Georgia Southern University Top Questions

What should every freshman at Georgia Southern University know before they start?

Nicole

If I were to go back in time and give advice to myself I would not say anything that could alter the way I lived my undergraduate years. This is not due to the fact that I did not make any mistakes or have any regrets during college, because I certainly did, but I firmly believe that life is composed of making wrong decisions and the lessons that we gain from them. I got my heart broken during college, blown money on unnecessary items, signed up for classes that were clearly above my head, but in the end I learned how to cope with the decisions I made and I truly believe that all of these experiences have molded me into the mature woman that I am today. I could go back into time and re-direct myself to not make those mistakes, but ultimately if I had not gone through them, I seriously doubt that I would be as independent and strong as I am now. Making wrong turns in life and living through the hard times is exactly why I believe we are here because only then can we learn to enjoy the good things in life.

Juamecia

I would advise myself to have better study habits. My senior year, I did good by studying the night before and on the day of the test, but this isn't possible in college

Adriana

In high school I felt that I was not the type who would do well in college; however, if I could go back I would tell myself that I am entirely capable of college and that I can succeed. I would also tell myself to open up more and to step outside of my comfort zone--because going through your first semester without friends is extremely difficult. Finally, I'd tell myself not to be afraid of all the great things I can accomplish with enough passion and dedication.

nicole

I'd tell myself to stay more focused and don't let anything come between anything and my studies. I'd also say becareful on the friends I chose. Lastly, I'd tell myself to not procrastinate, that will be the death of me.

Karli

Walking into high school four years ago was a whole new adventure for me. There were all kinds of classes I could take, boys to flirt with, friends to make, and so much more. Even though it was an overwhelming page to turn in my life, I took it on as a challenge and did as well as any other ninth grade student. In the next few years, my concentration fell. If I could go back to that year, I would not have concentrated on sports and social time and concentrated more on my studies. It really is true that there is no such thing as too much studying. I graduated a week ago and am now enrolled in the community college in my home town, and then plan to transfer to a four year university. Looking back on the past few years, there were many nights I chose not to study when I should have. In these upcoming years of college, I plan to concentrate as much as possible on my studies because once that test is taken or that assignment is turned in, there's no looking back, you can only plan to do better in the future.

Alexandra

If I could go back in time when I was a senior in highs school and give myself advice about the transition to college I would stress any number of things. One bit of advice I would suggest to myself would be to consider thinking about taking a realistic number of credited hours. Instead of taking sixteen hours like everyone else stick to twelve or even fourteen because now I can only withdrawal from three more classes the rest of my college career. I would also advise to get involved. Being involved has helped my leadership skills grow and improve as well as keeping me busy enough that I do not have time to get into trouble. The last piece of advice I would give would be to make time for fun. Do not commit every hour of your life to studying. Make lots of friends and go enjoy being a young adult. Have responsible fun. I would advise myself to study hard and do the very best I can but remember to make wonderful memories that are completely unforgettable!

cody

If i could go back in time to my senior year in high school I would do things alot different. I would have spent more time focusing on my grades and applying for scholarships. Now I know the importance of a education and understand that it comes with hard work. I would have told myself to work harder, and the earlier you start the easier it is going to be.

Samantha

If i could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to enjoy it and not worry so much about leaving. I graduated high school early because i could not wait to be independent. So I guess in essence I would be telling myself that independence is way overrated. Although high school sucked in many ways so does college. College comes with many responsibilities i could have waited to attain. Being younger than most of the freshman here does not help either, it is hard when they can go out and do things that because I am younger I cannot do. Waiting and just going through high school like evryone else instead of getting ahead would not have been such a bad thing.

Eric

Study more and pay attention in all my classes. Sustain a suitable GPA to qualify and apply for many scholarships. Learn to manage time between school and social life.

Carson

I think that I would tell myself to actually join an organization, to make more of an attempt at making friends, try to experience more of the world, use more of the resources the school has to offer and try to make an effort to study.

Ariel

Most say that attending college is valuable because of the degree you obtain when you are finished. Often times leaving out all the other benefits of attending college, or in my case the 4-year university commonly referred to as Georgia Southern. It is obvious that people take these years out of their life and spend all of this money in order to hopefully improve their future careers, but I think in most cases the greatest values of a university lies much deeper. As only a sophomore at GSU I have matured more than I ever thought possible, made more friends than I could have ever imagined, and created more memories than I can count. Sure I have learned more about the world than I ever would have had I not come here, especially since I am an International Studies major, but I have also gained those things in life that one holds onto and looks back on and cherishes for the rest of their life. I have grown through my valuable experiences and I am changed for the better because of the incredible people here. Most importantly, I have made lasting memories none of which would exist without college.

Kathleen

I have gotten an incredible growth experience out of attending college thus far. I have discovered who I am as a person now, and who I want to become in the future. I have learned what I am capable off and have learned to strive for what I want to achieve. I have gained academic knowledge that will prepare me to excel in my choosen field after I graduate, but I have also been given inspiration to always remain down to earth no matter where life takes me. I have met amazing people that have taught me to have an open mind and appreciate all the diversity that this world encompasses. I wouldn't change my college years for the world because it has taught me to work hard for my education and to take a step back and enjoy all that life has to offer.

Ashley

So far, from my college experience, I would have to say I have learned how to 'market' myself to fellow students and professors. By branching out and meeting new students, I have been given the opportunity to make so many new friends. I also think that I have learned so much more self-discipline and responsibility. I have learned how to manage my time and learned very good work/study habits. Also, by moving out, I have learned to be more self reliable and independent. College has completely changed my outlook on life and I have learned so much about different cultures and people. My college experience has been unforgettable and I would not change a thing about it.

Ayana

I have learned so much in my college experience that contributed to my spiritual, physical, and educational growth. My involvement in the National Organization for Women has changed my views on the word “feminism” and opened my eyes to the negative connotation that comes with being affiliated with that word. My everyday conversations have enhanced, which is amazing. I never would have thought I would be debating in my living room about politics, or heath benefits. My spiritual life assisted my journey as a college student and grew as I did. Attending this University was one of the best things for me. A college degree is like the key to a locked door. I am able to pursue the career I want or a different one. My family and friends will be very proud of me, and I will feel extremely accomplished. I am hanging in there, and will be the first in my generation to obtain a college degree.

Tola

JESUS IS LOVE

Angel

I have received several benefits such as knowledge needed to be succesful and experience.

Addison

I have learned that partying is not what college is about. I am currently in a 12-step recovery program and have been sober for 2 years. I always thought you spent your freshman year adjusting to the party life and then get your studies. I was completely wrong. I began college sober and I have continued my sobriety. I have found what I want to do in life, which is Logistics with a minor in Spanish. My peers and professors have encouraged me to always achieve my goals and that is what I am doing. I am currently in the Gamma Beta Phi honor society. I give back to my community and school by participating in this organization. I know that if I were not sober today, I would not have had this wonderful opportunity to succeed in life.

Juan

My college experience has showed me many things thus far. The very first thing was the freedom of finally being on my own. This freedom allowed me to develop a responsibility which has applied into my every day schoolwork. For example responsibilities such as getting to class every day, turning in assignments, and studying on my own for exams. College has also allowed me to make new connections with people I already consider valuable to my present and future. But connections are not as valuable as the education I am receiving. This far I am able to say college has been a true challenging journey, the education I've received enriches the value of the degree I am pursuing and will one day allow me to get the job of my dreams. In general, college has been valuable to my everyday as well as my academic life, an experience that so far has taught different values and given me qualities that will be used in the everyday world for years to come.

Danielle

I feel that after I leave Kent State University (and attend graduate school), I will be prepared for my dream career: clinical child psychologist. Graduate school is extrememly hard to get into, but with all the oppurtunities on campus, I feel I have an advantage over many applicants. I have been able to work directly with professors on their research projects, giving me valuable experience. There has also been many job-related experiences available on campus. For example, I can work in the psychology clinic. This will give me my first real-life experience working with clients. Graduate schools will look at this and know that I have the skills neccesary to work with clients before they accept me. My teachers have also opened my eyes to issues unrelated to psychology. For example, my Nonviolence teacher has motivated me to get involved and be an activist on issues I feel strongly about. I have been able to create a student organization to help changethese issues. This campus has fully-allowed me to reach my potential. On any other campus, I would not have been able to gain these varied experiences or broaden my interests to the extent I have..

Curtis

I have learned how to live independly while having some people to lean on if I steer off my path. I have met a variety of people and made connections that if I needed to, in the future, could ask for a favor. When it comes to eduacation, I have learned how to be successful in my classes. One thing that is vitally important is figuring out how to manage your time in the most effective and efficient way. I had to balance a few different things such as classes, homework, soccer, and working out at the RAC ( Recreation Activity Center). It is valuable to attend college because when I graduate, I will be able to get a job that will be related to chemistry. Also working with chemistry teachers in the lab over the summer will help open up job opportunities and at the very least show that I have job experience in the area. Having connections are important to making it in life and attending college gives me countless chances to make these connections that otherwise would be difficult to achieve.