Old Dominion University Top Questions

What should every freshman at Old Dominion University know before they start?

Benjamin

The most important part in selecting the right college is to pick the right size with the right major (if you know it). If you are a self motivated individual who is good at staying on track, a big college should be the right fit. It has the majors, the sports, the campus life, diversity, greek life, the whole college experience and more. However, it can be intimidating to those who have trouble asking for help and for those who require more personal attention. If you want smaller classes, more 1 on 1 time with your teacher, and again, a more personal feel, pick a small college. These colleges may be more expensive, but are well worth it if they are more fulfilling to the student. I started out in a private college of 5,000 and transfered to a public college of 25,000 my second year. I went from small classes with lots of interaction, to huge classes, where for me, it was hard to concentrate. Parents or students, it is worth the extra cost if you needthe personal attention, it all depends on what you are looking for. So choose the right fit.

Dawn

Picking a college is not as simple as it looks. You can't just receive a bunch of college flyers in the mail, close your eyes, and pick one and expect it to be the right fit. The best way to choose a college that's right for you is to travel to the different campuses. This is because the last thing you want on move-in-day is to feel like you made a mistake. The best way to answers your questions is to go to the school and talk to people. You can get a feel for what a college is like just by walking around and observing how the students interact and asking questions. Are they friendly to one another? Or is there more of an independent vibe going on? If you're a guy, are there lots of hot girls on campus? If you're a girl, do the guys seem to treat the women with respect or as objects? Take your parents along, too. You'll want their approval later. Don't forget to take time to explore by yourself while you're there because remember you'll be there for at least 4 years.

Eric

The school is growing.

Sarah

First, look at the majors that they offer. Look at the community around the school and the amount of diversity of the school. Be social. The first year, it is best for a student to live in an on campus residence because it makes it easier to meet people and make friends.

Farrah

Try to find a college that best fits you. Look to see if the university offers courses that suit you well. Also visit college campuses to see how the atmosphere is.

Chad

I would tell them to focus on finding a school that is highly recommended because of their academics. Don't choose a school to attend solely because of the name, or because most of your friends are attending that college. Choose the school that best fits your personality, and is best qualified at helping you achieve want you want out of life.

Geyo

I would recommend that they find a certain major that they would like to attempt as well as a back-up major and find a college that specializes in those fields.

Rebecca

Never go to a college just because your best friend is going to go.

Courtney

I would say that the college that you go to must fit inwith your personal stye and the goeals that you or your child wish to accompish. It is one thing to just get a degree, but the experecnce that you gain form college will also effect your life forever.

Rachel

The most important thing to consider is what your education is really worth. There are lots of good colleges and universities out there that offer lots of money to everyone and could be a perfect fit for you, but don't give up on the college of your dreams. There are lots of scholarships financial aid out there if you know where to look. Do some research and don't immediately rule out more expensive colleges.

Justin

visit the campus and get a feel for the atmosphere. Go to any sort of preview event or event that allows the prospective student to stay overnight on campus without the parent in order for the student to see how they like it on their own.

James

The best thing to do is to discover what you really want to do with your life and if it's affordable. Make sure there are a lot of on-campus activities and community volunteer possibilities. Don't just sit around and allow it to pass you by, seize the opportunity of learning something new or help someone you never would have thought to help.

Stephanie

Parents should not let their kids make rash decisions, like trying to follow boyfriends or things llike that. Parents should sit down with their kids, ask them what they want to do and not push them into something just for the sake of making money. Parents should also ask their kids if they want to go to school or not. For students I would say the first semester of college is hard, and I stupidly transferred to follow my ex-boyfriend to ODU. I wish I had never left George Mason University, I regret it everyday because I have a useless humanities degree from Old Dominion University. I am currently working on a second Bachelor's because of the mistakes I pushed myself into as well as the mistakes my parents pushed me into as well. Bottom Line : If you are going to college, take it seriously and consider the school that has the most opportunities and that will work for you and not deal you a raw hand like Old Domionion does everyday.

Patrick

Go where you feel like you could make you hame and look for help finding money other people know more.

Mikole

When applying to schools, make campus visits during times when students are in school. That way, you can not only tour buildings and programs offered but also find out what student life is like. Also, check the school website/talk to public safety to find out what is common (are thefts,rape, arson, etc. common?) because you don't get that information from tours, that often makes the school less attractive but it is reality that you should know about. When you start school, talk to upperclassmen who have taken the classes that you're taking to find out what you can do to improve on your study methods. If you can, go home on some weekends so that you can get away from the "stressful school environment" at least until you get used to being away from family.

Nicole

I feel the most important thing to finding a college that fits you is to look into the programs that are offered. Undecided or decided try to make sure it is at least two options available for you. It is a high statistic that students change their major. As far as the college experience is concerned I always tell students, "College is what you make it". If you get involved, stay on campus, and actually meet people the experience will be one like no other. However, if you stay in and not allow yourself to be social the experience may not be great. Go to college, whichever school it is, with a open mind ready to learn and expand your life in many ways. College is more than a classroom its variety of opportunities!

June

Don't just select a school on what your intended major is going to be--explore your options and understand that your major can and probably will change during your first or second year in college. VISIT the schools you apply to before you make your decision, and don't pick a school just because your boyfriend/girlfriend/or best friend did!

Christine

Make sure it is in a location in which you will be comfortable in. Find out what services the college offers and what other students think of the professors and other important information specfically geared toward your choices. Don't select a college just because it is cheaper or your friends go there. This is your experience, make the most of it.

Ben

My advice is simple. Pick a school that best reflects what you want to study and what would make you happy, not where you are pressured or expected to go.

Alexander

Just make sure you feel really comfortable with the area and atmosphere and you should be fine. Every college had its flaws