Montclair State University Top Questions

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

Diana

You are correct in your assumption that you will receive a heavier load of homework, but fright not. You have days to complete the homework. Finish the homework piece by piece every day so you do not feel overwhelmed. You are wrong if you think you will endure living with a roommate. You sleep early and you need silence?you will not find a roommate that matches your needs. Find off-campus housing that is provided across the street and keep your all-you-can-eat meal plan. For having a single room and kitchen, it is cheaper than dorming. Interact with your professors. Participate in discussions, answer questions and sum up courage to ask questions--this way, the professor knows your name and face and marks you as a serious student. In the cafeteria, take your food and plop down in a table where someone is already sitting. Have a conversation and you will make a friend. The same goes for class. Sit where you wish and offer you name and hand to the one sitting next to you. Through this one friend, you meet tens of other people. Through this one friend, you gain a sense of community.

Christian

Finding the right college is like finding the right pair of shoes. You want them to represent who you are, what you like, and above all you want them to be comfortable. It is imperative to do the most research possible on any school you are planning on attending. Many students find that certain school simply do not suit them because they lack some of the students needs. Based on majors offered, and reputations in certain fields, some schools may be better suited for some students. Because of this, it is important for the student to make sure that the college choice offers a wide variety of majors and courses because not all students are completely sure of what they would like to study. So picking a school offering degrees in many fields is important. If looking to have the most fun at school, then the student must be willing to put in the effort. Any school can be fun, as long as the student is willing to socialize and become a part of the campus community. Making the most out of the college experience depends on how much effort the student is willing to put in.

Medji

Parents and students that are in the process of finding the right college should definitely visit the college. It is important that they do so that there are not any suprises in the end. In addition, they should visit it more than once. I think that visiting a college at least 3 times is a good way to see the college a different perspective. ex: visit when school is and isnt in session and throughout the year. It will give you an idea as to how the campus is when it snows, or when it rains, how does that affect campus activities. These can be important issues that can help narrow down your college choices. Always try the food that is very important and spend a weekend if possible on campus. Nevertheless, what I believe is the MOST important of all of these, is that both parents and student check out the surrounding neighborhood of the school. Do you like a secluded campus, or the kind of campus where businesses are conveniently close. I believe that this can really impact the overall experience of a college student.

Sam

You need to follow your heart and where it tells you to go. No one's words of wisdom will be enough to sway and/or persuade your own will. These prospective students need to go out there and see for themselves; experience the college way of life and then you'll realize what a struggle it is, what a great time it is, and what a rollercoaster ride it is sometimes. It's almost as if you're affected by every single event that occurs day after day, but that may also be defined as life, would it not? So in the end, it is up to the students to see where they're pulled and where their minds may make the most out of themselves. In a world like today's, everyone needs an education, but au contraire to what many say and think, an education is what you make of it. Not another person in the world can tell you otherwise; it's up to you.

Jacque

The best way to make the most out of your college is experience is to search for a college that is good for your needs. For example, the cost of living on or off campus, how much aid will you be receiving? The location of the college will I be able to get a job on or off campus to make ends meet. How far is it from home and family? Does the college have programs and internships geared towards me being successful in my major? These are some questions to take into consideration. After you have made your decision for the college of your choice the best thing is to go to that college with an open mind to new experiences religions, races and ethnic backgrounds Embrace all of the changes and new experiences and you will be fine. Make sure to keep your focus it's alright to get involed socially but if it affects your academic progress then it's a problem. Social activities will be come and go all of the time but your academics is the blueprint for your future. College is costly so don't waste time make the best out of it

Jaymi

I would advice parents and/or students to visit their prospective campuses and learn as much as they can about the school in question. Find out what the climate is like year-round, what the rooms are like, the teachers, the classes, the population, the food, and more; it's a very important and marvelous experience, and to make the best choice you need to have all the information you can get. Knowing all of this will also help you make the most of your college experience. The more you strive to learn about your college, the more people you'll meet, students and faculty alike, and it is a plus to become a recognizeable, friendly face. Give your peers and teachers your absolute best; after going for the best school for you, it is only fair to offer the same back to the campus. Be proud of where you learn, and make your school proud to have you.

Mike

When picking your school i believe you got to look at your self and ask how far away do i want to be from home. Its tough for the first month getting use to any new place and its always nice to go home. Then you ask yourself what you want out of school? Do you want a big school or a little? Do you want a lot of down time or be busy with things to do? Where you go there be people you can find you like. The question is weather the place is the right feel for you. You know as a junior in high school your looking for but u may not be at the right school for you first pick so like many people transfer, but there is always a school out here that i right for everyone.

Granville

I would say while finding the right college to become a "holistic" researcher. Don't ignore details and overlook figures because they may come back to haunt you later. Explore as much choices as you have. Don't make rash decisions and rush in head first. It may be overstated but exploring now will benefit in the end. Also at college, don't allow the "spirit" of college (procrastination and lack of care) to take over. Studying and making use of the free time isn't difficult, it just requires the right balance of time and effort.

Molly

I would say to go visit each and every school you are considering going to. Once visiting get a feel for the school and its people and community. The community will make a big difference, as will the surrounding opportunities. I would factor in the major you want but not make it the priority. It is very important to enjoy the school more and meet a lot of people. I would suggest being involved in many clubs and taking advantage of every opportunity you can, especially the first year of college. Meeting people will be very beneficial for later in life and having connections is never a bad thing. Its important to take advantage of your opportunities living close to so many people your age. At the end of the day, it is still important to find a balance between fun and school to take care of your future schooling or job. I also suggest studying abroad for at least a semester at some point. It goes fast, so live it up!

Andrea

Make sure you look into the major that you would like to go for and the accomodations the school has to offer as well as the tuition and payment throughout the years after calculated