Priscilla
The things you need to know about college life can be broken down into three categories: Time managment, study habits, and using your resources to their maximum capabilities. Time managment is one of my main categories because if you dont set aside time to study or time to work and do other things, you will waste it. Time is precious to a college student, try to utilize it the best you can with school. Study habits is a very strong category because by not reading or not doing work; procrastinating in other words, you will not accel in your classes the way you should be. What i mean by using your resources to their maximum capabilities is do not be shy, if you school offers tutoring for free, use it. Other things about college will be fairly simple by, managing your time well, studying everyday for classes, and using the resources provided to you by the school.
Olivia
I would definitely give myself the advice to try alot harder. Getting better grades can definitely get you more money and scholarships and the university I decided to go to requires you to have alot of money. College life is very hard when all your worries are focused on money and working a job every night of the week to pay off loans is not fun. I would also tell myself to not worry so much about my social life in high school as i should of been worrying about applying for scholarships and getting letters of recommendation and volunteering more often. Volunteering in high school is important because getting alot of scholarships requires you to have so many volunteer hours. The transition between high school and college is extreme depending on where you go. Your parents are no longer by your side to guide you in all of your decisions. I would tell high school senior me to try harder at making more decisions for myself instead of falling back on my parents everytime something doesnt go my way. Going to college takes alot of work and every high schooler should start looking into it as a freshman.
Charly
The advice I would give myself would be to learn to relax and take time to not be so stressed. I would tell myself let me have fun and try to meet new people. YHowever, I would also say that my hard work would pay off and to keep up with the good work.
Katrina
You probably don't understand what is going on in your life right now. Everyone is moving on and sometimes things might be a little scary, but deciding to get a degree is not as horrifying as it looks. As long as you maintain confidence, you will do well. All the tests, essays and research papers may seem like a hassle, but you feel really accomplished when you are finished. Last thing you need to know is that people are there to help you. Councilers, family, and future friends will guide you on the road to your future. Good luck and keep your head up. Also, do not forget what you have learned in high school, it is actually really helpful.
Sean
If I could go back and give myself advice, it would be to look forward to college more. As a senior, I dreaded graduation, and felt that college would be such a struggle for me. I now know that I was wrong to think like that. This university has provided me with so many opportunities to help me succeed both in the classroom and out of the classroom. I have became involved on campus, and the connections that I have made will definitely help me after college. I have made life long friends here, and I have in no way ever regretted my decision to attend Murray State University. If I had known this information in High School, I wouldn't have dreaded college so much. I feel rather dumb that I used to think this way. College has been one of the best experiences of my life and look forward to all the other opportunities that will present themselves to me in the future.
Kelsey
Dear high school self,
College is hard and can be very trying with all of the tests to study for and papers to write, but remember to enjoy the little things. Smile even if the weather is bad or if you're behind on homework that is due in a few hours. College life isn't supposed to be easy, its almost like taking a course on becoming an adult where you won't have mom and dad guiding you through every step you need to take. I know you never wanted to grow up, but college is the time to finish molding the person you want to be in the future.
I know you're scared and a little anxious about starting to do things on your own, but you are smart enough to figure out how to handle all of the things that come your way; and don't forget you are not alone. God is with you and he will guide you to where you need to be to fulfill the plan he has made for you.
Make some good friends, study really hard, have fun, and believe in yourself.
See ya in the future,
Kelsey McCain
Arielle
During my few months here attending Murray, I've learned so much. I have gained knowledge from all of my classes. I've learned how to manage my time and study when necessary. I've learned how to be more social and communicate with my classmates. I now know what it's like to be on my own, take care of myself and clean up after myself. To me, it's been valuable to attend college to help me get myself where I want to be in life. Unlike other colleges, Murray offers classes that jump you right into what your future will hold. Being a Pre-Vet Major, I've gotten hands-on experience with all animals in the field from kittens to horses. I know this experience will help me out greatly in my future. College isn't easy, it requires a lot of studying. But I know it will be well worth it later on.
Lynn
I consider my most recent college experience as a second chance in life. I completed an associates degree many years ago and began working on a bachelor's degree, but basically "life happened". My previous profession was connected to real estate and mortgages and needless to say, I was laid off a couple of years ago. Going back to school has provided me with a new hope and to fulfill some long awaited dreams. Dreams I thought were long gone and would never be attainable. I think that a college education is invaluable, especially in the current economy. I think it teaches a person to overcome fear; fear of the unknown and fear of rejection. I am a true believer that knowledge is power and without knowledge, people become stagnant and stop dreaming their dreams. No matter who someone is, young or old, we all have dreams. This second chance I have been granted has given me a renewed hope in life, almost a rebirth, and has given me a chance to once dream again and accomplish goals I had long given up on.
Shelby
Moving away from home and living on your own can prove to be difficult for any college student; however in my case, I had to overcome my fair share of extra obstacles. Born with Chondro Dysplasia Punctata, a rare form of dwarfism, I’ve dealt with many physical challenges all my life. Because of this, getting a college education and becoming independent was always extremely important to me. Although, a year ago, if you told me during my first college semester I would have gotten a job, helped pay my bills, been involved in college council and done my own laundry, I probably wouldn’t have believed you. However, in four short months, I did these things and more. In my college experience, I’ve learned so much and I’ve proved not only to others but myself that a disability does not disable you from having independence and pursuing what you want in life.
Justin
College has given me a new lease on learing. It is not like highschool, I look foward to going to class. I love to learn new things and to be challenged! I love taking diffrent classes and learing new things about things the I have no idea about. Classes are great to get to become a more well rounded person and it shows you how little you know about the world. College has challenged me to become a better person because it forces you to stick with something even if you don't want to be there and forces you to do things even if you dont want to. College has made me a stonger person and a more rounded person.
Jennifer
In my college experience I have grown a lot as a person and a student also I intend to grow more well-rounded. College itself as broaden my horizon. I have grown to be more independent and work with more integerty and strength.
Kelsey
So far, I have learned how to become more independant and to really appreciate my family. Murray State University is six hours away from home and it has been hard at times when I need to see a familiar face. My college has also taught me how to be prepared for my future career and has helped my interest in learning new things grow. College life can be hard, especially when you go to a college where you know nobody and have to find your place where you fit in, but it is an enrichign experience and I highly recommend it to anyone who may be questioning whether or not if they want to attend college.
Kayla
My college experience has pulled me out of my comfort zone. It has forced me to be a part of the bigger picture and construct my future. My major, Social Work, has included classes that have made me into a better person. I feel prepared for the field I plan to go into after graduation and optimistic about my success. I believe I have established relationships that will last a lifetime. I appreciate Murray State University because this campus has made me feel welcome. I was an outsider, but after a year I became a valued member. Most importantly, my college experience as helped me grow into an optimally functioning member of society and I am grateful.
James
My college experience has been of one of great growth. However this growth occurred in the contained atmosphere of Murray State University. The kindness of both my professors and the upperclassman have fostered me into the college lifestyle. The professors want to see their students succeed, and feel that their job goes beyond the few hours per week in a lecture hall. Some of my fellow students have noted that we attend a "boring" school. I can understand this statement, for it is located in a small town, but there are the same opportunites here as there are everywhere else. The only difference is that you will recognize a good portion of everyone on campus, yet that could hardly be considered a negative aspect of the university.
Lucy
So far my college experience has been amazing. College is a place to really know who you are without guidance from your family. For me, I have really become who I've been searching for. Murray State University and its people have taught me who a great person is. I love college.
Brittany
I have gotten a great education from college. I have learned more than I could have ever imagined. I know that I will be able to succeed in my career and I will live a happy life and be proud of myself. Also while in college, I have met my best friend which is the best friend I have ever had. I have found that people can be good through knowing my best friend. She accepts me for me and accepts me for my faults. I would have never had the opportunity to meet my best friend had it not been for college. Before meeting my best friend in my freshman year, I was very sad and did not do much of anything but sit in my room alone watching television. After meeting her, I met more people and actually participated in many more activities around town. My best friend is the most valuable experience from college and I am so very greatful for her every day.
Jennifer
I have gotten a great sense of self from attending Murray State University. I think this came mostly from my peers, as well as from the community and my college professors. I have learned more about myself by becoming independent from my parents than had I stayed at a local college. I am also very determined and I enhanced my work-ethic by suceeding in challenging courses, as well as keeping a healthy social life and working part-time out of school.
Megan
I have gotten so many things out of my college experience. To start off with, I have made so many new friendships that I hope to keep throughtout my college experience, and life. I have also gained a new sense of responsibility in terms of taking care of myself. My parents aren't with me to do my laundry and make me go to class. Ive had to grow up and learn how to do so many things on my own and i have trully grown from it. Knowledge is another important thing I have gotten from Murray. I have learned so many new interesting things in my classes.
I would say my experience at Murray State has been a very valuable experience that has helped me grow as a student and a person, and I wouldnt trade my freshmen year here for anything.
Josh
The transition from high school to college life is a fickle fiend, as going from living under Mom and Dad's roof to attempting to be somewhat self-sufficient is one of the single-biggest changes a young person will have to go through. I would definitely tell my younger senior self to better prepare for the dorm life. My experiences living with certain people that dirty up the place and don't keep up with their duties have irked me more than I would have liked. This came from assuming that everything was going to be perfect and nothing was going to go wrong. That was definitely not the case. I would also tell myself to make sure and get on my studies very, very early. Nothing is worse than ill-advisedly studying for a exam that counts for 25 percent of your grade. Learning to deal with people and to be a better student woud be at the top of the list of things that I would tell my past self, in order to benefit myself in the future.
Ashlee
Seemingly small considerations make a huge difference once you are actually on a college campus. Don't choose a campus without visiting, touring dorms, sampling food, etc. Staying overnight with a friend is the best way to get the actual feel for the place. Tour guides are trained to make it seem great, but a student will tell you the full truth about the inns and outs of the university/college.
Getting involved is the best way to transition. Go to club meetings, sporting events, cultural enrichment nights. You might be uncomfortable for the first few minutes, but college is all about meeting people - EVERYONE is looking to make friends. Speak up, say hello to someone and go from there. It'll make it much easier on you in the long run.