Ohio University-Main Campus Top Questions

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

Kimberly

I would study harder and take my classes more seriously. I would participate even more in athletics and extra-curriculars. I would not "party" as much on the weekends and during the summer. Instead, I would do more volunteer work and academic internship and take both more seriously. I would have strived harder to get higher academic scholarships and would have picked a different college than Miami University of Ohio for my freshman year. I would have been more respectful toward my teachers and parents.

Shana

The advice I would give my high school senior self is don't ever give up. People may tell you, you can't do this or that, but you can. Enjoy every little second of being home because you will miss it, but once you go home with you will miss your other home which is your college. Also just keep striving for your dreams and never let go.

Theresa

Independence is not measured by distance. You do not have to move miles from home to gain freedom from your parents. Choose a school that is only as far away as you are willing to travel multiple times – because you most likely will. In college, your view of life will change. Use it as an experience to learn about yourself. Try new things. Talk to people you normally would not befriend. Get involved in the community and organizations. Make a list of all the events you want to participate in before you graduate. Do them! Try things you feel you are not capable of succeeding at. You will surprise yourself. Challenge things you were taught in your rearing. Distinguish who you are and who you want to be. First, determine your goals. Then, plan how you will accomplish them. Learn through your mistakes. Take on leadership positions. Take the class you feared in high school. Use all the resources your college has to offer. You are responsible for making the most of your college experience. I can guarantee if you work hard, utilize resources, and get involved, you will be shocked by how much you learn and grow!

Melissa

"Don't compromise...." Those two words are words I wish someone would have told me my first few months of college. I had a more difficult time than I though I would adjusting to college life. I missed my family and friends from home, and I felt as though I couldn't find anyone who didnt want to go out and party and drink. I ended up joining a sorority, at the urging of a friend in my dorm, and I really thought I was going to love my experience. While there are things about my time in the sorority that I remember fondly, I made some decisions that I said I never would. I found myself surrounded by people my age who wanted to "live the college experience." If I would have been prepared for this, I believe I might not have been willing to compromise to try to fit in, but I did. I am lucky that I figured it out soon enough... don't try to be someone you are not to please people who don't care. I do not regret the decisions I made because they helped me to become the person I am today.

janice

Dear Janice, It is inevitable for you to make mistakes in high school especially when there are so many obstacles you have to face. The decisions that you make now can make a big impact on your future. Preparation and determination can help you overcome your fears as you enter the real world. You may not know this but you will be a mother one day to a beautiful baby girl who will ultimately make you a better person. You will be in college pursuing a degree in Nursing, and it may be 9 years later but you finally made the right decision to follow your dreams. As for now, think about the bigger picture, and what you can accomplish as a senior in high school. Be the best you can be, aim for higher goals, attend school dances, enjoy life while you are young, but most of all, go beyond your expectations. Graduate with your classmates while you hold your head up high, and remember that you have the potential to be great. There is such a thing called failure, but as long as you learn from your mistakes, you will be somebody one day. Sincerely, Your Successful Self

Jasmine

If I could go back and chat with my high school self, the greatest advice I could give me would be to live for you, and not for others. You have a big heart, but how can you help others when self isn't complete? I would also tell self that there is no time for breaks, keep doing what you always been doin and stay involved. There is plenty of time to rest later when you are complete. Think about how quickly high school flew by, four years is a breeze. Friends come and go, so no need to stress keeping those people around who arent intended to be there when God has other plans for you. Struggling now pays for the future, so its ok to were sweats for a while. Above all else study first, no procrastination, this will give you more free time than you imagine!

Claire

The opinions that people hold do not mean a thing. You are about to go into an entirely new environment and old opinions are nothing. Hold you head high and make your decisions with no guilt or reservations. Make sure you are doing what you want to do. The people that matter will always matter and they will be there, a different state does not mean lost ties. Home is exactly where you left it! It always will be! Take the leap now and know that you have grown and are growing. Being independent is power. Being one of a group is a wonderful thing, but realizing that you are okayon your own, which you will, is so much more powerful. Knowing that you are a success, doing well, and it is completely the product of yourself is like magic, and it builds an inner confidence that nothing else provides. High school is wonderful and don't discount the growth that has happened within these walls. This region that you currently deny is a part of every inch of self. Know who you are and be ready to learn so much more. Good luck, you'll be great.

Erin

In order to better prepare myself for college, I would give myself the vital advice of being proactive on campus from day one. To begin, college is an experience primarily dependent on what you put into it. On the first day, it is key to keep your dorm door open and to step out of your comfort zone to reach out and meet new people. In addition, making a friend in every class is very beneficial. This allows you to have a person to study with, communicate with about assignments, and an automatic friend. All of these aspects help to make the transition to school a more comforting and wonderful experience. Also, I would also suggest setting aside time to study and work on class assignments. College is a place where the social scene is fun, new, and can be very distracting. In order to best succeed, you must set aside time to study and prepare and stick to this schedule. This prevents you from partying too frequently and letting your social life get in the way and helps you from keeping your goal of graduation and learning at the front of your mind.

Victoria

Stress. You don't know what stress means when relating it to academics until you have stepped foot into a college classroom. You think that high school is hard?! You're crazy! High school is like walking to the cafeteria, getting a piece of cake, and having the teacher spoon feed it to you until you can't take the creamy, richness of the chocolate anymore! In college, my friend, you must find the cafeteria, cake, and spoon yourself, and there isn't anyone around to help you consume that wonderful piece of joy! But don't get me wrong: college is fantastic! You're going to love it! The freedom, responsibility, maturity, and time management you acquire will truly shape you into a fabulous person with a bright future. I suggest going for the "diversified" approach. Go to the Recreation Center, join several student organizations, and try some International food or attend a concert. Whatever you do, enjoy these years of truly finding yourself! College is the key to opening the door to the rest of your future, so if you want to have a smile on your face as you open that door, experience new activies with confidence!!

Ashley

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high scholl senior, there would be many things that I would change. College is very important if you want to pursue a career. You may not see it in high school, but as soon as you attend college you will see how important it really is. I recieved good grades in high school, but I didnt take it as serious as I should have. Now that I am in college I realize just how important every single grade is. The advice that I would give myself is to study as much as I could and make sure to do every single homework assignment. Doing homework helps understand the material better. Also, most of the homework leads up to the next test and it will help you better prepare for the upcoming test. I would also make sure I knew what career path I wanted to take. I have been in college for almost 3 years and I swicthed my major a few times which wasted time and money. I now know what I want to do and thats occupational therapy.