Florida State University Top Questions

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

RoseMarie

Live in the moment. You only get one shot at a college experience so make the most of it. Also, confidence is key!

Amanda

I would tell myself: Stop thinking so negatively about leaving your hometown to go to school almost 500 miles away. I know you're scared now and don't know how you're going to be able to handle not waking up next to your precious puppy every morning or being close to friends and family. However, experiencing the independence of a real college student is magnificent, and the invention of FaceTime and Skype is a brilliant one. With that said, the friendly environment at FSU and the familiarity/comfort of a few of your close friends attending FSU with you are going make you feel right at home. I know it seems difficult, but try to maintain a job over the academic year because having no "spending-money" is no fun at all! One last thing, don't bother worrying about having to change your study habits because so far it has earned you almost two years of straight A's!

Meghan

Dear High School Self, You're pretty smart, so I won't bore you with advice about going to class and studying. I know you will, but do yourself a favor and join clubs and programs from the beginning instead of waiting until Spring Semester like I did. It is not enough to simply go to class during the day, do homework on the weekends and watch Netflix at night. This also applies to your social life. Friends will not just drop into your lap. I have found that clubs are a great way to find like-minded people as well those who are completely different. You need both. Finally, I know that FSU is a long way from home, and you're going to be homesick and full of heartache, but remember that your friends and family are a call away and there is no shame in going home for the weekend. Use the counseling center on campus. You don't think you need it, but your entire world is about to drop out from under your feet, and I'm not talking about college. I wish I could prepare you for Daddy's death. Be strong. Love, Yourself

Wayne

I know that you may not believe this, but I am you. You can ask me anything that only WE would know to prove it is true. I am here to tell you that procrastinating IS NOT going to get you as far as you think it will. We both know how easy "Test-Taking" is for you. You have gotten by so easily because all of the assignments that you have considered "mundane" have been completed one or two days before the due date and been graded as "A" or "B" work. Then, when you take a test or exam, the grade for the course is boosted even more! My experience this first semester of our college experience has been contradictory to our previous thinking. I am needing to prepare material and reflect thinking at a much deeper level now. If you start to plan and shape your products at a higher level NOW, the transition will not be as painful as it will be if you don't. It is simple. Just put some more thought behind your work. Study and dedicate more effort to your #1 job which should be...being a student. I'll be waiting.

Brigett

Brigett, Enjoy your last year in school because after you leave everything will change. Once you graduate you realize all of the things you thought were important ( being popular, goofing off, and partying) won't be important anymore. Dont grow up to fast. Before you know it your life will be extremely complicated , so don't jump ahead. Your gonna miss highschool whether you believe it, or not. Highschool is fun, and college is even better! Just remember the amout of responsibility you have now doesn't compare to what you will have.. Don't let that stupid bully get you down because nothings wrong with you-- its her with the problem. You are important to a lot of people, so don't let others bring you down. Take the time to thank all of your great teachers who helped you find yourself, and hang onto your best freinds while you can. Soon you will realize your "best friends" disappear fast; especially after you start a family. Keep your grades up, and your motivation even higher. Stay in church. Lastely, always remember those who were there for you when you needed them most. Chances are, they always will be.

Ashley

Firstly, I am proud of you for staying with the IB Program. I know it is tough and stressful and you are exhausted, but believe Mom and Dad when they say it will be worth it. Several times in your freshman year of college you will think "thank God I did IB"; it really does prepare you. Be confident and enjoy life. Do not take everything so personally. Remember that who you are is exactly who you want to be. Partying just is not you, and that is okay. Be happy you are different. Do not hesitate to make spontaneous plans with friends. Show your cat, Angela, more than ever before, how much you love her every chance you get. After 15 blissful years of life, cancer will take her in October. Continue to study hard, you will make all A's and love FSU. Your professors are excellent, and you will pick up the material easily, so do not be afraid to anwer questions in class. Missing home is a promise, but you will get used to life away in Tallahassee. In college, you will learn and grow as an individual more than you can imagine. Embrace new knowledge.

Cheyanna

The most important thing I would tell myself is to make sure to know how to study. The thing I have struggled with the most in college this far, is knowing how to study. Gradually I have found using note cards is best for me but that would be the most important. The next thing I would tell myself is know who you are, know what you truly believe, and dont let anyone persuade you to change. The pressures of college your freshman year are alot greater than in high school, and I have found its best you express your opinion and dont let anyone compromise your decision. Lastly, I would inform myself of the much stronger competion in college. In college the professor doesn't care if you fail or pass and the students that are there want to be there and are going to do everything for a passing grade. Things are so much different when you have to pay for school. Always go to class and take VERY detailed notes.

John

Dont worry so much college is a fun and exciting expereince that you only live once in you life time, dont go to college and joke around there are alot of people taking college as a joke and its ashame. Pick a major that suits you something that makes you, you have fun and live life to the fullest

Adam

Don't hesitate to ask for help. Making the transition from living at home to living at college is hard, and you shouldn't be too humble about it. Don't take out credit cards - you don't have a job yet. Don't get a liberal arts degree because you won't be able to find a job that pays more than one you could get at a gas station. Study math. Most people don't, and it's what'll separate you from the good jobs later on. Allow yourself a maximum of 1 extracurricular activity. Preferably an intermural sport, because the exercise will keep your weight down and your mind focused on work. Drink lots of coffee - You're gonna need it.

Anthony

I wouldn't choose to give myself advice. By choosing to give myself advice, I could possibly have changed where I might have ended up. If anything changed up to this point I would be upset because everything I have gone throough till this day was worth it.