Florida Gulf Coast University Top Questions

What should every freshman at Florida Gulf Coast University know before they start?

steven

take alot of campus tours!

Arley

It is really difficult to know if you're at the right college until you're into your major classes.

Ashley

Pick the college that you feel most comfortable with. Don't pick it because your friend is going there or your parents are pressuring you to go there. Pick it for you. Because ultimately it's you who is going there. And also, be brave. Dont be scared to pick a college a little ways away from home. I did... and I'm so happy with my decision! I feel independent. It's an awesome feeling! And I love the school I chose, because it's small and that's what I wanted. In the end it all comes down to what you want out of your college experience! So choose wisely because it's hard to transfer your credits if you change your mind!

Chelsea

I feel that both the student and parents should visit each school they apply to! I believe that in roder to find the school that best fits you you have to feel at home and excited when visiting that school! I also feel that the parents should be very involved in finding out the finacnical obligations and also the safety of the campus.

lashim

Pick a college that is right for you. The college should have classes for your degree and be safe. There should be fun activities to do and there should be a shopping center close by. The school should be friendly and have professors that care.

Nola

The advice that I would give to future college students and parents is that it may seem really hard to know what is the right school for you or your son/daughter, but I highly recommend taking a tour of the campuses that you are looking at applying to. Also check out the college's website and consider location for housing, grocery, shopping and also jobs available.

Kristy

Going away from home is a big decision. Make sure you're ready. There's nothing wrong with starting out close to home and working your way into the college experience.

Tiffany

After giving it your all in high school, choosing the right college can be a bit of a burden. Many students can overanalyze minor details and overlook vital essentials. When making the final decision about which college to attend, students and parents have quite polar preferences. Parents should feel comfortable about the institution they are allowing their child to attend. It must be affordable if financial aid is not an option for the student. Safety, as well as the potential to thrive in the environment are also mandatory. Since the student is most likely living on his or her own for the first time while attending college, he should take interest in a job, greek life, or a sport. This will provide stability when the fear and discomfort of a new situation tries to overcome the student's confidence. When the student's first semester starts, it can be quite overwhelming. Learning how to balance life and coursework is something that every student must master, but also yields much success in life. Student's who maximize the amount of knowledge they gain from both classes and life experiences will find the life of a college student beneficial and unforgettable.

Shannon

Make sure to visit each college and imagine if you could see yourself there. It also helps to find clubs you are interested in when you get there.

Meghan

Take as many tours as you possibly can. You'll know when you find the right college, you can just feel it. Explore their clubs and activities. Check out the living spaces on campus and make sure you can feel comfortable and safe in them. It's always a good idea to live on campus the first year. Make sure the school is woking to create a better Earth for all by implementing recylcling and has proper disposal units. You don't want to walk in a dirty school. Make sure the surrounding city is what you feel comfortable with. For example if you come from a small town with hardly any traffic you may not want to live an a big city with huge roadways, unless of course you want to explore something new! Make sure you explore everything new in college, it will help you grow. Be open to diversity and listening to other peoples opinions and beliefs, you can make amazing friends that way. And last, utilize the staff at the school. Find out all the perks of going to that school and use them for everything.

Beth

I would advise students to get involved as much as possible and focus on their career after college so to not have a full time job because it is super hard to balance school work and homework.

lashim

Pick a college that fits your style and has the things you are looking for.

megan

in order to find the right college i believe that visiting it before you make a decision is a most, mainly because you can get a feel for how the acutal school works and how the people intreact. when i came to fgcu i knew it was right by just the size of the school and how close everything was.my advice for parnets to behind your child no matter what because picking a college is hard enough added pressure from family to go to one they might have attended isnt required they have to realize that their little baby is all grown up with different experiences which can lead them to a very different college then there own. also to make the most of your college experience is really be active meet new people go to many of the events that school has to offer. yes college is for hard work and learning but in order to be successful you need the best of both worlds fun and hard work.

Rachel

Ask students who currently attend your school of choice

Patricia

During the application process, make sure that you apply to alot of different colleges, and visit the ones you can. A college looks alot different on the website than it does in real life. Also, apply for the fafsa ahead of time, even if you don't need financial aid. You never know when you might need a quick student loan to replace your computer or buy books. Try to get an on campus dorm if you can. You make alot more friends living on campus and you also save alot of money on gas mileage. Get to know your professors! You are paying for their time, so take advantage of their office hours. Ask alot of questions during class and email them if you have a question. Don't be afraid to speak up. More often than not, other people have the same questions and are too afraid to ask them. Last but not least, avoid the party scene. You can still have fun, but avoid the alcohol and drugs. Not only can they get you in alot of trouble, but they can distract you from your studies. Above all, have a good time, make friends, be yourself.

The most important question to ask yourself is: "Can I see myself here? Walking these pathways? Is this where I want to spend at least the next four years of my life?" If the answer to all of these questions is yes, then you've found your home!

Kera

For anyone who is trying to find the right college for them, make sure the school has your major, or many other interests that you may have. Make sure living situations and environment that the school is surrounded by is how you would like to live for the next 4 years. Make sure the size of the classrooms are to your expectations. Furthermost, make sure you are comfortable with the people around you.

Danielle

visit

Julia

The best advice that I can give on finding the right college for you is to visit the school. I have known many people that enroll in a college or university, attend orientation, and realize that they don't want to go there. In order to avoid this situation i would always visit the college first. Have a campus tour and see the sites around the campus where you will be living. It will make all of the difference in finding the right fit for you or your child. In order to make the most of your college experience i would suggest getting involved in as much as you can. The first couple of weeks can be hard on a freshman at college. The only person you usually make fast friends with is your roomate and that isn't always a given. The more you get involved in, the more people you will meet, and the more you will be making the most of your college experience. College truly is the best time of your life. Getting actively involved in clubs, organizations, and sports will help you to have the most fun that you can through your college years.

Eryn

When looking for the right college, find the one that pertains to your major the best. Look for one that has outstanding academic oportunities as well as excellent sources for resources as well as studying areas. Find a school where the advisors for your major are helpful and leave you with NO questions after visiting, a thourough advisor that encourages you is of the utmost importance. Also, find a college where you can relax and feel at home, eat healthy food to keep you energized for the work loads, and have a good and SAFE time with friends.