Florida State University Top Questions

Don't think you can get away with not having a meal plan while living in a community style residence hall. It just doesn't work like that. Also, join a few groups that interest you- somewhere between 3 and 5- so that way you can whittle it down until you find the one or two that you belong in. If you ever run out of anything- whether it be milk or shampoo- don't be afraid to ask you neighbor for some. They will almost always say yes. On that note, try to befriend your neighbors. Invite them to things and just be nice to them; it will help you later. One last thing; don't ever be afraid to be yourself. Project yourself- don't hide- and people just like you will find you.

I would tell myself to have fun while it lasts, becasue once you get to college everything is serious and there is no room for mistakes.

If I could travel through time back to 2008 and give advice to the high school senior April, I would tell her to not be afraid. Meeting new people won’t bite you. I would say to do everything you have ever wanted to do in college, and if you fail at one thing try another. At 18 years old no one knows what they want to do for the rest of their lives, but you must test the waters and see what keeps you afloat. I would advise April to make sure to take time to have a social life, you don’t want 4 years to sneak up on you and realize you had no time for fun. Talk to your professors. This would be one of my best pieces of advice. They have been in your shoes before so visit them during office hours and ask your professors for help; that’s why they are there. Run for every position, shake hands with everyone you meet, attend all football games, take a road trip and don’t worry about the how, instead focus on the now!

If I could go back and talk to myself before coming to college, I would tell myself to focus. Focus on academics, focus on the friends you make, focus on who you want to be and what you want to do with your life. Don't get caught up in dramatics from high school and people you meet that will be bad influences on your life. This is your time to find yourself and who you will be for the rest of your life. Study hard, make great friends, love your life.

Take risks. I don't mean, put yourself in dangerous situations. Step out of your comfort zone and try something new, something foreign to you. Life as a college student is one of the most challenging yet gratifying experiences you will have throughout your lifetime. Don't be afraid of life on your own. You'll learn how to live with others, and most likely make some close friends along the way. Don't think you have to have everything all figured out. Most incoming freshman have no idea what they want to be when they graduate, and many students don't declare their major until their junior year. Don't give into stereotypes. Sometimes, high school drama carries over into college. Many incoming students and their parents associate sororities and fraternities with drinking and poor grades. In my case, joining a sorority was the best decision I have made since being in college. My grades have improved upon joining a sorority and my social life is very fun but very safe. Stay focused on your goals and dreams. Pursue the career path YOU want to pursue, because very soon you will be on your own. Lastly, have fun.

If I could go back in time and talk to my high-school-senior self, I would have told myself to really think about if being at a private art college is really what I wanted. While I do not regret the learning I acquired at my first school, I do regret that I missed out on that "freshman experience" by starting off at a non-tradional college. Now that I am at The Florida State University, I am able to really make the most out of my college career. I have many opportunities at Florida State that I did not have before, both academically and socially. Looking back now I'm not upset I took a long way to get to my dream college; after all life is an arrow that moves forward, each experience shaping you. I just wish I could have told myself what I was getting myself into, so that I could have decided if it was really what I wanted at that time in my life. I don't believe I knew exactly what I wanted, and since senior year I have grown exponentially as a person. I know who I am now: a Seminole.

If I could go back to my senior year in high school to give myself advice, the one thing that I would say is "time management." Throughout my last two years in high school, staff members (teachers, counselors etc.) told us about the imporatnce of managing our time more wisely. The expansion of technologies for future availability among youth is the main reason the staff highlighted this key area. Even though I classify myself as a "good" time manager, I still need to improve in order to become a great one. After attending community college for almost two years now, I see why time management is a very important skills that needs to be perfected. When transitioning to adulthood, more responsibilites are placed upon us and our busy lives begin to unravel leaving time for nothing short of homework or studying. If time is properly managed, everything (and then some) could be finished. For example, my educational path asks of me to absorb books like the clouds absorb moisture, but I'm not worried because with the proper time mangaement I'll set aside time to read, whether it's 15 minutes or an hour.

Assuming I could go back in time, I would tell myself to open up more to people. Being shy isn't going to make you friends, and although the quality of education is important, it is also extremely important to be happy and have friends. The transition is tough at first, college is lonely. I would tell myself to expect to be alone a lot, and that it is okay to sit at a table alone and have lunch. In college it is normal to be alone, but it is also important to find individuals who will push you harder and help you stay focused. Most importantly I would tell myself to stay focused and make decisions that will ultimately make you happy.

Jessica, I know this is a new beginning for you. No one in the family has ever attended a university, but I just thought you should know it's going to be the most challenging journey of your life. Your parents may be on the verge of divorce, and your mom may be on the death bed, but you will succeed. All you need to do is this: stay close to those that prove to be most loyal to you, when you fail a class it's not the end of the world, and never compromise your morals just to make your friends happy. Pleasing your peers is not more important than doing your best in school. Always be one step ahead by standing clear of procrastination. Stay away from bad neighborhoods; there may be a time you will be shot at, but you will be protected. Avoid bad situations by praying and using common sense. You can do everything you set your mind too as long as you have the will power to push through. College is fun, but the smile you'll see on your grandpa's face when you graduate will be priceless. Keep striving!

I would reccomend to all high school students to put all the effort into their school work. I was stuck going to a community college to bring up my gpa and it held me back from my dream college. This year I am now able to attend because I had to give 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} in my first year of college to get a good gpa to qualify. Anyone can do anything, as long as they put 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} effort in. Now, I realized that the hard way and I wish I actually listened to my teacher who warned me throughout highschool. It stinks to see your friends go off without you, but I learned my lesson and now I do not take anything in college as a joke. I take every extra credit opportunity I can and I always keep tutors and teachers willing to help in the front of my mind.