Ohio State University-Main Campus Top Questions

What should every freshman at Ohio State University-Main Campus know before they start?

Karl

I would tell them to get out and meet as many new people as possible. Get involved in the social scenes and involved in any clubs and rec sports. Get your name out there and make as many contacts as possible to make things easier in school and for future bussiness contacts once you out of school.

Megan

Tour as many campuses as you can, and trust your instincts. You will know when you've stepped foot on the right campus. You will also know when you don't want to go to a certain school. The campus will feel uncomfortable. Trust your parents' judgement, but know that ultimately, this is your decision. It's your future, and if there is somewhere you absolutely want to go or somewhere you absolutely DON'T want to go, make it clear, and work for what you want. To make the most of college, you have to have fun. Choose classes you'll have fun in. Have fun outside of class, but don't be stupid about it. You have to study and do your homework. You won't survive college by procrastinating. Talk to your professors. They want to help you, and they love talking to students. They are great resources for everything. The easiest way to get the most out of college is to love your school and love what you're doing. It may take a while to find exactly what is right for you, but when you do, don't let anything get in your way.

Aaron

Make sure you visit every school that you are considering while class is in session. You wont really know what campus is like unless you can actually observe students that are currently enrolled.

Maggie

Get inolved!

Lindsay

Attending this university can be a struggle for some, but also a very important learning experience. I have learned how important it is to make choices that are suitable for your own needs and not base decisions on the various accolades that an institution has achieved. Even more important than environment, the choices you make regarding the company you keep and the activities in which you involve yourself are paramount. The people and experiences you encounter in this extremely formative period in your lifetime may dictate the rest of your life. The years you spend achieving your degree are not only for learning in the classroom, but also for learning many valuable lessons outside of the classroom. It is important to expose yourself to as many opportunites as possible, keep an open mind and a caring heart. Most of all, work hard to achieve your dreams and don't be afraid to take another path if you should encounter a few bumps in this road called life!

Kristian

Don't overthink it. Find what suits you and make sure the college you pick is comfortable for your lifestyle. When you get to your college or university, don't be afraid to ask questions. Meet lots of new people because the relationships you make could become lifelong bonds. Make this the best time of your life. It is a time of lots of stress, all the while, being a time with lots of fun. Learn how to become independent and self-sufficient. There won't be another period in your life when you are old enough to make important decisions, but young enough to make dumb ones.

Kristen

While looking for the college that best suites your needs. A large university such as Ohio State is perfect for someone looking for an amazing opportunity for excellent research and great internships. Professors at a large university are easily accessed but are extremely busy and usually working on their next book or world changing research product. A small college can allow a student for a more intimate experience by having smaller classes and teachers who are able to focus more on the students. The best advice when choosing a college is to know what experience the student WANTS to have and to choose a college that can give that experience.

Trent

My experience at Ohio State was great because it gave me something different and allowed me to meet a group of friends now that I cannot see them not being my lifetime friends.

Brittany

When looking for the right college or university there are several things I think one should consider. First off is what school is going to best serve you in your area of study. Next on the list should be, what atmosphere would you feel comfortable in. Do you want a big campus or a small one? Is being close to home important? Is it important that the school supports your political or religious views and ideals. Last but definitely not least, is the institution affordable for you. The best way to get the most out of your college experience is to learn balance. Yes you are in school to further your education, but education does not stop where the books end. You need to gain some life experienceswhile in college. Joining clubs and extracurriculars are an easy way to have a life outside of the books. These also can help you in making connections for jobs after graduation as well as make you more prepared for adult life. However, one must be sure to not put too much on their plate. Everything in moderation is what kept me sane and helped me graduated within the four years.

Erica

Parents-Help them, but don't baby your kids. College isn't just about getting them to a good job. If you are helping with tuition, than you do get more of a say, however, the final decisions aren't yours. Watching your child in college is just as much a learning process for you as it is for them. You must resist the reflex of helping them when they fall down, even if it means turning around when they screw up. You have already given them all of your ideals for a great life. Now you can sit back, relax, and celebrate or comfort them through their own journey. Students-I bet the majority of college students question whether or not they picked the right college every day. If you are completely comfortable with your decision, than you are still in an ignorant bliss. Through college (classes and all) people truly discover a little more about themselves. It's not only about graduating cum laude. You will know when you have made the most out of college; but you do NOT need to know how to get there. Really, it's OK, just live a little.

Alyssa

I would tell new students to visit the campuses and stay a weekend if you can. You can't always tell what a campus is like until you're around it during game days and/or actually spend time amongst the students. Also when you're looking, be sure to check on the resources that the college has to offer you. You want to feel as though you're getting the most you can out of your college experience.

Natalie

There's no rush! Many parents feel the need to push their child out the door following high school. Though we are prepared to continue into the college years I feel most students are not ready. We are still very young entering college and don't know quite who we are and what we want to do with our lives. Giving the student maybe a year or two from school allows them to explore their options into what college they want to attend and what major feels right to them without wasting thousands. I believe students would also be more mature and finacially responsible entering college in their twenties. College students are faced with many pressures of finding money, jobs, the right circle of friends, a future , that they tend to lost track of who they really are and why they are there in the first place, to learn! I also think this time would allow students to travel the world, seek different job opportunities and to experience the world beyond the US of A to add to the college experience. Though parents feel the need to keep "parenting" following graduation I feel they should let them explore their self.

Alyssa

Look for somewhere that will make you smile. It doesn't matter where you go, just how well you do.

Emily

Visit all different kinds of schools and don't count out schools until you have visited them. Also, pick the school thats right for YOU, not anyone else.

Corey

Making the most of your college experience begins with selecting the right university, and ends with leaving after your first year. It's all about the first year. You need to talk to students who already attend, and really pick their brains about what goes on around campus...ask about the initiatives the school is taking on, and ask the student to describe what they think the school will look like 10 years down the road. If they say they see it getting forever bigger, and they see a lack of quality for what you will get, look into other education options.

Rashad

Not everyone has to know EXACTLY what they want to do for the rest of their lives. The important thing is to look for a school where you know you'll be able to fit in and enjoy your college experience as well as benefit from what it has to offer. Finding the balance of educational wealth and social wealth is key. College isn't about partying all the time or being as social as you can; it is about taking advantage of what a university has to offer and to learn as much as you can while still enjoying yourself. Dont be afraid to shoot for the stars, not everyone is meant to stay in the city or state that they're from. Never be afraid to apply for a school that might seem outrageous. If you're not going to aim for your dreams, who will?

Kelsey

Make sure you visit schools so that you can get a feel for the campus and the surrounding area. It sounds cliche, but you'll know if a place is right for you when you go there. Be friendly, get involved, and balance work and play. These are some of the best years of your life. Enjoy!

Colton

The very most important thing is to start looking early and to go to all of the colleges you may be interested in. There is no better way to get a feel for a college/campus than to actually go there and visit. All the numbers and statistics in the world don't mean a thing if you don't even like the place. Go to the colleges you're interested in, listen to what they have to tell you about their school, and then take a look around for yourself and see what you can see. If you pick the right school and spend the time to make sure that you really like the school you choose (it's going to be your home for four years) you will never regret it for a moment. That should be something you keep in mind as you look for the right college. You have to find the right place for you. That's the thing.

Brian

I think the most important thing to consider is proximity to resources. It is very important to ensure that your child will have access to at least some of the following: grocery outlets, social venues, research facilities (On/Off Campus), employment, and transportation. Without a few of those key resources, life may be especially difficult. I also think that money should be considered but not the decisive element. I think it is important to see going to school as an investment in the future that will pay large dividends in the future. It is important to see that by spending now, you will increase your income later. I would say that another one of the largest things that a student should do, is really investigate the student activities on campus. Whether your student is looking for social or career based involvement there is so much that is offered. Whether you join a social or academic fraternity/sorority, clubs, or volunteer organizations, it will help diversify your routine and make your school life spontaneous and stimulating.

Martin

Give me the scholarship, please! I stayed up later than I should have to fill this survey out.