University of Arizona Top Questions

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

Monica

As i statred my forst day of college i though it was going to be harder as it was said to be. I have entered a Junior college where there is more hand-on that relates to my major. This is great to start off with these to get an idea how it is out there in the working life. Everything done n this school is to prepare us for the life which relates to my career.

Ana

I believe obtaining a well-rounded college education is my first step towards becoming a valuable candidate for future employers. The University of Arizona has helped me grow both academically and professionally. Struggling through classes, the university offers many opportunities for me to attend free tutoring and publicizes private tutors found throughout campus. The counseling department offers study tips, new opportunities, and other assistance during stressful times. World renowned instructors have allowed me to be creative, intelligent, and future-based throughout my coursework. These instructions have taught me to discover for myself the most effective way for me to study and learn. In addition to staff, this university also allows students to join countless clubs throughout campus. As I integrated in the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, I have reached out to my community and the university campus by attending their many events offered. This organization has helped me grow professionally as I participate in conferences and career fairs. The speakers brought at the weekly meetings motivate me to learn and be creative within my classes. They push me to believe I can reach my academic goals while still enjoying college and taking advantage of daily opportunities presented to me.

Max

I have so far learned a lot about what it takes to be an independent person responsible for myself. Before going away to school, I had never lived on my own, and my first year at Arizona it was pretty challenging to stay on top of all my schoolwork and to manage my priorities. I have learned that it takes a lot of self-control and discipline, but I can make good choices, succeed in my classes, and still have fun. That lesson has given me more self-confidence and made me more excited about being at Arizona. And now that I have picked a major and can focus on a particular subject, I am much more excited about my classes. I have learned that I need a clear focus and direction in order to do well and be happy.

Jillian

My parents will always have the upper hand because of their age and experience. Just like any other kid I was guided on how to accomplish things in life. Their advice was not always taken in consideration but granted it was always given. My father patiently taught me how to drive manual at 16 because I stubbornly refused to drive anything else. My loving mother showed me how to ride a horse. She taught me the balance of being patient with the animal and knowing when to be aggressive. When I started college I learned there was a way I could help my parents. Neither of them had earned a college degree and when my dad decided to finish his education, he turned to me. I told him how to buy the cheapest textbook, and most importantly how to keep up in computer classes. My parents didn’t come from a computer generation. One of the most amazing experiences college has given me is the ability to help my father in school. Even though it is only microscopic to how they have helped me, I felt gratified to know I was able to give him advice when he needed me.

Magdalena

Through my college experience, I have learned that if I really set my mind to something, I can achieve it. I have found that through taking classes that I once felt were pointless and a waste of time I have become a more rounded person who is more open to new ideas and new experiences. Thus far college has been valuable because I have learned how to balance my rigorous school schedule with my 20 hour work week, as well as spending time with my family and friends. I have learned that if I put my mind to something I can accomplish it, and if I put off till tomorrow things I want to do today, I may never have the chance to experience the world. So now I complete the things that I have to do for school and work, but I always make time to have a little fun. What is life if you do not enjoy it? Now I truly believe that I can have everything I want; a great education, a job that I love, a family, and the time and means to make memories that will last forever.

Jonathon

In addition to learning a substantial mount of information in my dual areas of study (social sciences and Business), I have made countless friends and contacts that have not only helped on my way through campus, but in finding out who I am as well. I think the University of Arizona is a great place for those who wish to work hard, enjoy themselves often, and watch future doors open for them.

Jeff

The opportunity to meet people and network has been excellent. My classes so far really ignite that fire for knowledge that I didn't find so much during high school. So far I have found many ways to get involved from being in clubs, to lobbying, to even getting involved in the politics of the universities student government. I think that unlike highschool, I feel like I'm actually preparing for the real world and the rest of my life. It is exciting and empowering to know that after school, I will be starting a career and building a successful future. I get to be a college kid but at the same time, I'm getting connected and making myself known to employers and the business world. The school spirit is great and I love being a Wildcat who has pride in my school and a greatfulness for all the opportunities in and out of campus life. It has been an awesome first year and I am so glad I made the University of Arizona my college to prepare me for the real world of business.

Rachel

I have had a great experience getting my pre-requisites out of the way so I can start the nursing program this fall. I have learned so much, from writing a research paper to a day in the life of a virus. I am so happy that I have finally decided to get an education. I am 38 and have struggled financially all my life. I can't wait to become a registered nurse and earn a great salary and, in the process, help people.

Carmen

Through the college experience I have learned more than what is taught in the classroom. The immense amount of information learned in each class has opened my eyes to see the world and myself in a different way. Prior to college, the world outside of my own home and school did not matter. The world that I cared about was my own. The first class that opened my eyes to the outside world was a basic Geography course. The very first day of class I could not even name the seven continents! At the end of the course I knew about problems that some countries face such as the poverty levels, the lack of resources, and the corruption in the government. One slowly begins to realize what is going on outside of his/her own life and the importance of being aware and getting out there to help others. Now I live my life by the motto: "There is always someone out there who has it worse. So appreciate everything you have, even the bad."

Elizabeth

My college experiance has taught me numerous things. I was a very closed-minded person with little confidence in myself and my abilities when I started my college education. However, during my years at the University of Arizona, I really grew up and transformed into a whole new person. I came out with with the degree I worked hard for, knowing so many new things about the world and eager to know and learn more. I developed a sense of diversity, acceptance of other cultures and peoples, a sense of community, learned the value of teamwork, and most importantly, found the confidence in myself required to do all these things and more. I think fondly of my professors, who guided my learning but never controlled it or restricted it. Hands-on activities allowed me to learn from my mistakes and engage my whole self in my learning. I was constantly encouraged and supported by my professors. I believe this amazing learning environment shaped me into a valuable member of society. I now think of myself as one of many, a contributer of the whole, and I plan to never stop learning in order to maintain this confidence.