Oakland University Top Questions

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

Andrew

I would say that Oakland University is a great school for a very reasonable price. It is a smaller university with small calss sizes and if parents are worried about parties it is not a party school and their kids would have to know the right people to be getting into that

Melody

Visit and get involved. Meet new people, sit next to other people sitting alone in the cafeateria.

Megan

I would tell parents and future college students to spend the time researching information about where you would like to attend college and about college life in general while still in high school.

Jennifer

Make sure you visit each university and if you have friends that are attending college you should stay with them for a weekend to get a better feel of university living.

Jason

To find the right college, there is help available for those who have no direction whatsoever. However, if one researches, visits, and compares campuses, he or she will find that it is quite easy to decide which one is best. I think an excellent marker of a good college is how many people are around when they are not in class. If it is observed that large numbers of students are using academic facilities (eg- computer labs, library, etc.), then it becomes quite apparent that the campus is a wonderful learning center that encourages success. I would also recommend even asking a few questions to students around a campus, which may be helpful in determining whether or not that college is the right one. To make the most of a college experience, it is important to GET INVOLVED. There is nothing better than connecting with peers and participating in a character-building experience, be it running a small group or helping in a conservation effort around the school grounds. Getting involved in organizations on campus is the most important factor to having an enjoyable and memorable college experience.

Sandra

Knowing what you want is really key. If you want a place the is like a small town, then go for a smaller campus. if you want a big city life then look in the city.

Angela

If you are living at home and short on income then pick a university that is close to home and that is within your money range. The university you pick will become a big part of your life so chose a campus that will be accomidating for you and that you feel comfortable in. Also, if you like small or large classes you need to keep it in mind when lookfor a class.

Stephanie

I would reccommend that parents and students discuss school options TOGETHER. Important topics might include financial aid, cost of living and major and minor programs. Financial aid can be confusing and cause unncessary stress for an already preoccupied student and having a foundation of knowledge about loans, grants, and scholarships can be helpful! Also, knowing how to prepare and stick to a budget is also important for a student! This organization is essential for a student's performance inside and outside of an academic setting! It is also important to know potential academic paths that the student may choose, and it might be a good ideaa to select a school that can fit most of these choices.

Jean

Kids, find something you are truly passionate about that will also have a job for you to be in once you get your degree. Then check out the school and what it has to offer as perks to residents and commuters. Parents and students, check into EVERY financial aid opportunity that you can find that you are eligible for. They help a lot. Focus on school. Study hard. Put partying on hold until you are on break or done with school. Education is a must now with our economy in the state it is in.

Timothy

Students attending college firstly need to make sure that hey are making an informed decision about the type of school they are attending. Visiting campus is very important in order to see what types of extra-curricular and social activities are available to students. Students do not want to enrll in a school where they believe that the social scene is going to be the same as another university becasause it usually is not. Universities with a high commuter student population tend to have less social activities and the student body tends to be very widespread. The internet is also a very good place to do research on a particular university. Doing simple searches for the university and your major should place you in contact with alumni of that particular major. There are a variety of websites that do this as well. Learn as much about career possibilities in your major as posible. Be financially responsible. If a student does not have much money, and is attending a school with a large amount of commuter students, it may be difficult to sociallize adequately since many activities are off-campus. Review financial aid, tuition, and most important- student fees per semester.

Julia

I would say that you should think about the money first. If a school will cost way more then you can afford then go somewhere else you can. In the long run you will be thankful you can afford to eat after graduation. Also remember that it is important that you do your best at where ever you go, even if it was not your first choice, it does not matter where you go it matter what you do about it when you are there.

Shawn

Visit the school.

Allyson

In regards to finding the 'right college', I would suggest two things. First, visit the school! The school may look great on paper or from stories others have told you, but until you have visited the facilities, watched the students, and felt a 'vibe' about the school, you will not know if you will feel at home there. Second, go it alone! Be willing to grow up, take responsibility, and learn about yourself BY YOURSELF. Choose the school that you feel will have the environment you want to be around for the next four years (or so) and the school that will better you so that you can pursue what you want to in life after you graduate. Do not choose a school because it is your parents alma mater or because all of your high school friends are going there. Choose a school that YOU want and need, and the new friends and activities will come!

Whitney

Research all aspects of the colleges or universities that you are considering. Do not just focus on sports related, social or location issues. Consider the reason to seek an education, and discover an environment that you believe you will be able to focus in. Consider payment options and financial aid. Seek out activites outside of your typical experience. Talk to people in your classes, make friends. Drinking isn't everything, but then again a social life is important. Ask questions in class, get your moneys worth! If youre not happy where you are, dont drop out, transfer.

Hea

finding college is not only about education. it is important for students to have some campus life experience, such as living out side of family home. i think students learn a lot by living alone during college years, whether they regret it at the end or chage to make a better campus life.

Caitlin

Students: Make sure that you check out the professors and the advisor of your program. If they seem cool, then you've found your school. Everything else (friends, classes, homesickness, etc.) will fall into place but, if you hate your program, it makes everything else that much more stressful. If you haven't decided on a Major, go to Community College for a couple years... don't waste your money! Parents: Yes, all college campuses have access to drugs and alcohol. Yes, your child will probably be put in a situation where they have to choose if they wish to partake... try to have an open dialogue about it, but be CALM! The only way win your child's trust and plant the seeds of discretion is if you accept that they will make some poor choices. Don't let them fall down completely. Your responsiblity is to support them and try your best to guide them (but not it that annoying parent sort of way). Oh, and if they want to Major is something offbeat or creative, let them! Don't worry, they WILL find a job!

Lori

FInd out what your child wants to do and what expectations they have for their career choices and school experience.

Kim

If you are unsure of your career choice, choose a college that offers a good liberal arts degree. If you are sure of your career choice, spend a day with a professional in that career and see what they actually do in a day, if you're still interested, choose a school that is known for that career.

David

Take time to find the type of school for the person in question. If you are one for small classes and more teacher student interaction, look for that. Big names are great, but they may not always be the best at the field you are going into.

Lisa

Find a school that is known for the program you are going into. It's also important to find a school that has a culture you are comfortable with. It's extremely nice to have small classes where the professors know your name.