Sam Houston State University Top Questions

What should every freshman at Sam Houston State University know before they start?

T

I picked to you go this school because I could afford it, it was close to home so I could commute if I needed to. It is a great friendly and learning enviroment. So, pick the university that best appeals to your needs and what you can afford.

Shannon

Finding the university that fits a potential college freshman is imperative in making them feel more adaptable to the huge changes that are about to occur. Make sure that you are able to feel at ease during your orienation or campus tour. The tour guides at Sam Houston and other univeristies are usually more than happy to answer any questions. It is very important to find out information regarding your university that you may attend. A well known fact. that is slowly discovered as a college student, is that no question is a stupid question; with that in mind be sure to ask as many questions at orientation as well as during your entire education experience. The most important thing to keep in mind is comfort at your university, whether it be your major or the school in general. If you're not comfortable for any reason, you should talk to someone and see if there is any way you can feel more at ease. Most freshman deal with this issue, but it is easily resolved within the first few weeks away at school. They can join clubs or groups to help feel more involved within their new school.

Leann

College should be an experience that enhances your life. People you will meet, activities you will take part it, and the lessons you will learn will change how you see the world. Find a college that has the capability of offering those things to you. Find a college that is open to new ideas. Find a college that allows the diversity of the campus population to engage in activities that are specific to their interests. While in college, joining organizations, taking part in on-campus activities, and even small groups like study sessions, will only add to the college lifestyle. Meeting new people is the biggest reason, besides actually receiving an education, a student should attend college. The people you meet there will offer a whole new perspective to you and, as you will see, college is the perfect place to find who you are as a person and what you are capable of achieving.

Jenny

When choosing a college or university to attend it is best to consider things like what would feel like home, would you rather be somewhere with tons of classmates, or fewer classmates, and does the college/university have a good curriculium in the area you want to major in. Students should get involved in some sort of event, even if it means a small club or organization. Not everyone has to be in a sorority or fraternity, just get involved in something to keep you active. Attending sporting events is fun and a great way to hangout with friends, and to meet new ones. While in college enjoy the time, study hard, and be thankful for learning while having fun.

Sara

Visit college campuses before making decisions. Ask a lot of questions. Find out what programs are available at the school and see if those programs will meet the needs of your student. Also look for social networks available on campus that might help your student not only get plugged in, but also make friends throughout their college career. Also, encourage them while they are still in high school to develop the proper study skills and time management that is essential to success at college. Other than academics, scope out the towns in which the colleges are located and compare them to not only the student's hometown, but the personality of your student and ask yourself "will they be able to adjust?" Last but certainlky not least, pick more than one college when applying because it is not always clear what life will throw at you, whether it be acceptance or finances. It is always good to have a back up plan

Ashley

Make sure that when you pick a college, pick somewhere you will be most comfortable. Don't go because your friends are going or because that's where your parents want you to go because you will not get the full experience of college if you do that. Your best bet is to visit college campuses and observe like crazy inorder to find out what type of atmosphere you are getting yourself into. Also when you schedule a tour make sure you go during a long semester not close to a holiday so you can see how it really is. Other than that keep your grades up once you get to college and become a part of extracurricular activities to enhance your experience.

Kendall

I would have to say beforehand to really try and save your money, especially if you come from a low income family. it is really hard to find money for school. after I think you should find a school that you know you will be completely comfortable at. because if you aren?t then you wont really focus on your school work.

Sandra

Look at the type of people who go to the college your researching when making a decision of where the student should go. Look at what greek system is in place and what there is to do outside of the classroom. No only is this important to the social life of the student, but it also decides the academic atmosphere and whether there are any outside distractions that may hinder your student's educational progress.

Ruben

Never give up! Always believe in yourself, no matter what anyone else thinks about you. When you are looking for a college to get into make sure that college offers your specific career field and is in high rankings with that department. A college education sets you apart from the everyday citizen in society which makes you an elite. Since you make the choice to strive for further education. So don't waste your time and money partying and drinking with friends. Your in college to do one thing get an education to hopefully get a nice job afterwards. Make alot of new friends and treat them with respect and likewise that is how you will be treated. Interact with your teachers and let them know that you are here to learn and get an education not to be in class and be counted as a person in the body count because you just might need them one day to help you or even list down as a reference when it comes down to job hunting time. But, all in all enjoy college while you can but, be responsible in your actions. Because education comes first and foremost.

Leigha

Parents should not control where their children go to college. It should be up to the child to pick the best environment for themselves. Also a students need to look at the environment, size of school, and whether or not the school has the classes and subjects they are interested in.

Jessica

First of all, to the parents, I would encourage them to direct their child, but not be pushy during the selection process. This is an important time in their life. Don't try to chose for your child, but be there for them during this time to help them explore all of their opportunities. To the students, I encourage you to examine all of the aspects of the schools that you are applying to. Don't chose a school just because you know your friends are going there or they have great facilities. While this can be great, there are so many other things to consider before jumping into a college career. So take your time, ask questions, and make sure it's the school for you.

Ayotomiwa

The most important thing is finding the school that matches you the best rather than worrying about prestige and big names.

Dustin

Pick a college where you feel comfortable, maybe not too far from home because sometimes you'll feel the need to reconnect with home and friends you left behind. That allows you to refocus and continue. Parents have to give the student their own space and recognize that they are becoming adults and let them make their own decisions about what it right for them. But students need to remember the love and wisdom that they can gain by listening to their parents. Your family are the people who love you unconditionally and truly want the best for you. I work and carry a full academic load and even though it is extremely difficult at times, it is also rewarding and is teaching me how to handle the real world. College is a time that young people need to learn just what it takes to suceed in the world on their own. So at graduation they are ready to take on that world, not go back to their parents home and try to learn to start taking care of themselves. They should be ready to venture out and take on the world on their own terms. Dustin Palm

Calle

Do not go to a school just because it is close to your friends because in the end you want to make new friends but also going to school with your friends could just mess up the friendship. You also do not want to give in to peer pressure always go to class and do your homework. Also study twoce as much as you think you need to.

Elizabeth

Really plan out your degree and have options available if emergencies should arise. Plan on doing your best always and really work hard to do well, so that when you get to go out and have fun, you can really have fun and not worry about school.

Jonathan

I would say that you need to look at what you want to do in life and base your decision off of what you want to make of yourself. The social part of school will be there no matter what school you go to, and friends will always be there as long as you put yourself out there, so don't worry about those factors. Get involved but make sure that you have time for studying. It is a long toller coaster ride so be prepared to have ups and downs and know that it is normal to have hard times, but know also that the good always is so much better than the bad.

Talrah

look around

Haley

In my experience, the best way to find the right college is, first, to decide whether or not to attend an in-state school. Second, if the funds are available, visiting the school is the best way to decide if the school is the right one. I visited three campuses and found that the college I am attending now made me feel the most comfortable even though I had no idea where to go or how to get where I wanted to go at first. Making the best of the college experience is up to the student. However, I have found that keeping in touch with my parents is essential for my emotional well-being. College is tough, and I get frustrated and feel over-whelmed often, but my parents are always there for me when I call. Parents cannot be the only means of support, though. Friends are extremely important because students have to get away from their books sometimes. That can mean going to the movies or just having a bite to eat, but it is vital to maintain a healthy state of mind.

Sarah

I would advise parents to encourage their children to attend college in the first place. Whether the money is there or not, education is a key success in our world. For students I would advise getting very involved. May I be more specific and say getting involved in the right crowd. Universities offer so many different organizations (for your major or interests), religious groups, athletic groups, or whatever you can think of. Staying cooped up in your dorm is no way to experience college or even do well. Get to know people and find study groups. Make education the priority and make time for the social. Having friends who will suffer through staying up late and studying are a great way to experience college.

Amber

The best advice is to visit college campuses that you are interested, and talk to people that are a part of that community so you can get a really good feel for what the campus experience is like! And don't let anyone influence your decision, pick the college that you want to go to, not what your best friend wants!