmare, and you will want to change it. You have only four years, so get started on day one.

I would tell myself to be as involved as possible, and relax. It is very stressful trying to make new friends, especially when you're used to the comfort of your old high school friends. However, by involving yourself in the community and staying focused on where you are in the now, the transition is so much easier. Many factors can hold us back from enjoying and exploring college life--long distance relationships, going home too much--both of these break your focus from the here and now. I would tell myself two ways to involve myself in campus life: do what I love, and do what scares me. Doing what you love brings the comfort and familiarity to school, helping me feel more at ease. Doing what scares you helps break you out of your shell, learn new things, and allows you to meet new people you wouldn't think of getting to know before. Telling myself to relax is most important--making the transition is hard for EVERYONE...no one is prepared, everyone is scared. Just trust that you've made the right decision. Relaxing yourself allows you to feel fearless, and nothing will make you happier.

I would have suggested to myself to work harder and not to follow the crowd. I would have explained to myself how efficient it is to think and be patient whereas mimic what professors teach us. Open mindness comes with age and maturity but learn how to think is a privilege than many's nowadays do not have access to. Regarding life in itself, I would have taught me tolerance. Other's looks are not always constructive. And unfortunately we have to admit that we can be exigeant only with ourselves and not with others. Life is short . Find equilibrium and live our passions is decisive for our future.

Welcome to college! Please post the following ten pieces of advice by your desk and read frequently: 10. Leave your dorm room door open, especially at the beginning; you never know what new friend will walk in. 9. Exercise a few times a week. It clears your head and compensates for the cafeteria sundae bar. 8. Surfing the Internet does not count as studying. 7. Read a newspaper every day. It puts class in context. 6. Commit to going to professors' office hours at least once a semester. They're lonely, and you'll learn something. 5. Call your parents before they call you. It'll be a more pleasant conversation. 4. Buy used textbooks on Amazon.com or from friends. A little highlighting never hurt anyone, and your wallet will thank you. 3. Volunteer notes when a friend misses class. They'll return the favor when you need help. 2. Join something, whether it's the ping-pong team or the competitive noodle eating club. You'll make friends and take a needed break from studying. 1. Take time to breathe and enjoy the experience. You'll never get to go to college again!

Remain confident when your thoughts and opinions are challenged, yet open to alternative views and seriously consider why they may be valid. Select a major you are not only curious about, but consider this a field you would like to pursue a career in and a discipline that will enrich you as a scholar and intellectual. Visit every single professor during office hours, even if you don't any questions, demonstrate interest in their course. Be social, make new friends but always keep in perspective your priorities - your education and your health. This is an experience that will change your life. So have fun, enjoy the journey and grow as a person. Your potential is limitless. Most importantly, stay focused. Your education is the most priceless, rewarding investment you can make for yourself.