Purdue University-Main Campus Top Questions

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

Bailey

College life gets so much better after the first month. The first month I was at school, I hated it. I came in not knowing anyone and I was terrified that I would't find any friends. The first month is an awkward stage for most people. Everyone is in the same boat, so don't feel like you're the only one who's lonely. After the first month people start getting more comfortable at being at a new place and you become closer and closer to the friends you have made. So don't give up the first month, wait it out and then the fun begins!

Melinda

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to jot down a list of all of my fears pertaining to college, and then order myself to rip it to shreds! Before leaving, I was teeming with emotions. Knowing that I soon would be breaking away from my family and friends would often send me into a fit of hysterics. The thought of saying good-bye to my boyfriend made me nauseous. Worst of all, I had no idea what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. It has now been five months, and I am happier than ever! I still have my wonderful boyfriend, and I visit my family and friends at least once a month. All of my worst fears have faded into the distance, and my true ambitions have been brought to light. Never again will I let my little fears bring me down, and thanks to the enlightening experiences I have had here at college, I know that I will succeed no matter what new obstacle comes my way.

Cody

The advice I would give myself as a high school senior is very simple. Its words are straightforward but the meaning behind them is truly profound. This simple advice is "be yourself." It appears that every teenager is desperate for a way to fit in with society. This often means transforming ourselves into something we simply are not. We rely on revealing clothes, fake actions, and artificial friends. Sometimes under pressure, we simply conform to the stereotype that everyone has of us. In high school, i was known as the smart boy with no popular friends, who did nothing but study to get his usual straight A's. However, my peers could not have been more wrong about me. Unfortunately, I was too concerned about upholding the impression that everyone had of me, and found myself unable to break out of my shell. To my surprise, I soon found out during my transition into college that all I have to do is be myself. There is no need to impress anyone and no stereotype to uphold. When I am myself I am active, involved, and outgoing. I am loved by my true friends and I am simply the real me.

Kara

Looking back, I would have to say that my senior year of high school was the most confusing time in my life. I actually ended up going to freshman orientations at 2 universities and decided at the last minute to attend Purdue University. I had no idea where I wanted to see myself in 4 years, yet alone how I would get there. However, once I began my studies and worked extremely hard, my goals became more apparent and achievable. Amidst all the chaos of being a freshman, I discovered a class that sparked my interest. After the first day of my forensic science class, I knew that I wanted to study law and the rest fell into place. As a first semester freshman I excelled, and I believe one reason is because I am studying something that I love. In conclusion, this past semester I have discovered that my future is entirely up to myself and the choices I make along the way. Looking back, I wish that senior year I would have known that what university you attend isn't what is most important, what is most important is that you are studying something that you truly love.

Natasha

NATASHA!!! FILL OUT THOSE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS AND GET INTO THE HABIT OF STUDYING. Those would be my exact words if I could go back in time to my senior year. It feels like I have run into so many financial hardships ever since I walked on campus. If I would had simply filled out more scholarships like I know I should have I probably wouldn't have had all this hardship and stress. I guess I didn't know how serious and important it was to get money for school but boy do I know now. I would have also told myself to get into a study habit. At my high school we called senior year the highway because everyone cruised right through it. Coming from a year where I did nothing to a year where all I do is go to class and study two hours for every hour I'm in class was a very big transition. I do regret not knowing or doing these things, but they were a life lesson well learned.

Leah

I would tell myself to get more involved with the many activities at school. I don't thinkit would be wise to sign up for every opportunity that came along. It would be best to pick a few groups that would fit me best and stick with them. There are so many options there would definately be a match somewhere. Getting involved will definately enrich any college experience.

Kristin

I would tell myself to search for a career in which I'd want to work in within the future, and with that, I would tell myself to search for strong and renown academic programs within the US in which I was planning to study. Also, I would tell myself to search more for scholarships and grants available for undergraduate students. AND I would also tell myself to make the most of life when I attend college; college should not only be a time for studying and getting good grades, but for also making life-long friendships and having a good time. I would also stress the fact that if I don't feel comfortable at a university, I should consider transferring to a different one. And in regards to living situations, I would tell myself to NOT live with strangers, even if I would save money in the long run. I'd rather pay a greater rent rather than living in stressful, uncomfortable living situations.

Shaderen

I would say I, make sure that you keeping checking on your school statis. Make sure you sign all promisory notes, since you applied for financial aid. Attend all of the meeting the college has for incoming students. Apply for every scholarship and grant that the college will accept from you. And save some money for college, so you buy college material and things you think you would need.

Nichole

Oh high school. If I could go back and talk to myself about college, I would say that all the homework you have now is easy and there is not much to it. All of what is going on in high school will disapear when you graduate. All the extra time you have will be used up for studying, and you can' get away with not studying in college if you want to succeed. I would tell myself to take every piece of advice from the teachers, yes they may be hard on you sometimes, but you are a jewel and all they are trying to do is help you shine and be as brilliant as you hope and are. You succeed and you fail, but you learn from each failure and they strenghten you and help you to strive harder for what you want. You have to work for your goal. You are your own hero, and if you know you can make it, and never give up, you will shine. Observe, listen, learn, and never give up. They will help you to your goal.

Marissa

If I could travel back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to study for every class no matter how easy it seems. When I came to college I studied like I did in high school, which turned out ineffective with rigorous college level courses. After my first round of exams I realized my studying habits had to change quickly, or my grades would suffer. In high school you have so much homework that it rounds out any bad tests or quizzes. But in college you have a couple quizzes and four exams, which count as your entire semeste grade. I never knew one test could affect your grade so deeply, until now. Although I've learned through my mistakes, it would have been nice if I came to college with this knowledge of studying. I could have prevented many stressful and anxious days if I would have known this from day one.

Kerri

If I were to go back in time and give myself advice about college life, I would simply say that I should always be true to myself. Regardless of the situation, be it picking the right college or the choices you make once you arrive on campus, you must be true to yourself. When you are deciding on what college is right for you, you must think about what you truly want and desire from this experiance. If you pick a college because a parent, sibling or boyfriend/girlfriend pushes you to then you may greatly resent them for that choice later in life. You have to set limits and goals for yourself as a student and at this point in your life its a challenge, because for the first time mom and dad arent there to make you clean your room or do homework or even go to class. The best advice I can give is that you find your fit when picking a school. Because, college isnt just about going to class and getting a degree. Much of what you learn while in college is about social and emotional growth.

Senate

Do NOT take any time off, going back is harder than it sounds. stay in school!!!

Sarah

I would have a lot of advise for myself. First, do not under any circumstances let yourself get off track with your classes and distracted by the excitement of your new found independence. Second, remember what kind of student you are and what motivates you to do well. Dont let those things slip out of your mind for even an instant. Third, remember that being away from home is going to be good for you, dont look at it as if you are living two separate lives but as if this is a new and very different part of your current life. Fourth, forget all your insecurities and become more confident in yourself because you can never hope to acheive everything you have always dreamed about if you dont. Finally, let yourself enjoy every minute of your new life. Dont let fear or hesitation let you pass up any opertunities at all. College is going to be great but you can make it even better.

NiNi

Walking down the 3rd floor hall, I turned left into the library. I saw Mary and Sue, and I stopped for our usual 20 minute 'whisper and tell' conversation, as I made my way to those rows of shelves that held extensive information I knew nothing about. It was time for the old finish-that-term-paper due in 2 days. I loved knowledge, I loved exploration, but acting class and rollerskating held my attention even more. Maybe I could delay my research an hour more? Yet, having access to the knowledge of college life and making the transition from high school, I talked to that girl between the rows of shelves in that library. "Girl!!!, Sweet child, return to your post. The days are short, they past by soon. Every action, every choice impacts your tomorrow. Stay put, and do the essentials of responsibilities. Learn quickly what you have to do, find out how to do it, and do it. Yes, even this term paper will influence the grades that distinguish you in this world and create a doorway to opportunities for your very life."

Tabitha

The advice I would give myself is to be certain of what I want to do. I changed from nursing to psychology and wasted alot of money doing classes that I didn't need. I would have also decided to go to Purdue University my first year of college also. The major thing I would have said to myself is to save money and to not get the paret plus loan. I also think I should've gone to financial aid office earlier and discussed my options instead of assuming that I had no choice, but to get the parent plus loan. The other major thing I would've said to do was to sign up for more schloarships. In conclusion, I should'e told myslef to be more reaistic and use my money more wisely.

Madison

Before entering college, I had been friends with the same people since elementary school. It was a shock when I first started attending school. I would study, eat, walk, and do everything else by myself. I wish someone would have told me to try and make friends immediately. I now have different groups of friends who I can relate to. My grades have improved because my friends are able to help me in my classes. I am involved in more clubs and outside activities because of my new friends. Most of all, I have met people who are understanding and fun. I wish someone would have to told me to be more open when meeting new people because, in the long run, I will have a better college career and life.

Brandon

I would have told myself to be more outgoing and open when meeting new people. I didn't meet a lot of new people my freshman year and I think that I was left out on a lot of things. I would have also told myself to enjoy the time I had in high school because college is definetly a lot more challenging. It also would have been helpful if I had good study habits before getting here.

Tyler

Prepare yourself and treat high school as prep for college. Learn study tactics that will help you succeed and don't consider yourself to be so smart that studying is not needed in your top subjects.

Kaia

My advice to myself would be quite simple: Don't worry, everything will work itself out. When you go to college, it's an easy transition. You'll find friends, you'll lose some friends, but everything will work out, even if it seems like the end at the time of the rocky steps. You'll fall into a fantastic hobby, find out who your true friends are, and find out what you're destined to do with your life...and realize that Purdue University was the best decision. Without it, you wouldn't have found out your true self and never would have discovered how amazing life can be. If there is one thing to remember it's this: Don't be afraid, for there will only come good things, even if the good comes through a loss.

Margaret

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself that the people I met in high school, none of them will really be my friends once I leave the state. Going to Purdue will change my outlook on everything, friends, family, how I view myself. Coming here will make me learn to live on my own, make decisions I never had to make before. Being a full time student and getting good grades is more important than thinking about getting a job and trying to handle that and being a full time student. I would tell myself that there will be moments that I will want to give up but I mustn't. The hardest part of being at college is realizing that I'm on my own.Learn to make friends, be open to new people, their ideas, who knows who will become your new friend(s) and you'll hangout with. Try not to hold onto high school life, it's not worth looking back on. The future and dental school are much closer and in reach now that I'm in college. Work hard, never give up.