University of Alabama in Huntsville Top Questions

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

Tyler

I would go back and tell my self I need to better job of searching for school and that visting the campus is very important. If I knew the campus was going to be like this I would have never applied. I would also tell myself to work harder in getting my gpa up. College is what you make and the transition feels like going to summer camp for a extended amount of time. Alabama A&M is college that is liveable not enojyable.

Thomas

Coming out of high school I knew I was going to be away from most of my friends and family in my hometown of El Paso, Texas. If I could go back, I would tell myself not to worry so much about maintaining those relationships and rather focus on making new friends and connections here in Huntsville, Alabama. I spent a huge amount of my time just staying home chatting online with my friends. Two years later, I barely talk to anyone from El Paso and am barely working on getting friends outside of work or classes. I also spent a long time thinking college was going to be easy since I breezed through high school so easily. I would go back and tell myself to never get complacent and although I know I can easily pass and get a solid B in a class, I should always strive to be that A student on the top of lists.

Stephanie

To my younger self, as you leave high school and enter this crazy world called college, I'd like to advise you in a few areas. First, college is serious and you need to actually start caring about your grades. Don't be lazy, and start planning for your future. Second, don't be so dramatic. Life is too short to make a big deal over the little things. Your high school problems seem so improtant now, but you'll later find out that they are very insignificant when it comes to your overall success. So stop worrying about boys, girl drama, and the ocassional bad day because it is going to get a whole lot worse and your skin needs to be tougher than that. My final piece of advice to you, young one, is to have fun. You're about to be in college and now is your time to make stupid decisions and laugh about them later. Do things that make you happy and dont worry about what people think. That, my darling, is the key to your success. However, it this is easier said than done...I know from personal experience.

Erica

I would tell myself not to care what others thought about me and to try my hardest regardless of what they say. Its okay to stay in on a Friday night and study. Learn how to study efficently now because if you wait until college, you'll fail. Accept that you're not going to stay in touch with old friends the way you are used to, but that you'll meet even better friends in college, and that the friends you make will probably be able to help you with classes so don't be afraid to ask for help. Use your time wisely, you have less of it than you think. Don't skip class, yeah you'll want to, probably everyday, but don't! You'll likely miss the most important thing that will be on the exam and be utterly lost. Just go to class. Most importantly, have fun. Yes, classes are important because your career depends on it, but this is college. Make lots of friends, go out, join clubs and orginizations, go Greek, become a leader. Just go out there and make memories, it'll be worth it. Have fun and gain knowledge

Jay

Advice I would give to my high school senior self is to not stress as much. I would tell myself to have more self confidence in everything that I do in my college career. College is a very big step and the first step is always the hardest. Its a completely new lifestyle; you will meet new people, face new challenges, and deal with new day to day obstacles. I would tell myself to not procrastinate on my assignments, as oftentimes in college it will come back and hit you hard. Most importantly I would tell myself to not worry about the past or the future, and focus on the now. College is intimidating, but you need not to worry about what you will become. You should strap yourself in; you are already on the rollercoaster. All thats left to do is enjoy the ride.

Meghan

There would be a lot that I would tell myself, but there are two major pieces of advice I would have pushed. First, foster lasting friendships. I moved halfway across the country after high school and I only see the lives of the people I graduated with on Facebook. I congratulate them on accomplishments and occasionally like a song they post or a sarcastic comment, but that is the extent of our contact. It's slightly depressing, but I was more focused on school work and my boyfriends. Which brings me to my next piece: focus on yourself rather than Mr. Boyfriend. Because I craved love and affection, I sacrificed my commitments to extracurriculars like cheerleading and speech team to spend time with the boys I was in love with. I have only recently understood that its unhealthy to put aside your desires completely for someone else. I abandoned my teammates and friends when I should have really participated and socialized more. Maybe invite Mr. Boyfriend to competitions, or have him help practice, or even more crazy, do something alone! I am actively applying my own advice today, so it would have been drastically influential then.

Victoria

First of all, I would tell myself to get a job. Now. Don't wait, and don't think you can just come up with the money somehow. The fees and book expenses will drain you quickly, so you need to be saving as much money as you can right now. Also, you should focus more on volunteering and community service, especially with medically-based organizations. The more experience you can get in your intended major, the better and easier it will be for you. Futhermore, treasure the time you have in high school right now with your classmates. Next year you will hardly see them, and it's better to have fun memories rather than sad memories. Lastly, learn how to make your own schedule. Next year, your head will be spinning so much with everything that needs to be done that even a little bit of structure will help. Plan when you will study, work out, read the Bible, or do anything else important. Do all of these things I have told you to, and you will have a much better and less stressful freshman year and a better college experience as a whole.

John

I would tell myself that make sure you have a plan on what to do, or somewhat of a plan. However, be dynamic and make sure that you make room for that plan to change. You're are just eighteen years old, and in high school you are still having to ask permission to go to the bathroom. Now you are having to choose what you want to be for the rest of your life. Do not stress so much about it, its okay to make mistakes, just make sure you find something you absolutely love doing, set a goal or goals for yourself, and then work your tail off to accomplish those goals. Never give up on your dreams, no matter the obstacles, stick it out and become anything you set your mind to become. Also, remember that making mistakes is part of living. After you get knocked down, get right back up, and keep going. Do not forget to stop and help those who need you along the way, because you never know when you may need them. Make mistakes, learn from them, and live your life to the absolute fullest!

Connor

Pay attention, work hard now, earn scholarship money while in high school, take classes that will earn college credit while in high school, don't wait till the last minute to do things! Mom and dad, your teachers and counselors really do know what they're talking about - LISTEN! If I could do it over, I would work harder and smarter before I got to college!

Rebecca

Don't be afraid to try new things! Get out there! Don't let anything or anyone hold you back! If you want to succeed in your studies you have to put in the time to study. You will learn how to balance fun and school work. Ultimately the decisions you make about school and life affect you, no one else but yourself, you have to live with your decisions and you are the one that has to make them for yourself!

Jordan

Hey, Jordan. Here's a little advice for your future. Don't stress so much about boys or whose popular, or not, or on how much you weigh. Don't put too much stock in what you or others are wearing or driving. In the grand scheme of things, none of these things will make you who you are meant to be. Just make friends with those who are worth it, date just for the fun of it, wear what suits your fancy and DRIVE CAREFULLY!! Be open to receive criticism and praise, both will be of much use in years to come. And, no, your parents aren't as dumb as you think. They will actually come in very handy one day. Look to God for any and all of life's questions. He knows the answers better than anyone. Love with all your heart. You may get hurt, but it truly is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all. Most of all, love yourself. You're worth it!

Trent

In high school, like many other young students, I was hindered by the need to fit in and constantly impress others. I feel that I had much more potential and that I could've achieved higher goals had I not worried so much about my social status. Sports and popularity were among the many seemingly important aspects that ruled my high school life and what came as a result, was disrepect, shallow tendencies, and a complete disregard to those that I thought were "lower" than me. I've been out of high school for about four years and I realize now that the prom kings and queens, the relationships, and the amount of touchdowns scored have been lost among the memories of a confusing yet now very minute and insignificant fraction of our lives. Therefore, if I had a chance to go back and talk to the younger me, I would urge him to make more friends in different places, treat everyone with respect, take a few theatre and film classes, and to try to see high school for what it really is; a place we're just passing through.

Heather

I would tell myself to work hard and stay focused. By doing this you will be ready for college. Also, dont stress out so much, school can be stressful but you always will have God, family, and friends there to help you. Just keep your head on straight and dont get too distracted.

Kayla

As a high school student, do not rely on your teachers to remind you when assignments are due; keep up with your own due dates. Decide career goal, university, and scholarships early on in your senior year, rather than waiting until the last minute. Do not worry about how many friends you have in high school, when yo being college it is not easy to keep up with everyone. Make sure you keep close with your real friends.

Sam

High school was the best four years of my life. I developed friends that I will have for the rest of my life and I learned about what I wanted to do for my future. Now that I am graduated, I look back and think about all the things that I could of done differently. If I could go back in time and do things differently, there would've of been a lot of changes. The first thing would of been grades. I had good grades all through school. But I would've worked a lot harder especially in my math classes, so that I would'nt be behind during my freshman year of college. The second thing I would've done differently would be to have studied harder for my tests. I now know that having strong study skills in high school helps in college when your having exams and final exams. The last thing I would've done is saved my money. I never had a job during high school and it would've helped a lot more if I would've worked and saved my money so that I would create good money skills before entering college.

Shari

Hey there self! What are you thinking waiting to fill out college and scholarship applications? You have awesome grades and a drive about yourself. Do not waste time procrastinating. Sure school is challenging but most people are trying to scare you into thinking you cannot do it. Once you get here, you will know that you are prepared. The educational benefit you will receive will help your further your education to the masters and doctoral levels. You know you can do it. School can open so many doors of opportunities. Do not forget to study hard and party later. There are so many temptations and extra curricular activities that can distract your focus from your studies. It is up to you to knuckle back down and find a balance between work and play. Enjoy the experience, but remember every year counts, especially to new jobs you will apply for after graduation. I would offer this advice not only to myself but to others as well. College is filled with fun learning as well as frustration; however, all risks and challenges are well worth it in the long run. College can enhance character, competitive-edge, and deliver a world of success.

juan

Use the tuition money wisely and plan to finish in four year rather than wait and wast more money on one more year of college.

Rhonda

I am 42 years old. It has been years since my high school days, and I have learned many things since then. Most important is GO TO COLLEGE!! Going to college is not a "scary" thing. Even though you have no money, no support, you can still attend college. Don't worry about choosing a career right now. Go your first two years and do your general's. In two years you will be more mature, experienced more life, and have more of an idea of the direction you want to go. You will have a place to live and can get a part-time job or apply for work-study. And, yes you are smart enough. Be proud of yourself, be confident, you are a young, beautiful lady, don't waste your cognitive abilities. There is plenty of time to work and raise a family. Right now is your time. Be selfish, think only of you and what you want out of life, everybody else can take care of themselves. Go to college, stay up late with your friends, be a regular at the coffee shops, be involved in study groups, go skiing, your only young once.

Sara

I would tell myself, be prepared for big chages that are going to happen in the future because things won't be like they are now. I would say, "Your friends will change, your classes will be hard, you will be stressed out all the time. But, don't loose yourself and who you are as a person. Don't forget why you are going college and what you're interested in. Don't forget that you are the 'change' people want to see in the world. Work hard to keep the connections you have with your closest friends, because they will carry you through your dark days, when you have them. Strive to be better than you are now. Get involved on your campus. Start applying for scholarships, now becuase you will need the money. Oh, and you are going to love Rummy (pet cat)! Stay in touch with Mom and Dad becuase they will always be there!" Thank You :)

Jacoby

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would first tell myself to take the advice of my teachers and pursue a caree in Engineering. I would also tell myself to not take college so seriously and not allow yourself to opportunity to balance your lifestyle. Studying is a great habit and should be taken seriously, but too much studying and no leisure time is not healthy and may cause more harm than good. I would advise myself to be more open to meeting new people and taking full advantage of opportunities to pursue a co-op or intern position with a company in parallel with college studies. This will make the transition from college to the professional job seeking market much smoother and easier than approaching from a non-experience angle.