Longwood University Top Questions

What should every freshman at Longwood University know before they start?

Nicole

I would try and better prepare myself for the classes I took. The most important thing in college is to keep on top of your assignments and readings due. Professors automatically assume that you did the reading for class, so if you haven't you are completely lost about what is being taught. I would also tell myself to learn better time management, which is another important aspect of college. You really have to set aside several hours to do homework and study for each class that you are taking. Not studying is an easy way to fall behind in class which then causes your grade to drop. I would say that being open and making new friends is the best way to go through college, sitting around in your dorm is not fun so always set time aside for having fun as well as studying.

Megan

If I could go back to high school and give myself advice I would tell myself to be confident in myself and choices I make. I would encourage myself to not be afraid to go out a meet new people and volunteer more. I would tell myself that I should not be ashamed of who I am and what I believe in. Fitting in in high school is not the most important thing. Focus on your grades and getting into a good college where you can meet new people and find your path for life. Not everything in life will be handed to you and you will deal with a lot of hardships but having faith and courage will help you through and never give up. Focus more on yourself and your desires and dreams rather than your friends and peers. Its your life and no one is living it for you so always be the best version of yourself you can be and work hard no matter what. If you follow your own choices and dreams then you will feel confident in who you are and what you want out of life.

Tyler

I would tell myself to get more involved in school. I would also tell my self to be active with my friends. I wish i had more stories to tell to my new friends at school. This was the one thing i regret in highschool. If i could go back and re-do it, then i would.

Holly

College is more than just getting a degree so you can get a decent job. You may think that it can't get any better than high school, but it does. You will meet people that will change your life for forever. Don't be sad when you graduate and leave high school, just think of it as a new beginning. I know you have probably heard that before, but it's true. The past is the past. Hearing that nobody knows you may sound scary, but it's really not. Nobody knows anybody. Everyone is looking for a friend. So when you get there, don't be afraid to say hi to someone, because for all you know, that someone could become your best friend for the rest of your life. Now, about the academics. If you’re majoring in something that you truly love, it won't be terrible. You might even enjoy going to class. If you get to class and realize that don't want to major in that subject, don't be afraid to change it. Lastly, don't forget to live life. College is a whole new experience and you won't regret it!

Taylor

If I could go back to being a high school senior there is a lot of advice I would give myself. One piece of advice would be to try harder on the school work. When I graduated, I needed a 3.75 GPA to graduate with honors. I didn't make it because my GPA was a 3.60. I was so dissappointed. This reason is one of the reasons why I have pushed to keep all my grades up in college, because I do want to graduate with honors. It's a huge deal to me. Another peice of advice I would give is to not stress so much about the little things. Coming to college I have learned that stressing gets you nowhere. If something needs to be done, I have to get over myself and get it done. I have so much more advice to give myself; the list goes on forever. All in all, I think I was a wonderful high school senior when it came to academics.

Charlotte

Charlotte, When you start college open up to people. Do not be afraid to talk to new people and make friends. Do not stick to your friends from high school like glue. There are so many people to get to know and love. Talk to the teachers and get help. Even though it is tempting don't skip class. These days truly do fly by. Take all the help, prayers, and friendship you can get. You will have these memories forever so live your life to the fullest. Even though it is a cliche the world is your oyster. Fall in love, fall out of love, tell the hot guy in the second row how you feel. Rejection hurts but he could be "the one". Take risks in your life, just know which ones not to take. Always be there for others. Join the study groups. Join clubs. Join a college church group. Join anything that makes you happy. Most importantly remember that this time is fleeting. You will someday have a career, husband, and kids. Everything you do now and in college is not only for you, but also for them. Live for what you love, Charlotte

Amy

Don't drink so much! Sure, it's totally awesome and totally fun but you'll avoid so much drama (and trauma) if you try to avoid blackout drunken escapades down Buffalo Street. Also, quit smoking, it's terrible for you. I know, you want to be a cool, smoking, wine drinking poet. I get it. Just tone it down. Your pack a day habit will give you wrinkles at 24. That's not cute. Read every book, even if it's boring. Seriously, there will be other Thursday night parties; there is only one chance to discuss classic literature with your peers in a classroom. You will never find another group of book nerds all in one place ever again; enjoy it because you'll miss those in depth discussions even if you think otherwise at the time.

Brittany

I am a 26 year-old woman who works full-time while maintaining a full course load at Longwood University. This was due to my disinterest in school when I was younger. Though I enjoy learning how to become a speech-language pathologist at this stage of my life, it is not easy. I would love to go back and tell myself to follow my heart and stay in school. As a high school senior, I did not realize the importance of a college degree. I also did not get to experience the life of a college student, which would have been an amazing experience. I would love to tell my high school self that I am meant to change the lives of individuals with special needs and communication disorders. I am happy that I realized this before it was too late.

Ashley

Dear high school Ashley, I know that you do not believe you can finish school without owing money, but trust me you will be able to if you work hard enough. Getting good grades in college will be the hardest thing you have ever done. All nighters are not exactly fun the next day, but those will be the times you make lifelong friends. Every single minute is worth it in order to prepare yourself to be the best musician and teacher you can be. Once you receive your diploma, just remember that no one else can ever take it away. You earned it, and that is never going to change. No other person can take any credit for the work you will do in college, so always make it your very best. Never give up on an assignment, because I know you will have what it takes to accomplish anything the professors assign. Just keep working as hard as you possibly can, and the reward will be so much more than you can imagine - a hope and a future where you will never be hungry again.

Geoffery

If I could go back in time and warn myself about all the difficulties of college it'd be the gretest life lesson I could ever imagine. I would warn myself about making sure my grades are at the highest they could possibly be. I'd convince myself to start searching for college grants, scholarships, and loans; anything that is willing to help pay for school. Lastly I would warn myself about becoming an instant adult after high school. Once you start college you are responsible for yourself and where life takes you, and you have to make sure that the decisons you make will benefit you at the highest peak possible.

Brittany

If I could go back in time and talk to my high school self, I would tell myself to relax. I would tell her to practice more in orchestra because she is good enough. I would tell her to not get too involved with boys, and that waiting for the right one is okay. I would tell her to always follow her gut, no matter what. Though I wouldn't change the hardships and growth I have been through, I would tell her to remain strong when life gets hard. I would tell her to get scholarships and find a way to any university she wanted to follow any dream she had. I would especially tell her not to be afraid anymore and that she isn't crazy. I would remind her of our belief that everything happens for a reason. Everything will eventually fall into place if she continues to progress, despite the lack of support that she needs. I would apologize that I could not have spoken with her sooner, but that I will see her again very soon. Finally, I would tell her that it is a compliment to be called a nerd.

Bethany

Always be open to new people and new ideas. Do not be afraid to step up and protect what you believe is right for both you and your friends. College will be filled with a lot of surprising situations that will make college seem unbareable and far too stressful, but always talk to your parents and friends through skype to help get you through the year. Put yourself out there and make new friends to form a strong group to hang out with and have dinner with.

Joslyn

If I could go back with the knowledge I know have, I would encourage all of the students in high school to really work hard and get the help they need. By working hard and receiving a high GPA, there are many more options available in schools and scholarships. Taking duel enrollment and AP classes are also very important. Duel-enrollment allow for students to virtually begin collage while in high school. The only difference is the school doesn’t charge students the prices of college students. By starting early on in high school and taking those classes this prepares the students for their future and will be able to take a variety of college courses when they move on to higher education (or students can possibly graduate early). Preparing while in high school for the many possibilities of ones future is the best advise I can give. It is so incredibly important to have a strong foundation from high school that will continue on through the many years of college. Having a strong academic work ethic is important and can lead to ones success.

Krista

Study and make flash cards! Just those two would've made a world of a difference. Good thing I know that now though. Also not to procrastinate even though that's easier said than done. It also helps a lot to have a desk calender and write on it when everything is due and when meetings are. It helps with organization and reduces stress during the year.

Karyn

If I could go back and talk to myself in high school, I would tell myself to keep looking towards the future. I went through very rough times in my high school career, and was never very sure of what I would do with my life when I got into college. Now, I would go back and tell myself that no matter what happens, Longwood University would provide not only the best education, but the best friends that I could ask for. I would also tell myself that college is nothing like high school, and that things do get better, even when it seems like they won't. I would persuade myself to choose this university, because it truly has been a huge, and positive change in my life. I would not change my decision to go here for anything in the world.

Courtney

The main thing that I would tell myself is that although I didn't need to know exactly what I want to be, I should at least have a good idea. Having a better understanding of what I want could have helped me along a little better. Along with that, I would also tell myself to perhaps push myself just a bit harder and maybe take 15 credits instead of just 12. The more important thing I would tell myself would be to not stress so much over the whole financial part of college, sure you might not know how you're going to afford your next semester, but thats what loans are for, right?! I would tell myself to savor all the moments spent at college because this is such a wonderful experience and although you should have goals, you shouldnt rush your time here, you have all the rest of your life to spend out in the real world.

Jessica

I would tell myself take the nursing career pathway and take college classes.

austin

If i were to go back in time and give myself advice on college, I would start by saying relax. College can be difficult at times and very stressful but through hardwork and dedication it can be conquered. Don't be afraid that your going to mess up or drop out just stay postive. When times look tough and impossible, just keep going, because impossible is nothing. You can do it!

Ethan

If I could go back in time and talk to yourself as a high school senior i would tell myself to use every chance that comes to go out and make connections that will help you trough school. The connections that you make will help get rid of stess with friends to hang out with. Also other connections will help you with your grades with people that understand certain subjects. Some people will help you with getting started in the buisseness world.

Elizabeth

To open up and be more outgoing, college is a place for renewal. Here nobody knows who you were or what you did, and everyone here has the same goal of succeeding in life. Take chances and get to know people in your class beyond the classroom, you may find that you have things in common with someone; that someone may end up being one of your best friends. Don't continue old habits, because you may never allow yourself to grow into someone great.