Rider University Top Questions

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

Michelle

I would tell myself that I should get involved in everything that I could. I want to be able to be involved in more things and that I would like grow into a better person.

Mike

If I could go back and give myself advice, I would have some suggestions. College is much harder than high school. You have to really work for the grade by studying. I would also tell myself not to procrastinate. It is so much easier to get things done if they are done ahead of time and not at the last minute. I would also tell myself to work on time management. Some classes allow you 3 tries when submitting a test so that the highest grade can be submitted. Allow yourself enough time to get the full number of tries. If you have a deadline of midnight, the computer denies submissions after midnight regardless of the number of tries. Another thing I would tell myself is that all freshman living on campus are in the same situation as me. They are leaving home and meeting new people. Don’t be afraid to mingle and put yourself out there. The campus offers many activities for students knowing that they are away from home. Being involved helps create friendships. I would also tell myself to balance studying and recreation. There is enough time to get good grades and have fun.

Sashawna

The adivce I would give myself is to take extra time to network with other random people. Try to come out of your shell more and take all the opportunities that you can do not wait until the last minute to try and find money or elements for an apllication, do it all in one shot if possible. I would also tell myself not to worry about college text books freshman year and to get them when classes start but to get the next years' text books early. Also do not be afraid to ask for help. Make sure you go to the Support Services' counselor it will help in the long run. The top priorities should me passing classes and finding a job.

Amber

I have always been an achiever in school with many goals I set aside for me. I always knew college would be in my future. As a high school senior I often wondered about college and now that I am in college it was the best choice I could have made

Gillian

Change is beautiful and you are ready to move on. Your family will always be there physically, but they do love and support you. Always remain true to yourself and your character. Remember the past but do not live in it. You are about to become an adult, but never lose your child-like sense of wonder. Treat everyone you meet with kindness and respect. You never know what role they will play in your life. Be especially considerate to those you live with. They will become your life-long friends. Respect your body and your freedom. Do not be afraid of failure. You will never truly master anything until you have gone over the cliff and brought yourself back again. Take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. You never know what unfound passions will be discovered. Never underestimate the power of raw creativity. Always remember your passion for music and communication of the human condition. Although you may get tired and frustrated never lose sight of that drive. Every silence is a pregnant possibility for sound. Keep spinning songs from silvery threads of thought.

Megan

They say you need to learn to do laundry. They say you need to know how to manage your time. They even say you need to “be aware” of the alcohol consumption on campus. But what they don’t tell you is that both washing machines in your dorm will always be in use unless it’s three on a Friday afternoon. Or that you probably shouldn’t use the few skips you have within the first six weeks. So what you really need to know is this: not everything works out the way you plan. Your dorm room becomes a huge mess within the first two weeks, because no matter how little you bring with you, there are always too many belongings in too small a room. The “freshman fifteen” is real. So, don’t blow off going to the gym and don’t think you can eat like all the guys. For some reason, God blessed men with metabolisms as fast as the speed of light. Women did not get that lucky. Most of all, don’t procrastinate. You will kick yourself later when pulling that all-nighter. Oh, and when all else fails, just remember to breathe.

AnneMarie

If I were to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself that there is a need for everyone to take time for themselves. Although school is extremely important, it is also important for one to give their mind a rest and enjoy themselves. This does not necessarily mean going out to a party; however, one can simply relax by reading a book that is enjoyable to them. I worked and studied so hard in high school and in my previous years of college that I never got the chance to enjoy myself and experience life. However, I have now realized that life experiences and relaxation are vital to everyone no matter what part of the journey of life they are on.

Alexandra

The advice that I would give to my High School Senior self, would be that it is not worth fretting over the small stuff and college is not as hard as everyone says it is. As long as you apply yourself and work hard, you will succeed without a hitch.

LaShea

The number one advice I would give myself as a high school senior is to pursue my passion. I truly believe that if one enjoys what he or she does, that person will never work a day in his or her life. While I was in high school, I had a passion for the arts. I enjoyed art, music, literature, and foreign languages. I didn't have anyone to advise me in a chosen career path. Thinking I was being reasonable, I majored in Business Administration. Close to graduation, I realized that I didn't possess a passion for this field. However, I have no regrets. I did receive a degree and my life's experiences have made me who I am today. Knowing this, I would tell myself that everything will work out as it should, if I do my best. I can utilize what I have learned to successfully meet the requirements to graduate with B. A. in English. This degree will be one step closer to fulfilling my dream of becoming a tenured professor of English. In this role, I can be an advisor to a student who just may need guidance like I did.

Pilar

If I could go back in time and be a high school senior, I would give myself a lot of advice about what to expect during my first year of college. During high school I studied a lot, but I did not study nearly as much as I do now. Because I study so much now, my grades are really good. If I had studied more in high school, I would be more prepared for college. Another thing I would have informed myself of is the use and importance of time management. I quickly learned how to manage my time as a college freshman. Throughout high school, I always had so many activities and other things to do besides school. Upon going to college, I learned that the most important thing in my life should be school. So now, I put school and studying first, and then make time for all of my other activities. I really wish I could go back to tell myself these helpful words of wisdom from my college freshman self.