The University of Alabama Top Questions

What should every freshman at The University of Alabama know before they start?

Sydney

Before you get to college, apply for as many scholarships as you can, and don't be afraid to brag about your accomplishments in your resume. Once you get accepted, start networking with students who already attend the university as well as students who will be entering college at the same time as you. It's definitely better to live on-campus your freshman year, because it's the best way to meet people and make friends that will last you throughout college. Don't be afraid to ask questions, and never take no for an answer when you're trying to get into the classes you want to take. Also, make sure you email or talk to your professors ahead of time to let them know who you are and what you will be expected to do in their course the following semester. Another good thing to do your first year of school is join clubs and teams that interest you. This will help you make friends, help others, and do what you love. I would suggest studying two hours per every hour spent in class. And last but not least, when you go home, bring back the leftovers.

Stephanie

Go to a place that you love and would want to spend 4 years or more at because it is like your home away from home.

Corey

Make sure you visit the campus, preferably when school is in. Talk to actual students, not just tour guides. Ask to meet a professor in the field you are interested in. Sit in on a class if you can. Get to know how the school handles classes. Stay over with a student in a dorm room to get a taste of dorm life. If you don't like community baths, you can find out during the stay, not on your first day at school when you can't do anything about it. Go out an have fun on the weekends, but always make it to class Monday morning, even if you do have a hangover. Don't be afraid to talk to your professors. They arn't there to make you flunk out of college. If you have a problem, they will work with you on it if you talk to them and ask to work it out in a decent manner.

Steven

Take your time with this decision and find a place that is conducive to learning. After all, this is when you as an individual shape yourself and really begin to find out who you are.

Clifton

Ask the students on campus about the school, because most of them will be very honest. Talk to the campus leaders and find out what they like about the school and if they would have choosen a different route.

Erick

Try new things all the time. Be open-minded and forget old prejudices.

Jessie

Future college students need to apply to every school that strikes an interest in them. Often application time for high school seniors is overwhelming with so many options and not enough time. This might cause biased or clouded judgement when it comes to selecting a school. Applying early to a wide variety of schools will allow time for pondering and accomodation of any changes in needs and interests that may arise. Making college visits and having interactions with the student body is also vital to finding the right college. Parents need to ease the students anxieties and encourage them to have an open mind about future education possibilities. The college experience is made of the people you meet and the things you learn. One's character and beliefs are greatly shaped during the college years, and this always needs to remembered. Students should find time for solitude and personal reflection in the midst of chaotic times. Furthermore, the chaotic times should be appreciated just as much as the peaceful and happy times. Lastly, students should seek to befriend unique individuals and dig deeper into the studies they enjoy because these aspects of the college experience make a person grow.

Jonathan

I would suggest to visit the colleges and maybe even stay a night with someone there, this will give the student the full experience, maybe even go to a couple of classes to see what the teachers are like.

Tamar

In finding the right college, parents and children need to know the strengths and weekness of the potential student such as if the child is not easily focused, a college that is known nationally for parties would not be the one. You first need to start researching and visiting campuses early. It'll get everybody excited about this new facet of life and also give you a small taste of what to expect. Prepare financially and see what schools are with in your budget taking miscellaneous money into consideration as well. See what college has the best program for you aspiring career, but don't pick your career too early before you determine if you are cognitively capable of fulfilling the requirements. If feasible, find a college that is driving distance just in case you get too stresses or home sick. YOU DON'T WANT TO BE STRANDED. Attending orientation helps you make friends in a foreign place, because all those people are just getting started just like you. Go to class, get to know your professors and study, study, study. You'll love college!!!!

Stephen

My advice for parents and/or students would be to schedule a campus tour of the college that you are considering attending. It really helps out to get a feel of how things are happening on campus.

Morgan

Go where you feel the connection. That's all you need to know.

Danielle

Do your best to select a college that best fits your personality. It is very important that you visit the campus before you decide that is where you would like to go. Research everything that you possibly can about that school and even interview students that go to that college/university. Where you attend college has a huge impact on shaping your life as you become an adult and will be an environment that prepares you to become an individual in the world. Choose wisely as you make this major decision and consider a choice that fits your social, religious, and academic preferences. Making the most of your years at school will be affected by where you go and the people that you meet there. Don't stress, just research and you'll know where the right place is for you.

Corey

Visit the college. You don't get a true picture of the college's atmosphere until you visit it, preferably while classes are in session. Talk to regular students if you can, not just the people who lead you on your tours. Apply for any and all scholarships you can, because you never know what you are applicable for or what you might get, you could be suprised. Always fill out your FAFSA and don't be afraid of getting federal loans. Once you get into college, don't automatically join every thing you can. Take your time to feel out the different organizations and don't be afaid to join one off the beaten path that fits your ideals and hobbies. These are the people you will want to associate with. Last word of advice: go out and have fun, but make sure you are in class on Monday morning, even with a hangover.

Sara

This is a great school. School spirit is high for students and alumni. This UA has a great academic program, and although the couseload can be tough a times, it's such a valuable learning experience. There is a great social atmosphere here, and there seems to be something fun for everyone to do.

Jacob

let the student decide

Graham

Make sure that you travel to as many different colleges as you can. Make the colleges you are looking at offer the degrees you are most interested in. Pick a college with a good surrounding atmosphere because college isn't only about the classrooms.

Casie

Don't focus all on the academic aspect of a college. While that is very important and should be a major deciding factor, make sure that the campus offers some extra cerricular activities that interest you because you won't spend all of your time in the classroom. These activities are a great way to get to know people on campus and learn your way around.

Sara

just go visit the school see what kind of vibe it gives off to you!

Garrett

When choosing a college, learn more about the school outside of the settings. Learn more about the social activities that happen around the school; like the greek life, recreational activities, and sporting events. Also, learn more about how much fundings are given to the college of your choice and whether or not you will have sufficient enough fundings for your education department. Some of the funders are from better paying jobs and give more than others so some areas of education have better facilities than others.

Daniel

Find somewhere that has what you need. If you need the ability to be away from your parents but still close enough that they can help you if you need it, the about an hour from home is a good distance--two hours at the most. If you don't know what you want to do as a student, find a good school with a broad range of studies and then feel it out for up to your first two years in school.