University of Arizona Top Questions

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

Joni

Finding the right college is extrememly difficult. Yet, following these simple rules from some one with experience can make it alot easier. First, always remember to listen to each other. Parents, you want you kid close to home; and students, most of you can't wait to get away. Then, take into consideration a compromise between money available, and realistic experiences. Students, college is expesive, but going to certain schools will cost even more. As long as you're wise about your moves, you can still get a good education at a non-top, non-big name school. The dreams of going away and doing amazing things can be fullfilled at a more afforadable school; it's all about your attitude and determination. And remember, always give new situations time. It's harder to stick with something difficult, but it will be a more rewarding and honest turn out. Later on, you can always transfer. Stay positive, and good luck!

Megan

I think it is very important to talk to current students at the school you are planning to attend. You get insight that you won't get from advisors or professors. The students get the true college experience, so talking to them will give you a great look into what your future college experience will be like.

Halil

Choosing the right college for you is difficult. It took me over five months to decide! Overall, you just have to look at all the aspects. Cost, the student body, the campus are all things you need to look at before making your final decision before choosing the school that's right for you.

Hannah

College is about so many things its often hard to distinguish between what we need to do and what we want to do. As a new freshman i know it can be tempting to just have fun, but academics are really important too. Some people make up for this by focusing solely on academics and ignoring the equally important hands on internships and work study programs. The whole experiance of college, from classes, to parties, to group work, and living on your own, serves to build you up and make you strong, confident, and ready to face the adult business world with a good education to back you, friends to support you, and teachers and alumni to help guide you. Its so important to throw yourself into your college experience, academically, emotionally, and mentally because four years sounds like an eternity, but it will go by much quicker than highschool and have a much deeper impact on your life. The friends you make in college will be those whose kids grow up next to yours, they will be next to you at work, and they will take care of you when you are sick. College is more than that.

Antonio

After having spent several years at college, I feel that I have learned alot about what helps me learn here, and it is the same thing that motivates me to have a good time. The one thing that has helped me the most is just feeling comfortable with where I am. It is a good thing to push the boundaries of where you are comfortable, however it is only when you are comfortable with asking questions and recieving answers that you will really learn. So do not choose your school based on the prestigious name, or the interesting architecture, or star football team, but instead based on how easily you can talk to someone and learn something new. As a freshman, I was rather unsure of everything around me in this new place called college. Now, having finished my sophomore year, I am comfortable enough to talk to older students, teachers, whoever, and ask the simplest, and the most difficult questions. Whether I am asking how to analyze and engine in an engineering class, or asking a beautiful girl for a date, it is the confidence in asking questions that has allowed me to learn here, and enjoy doing it.

Leah

I would say definitely visit the college you are interested. Get involved in Greek life and other activities to meet various people. Also don't go out on nights when you have a lot of work due the next day, it will only hurt you in the end. Unfortunately, I found that out the hard way. Try activities you wouldn't normally try but have always had an interest in.

Elizabeth

I have heard that you should go to college where you would normally cannot afford to live, such as tropic places or bustling cities. This is true for an adventurous spirit, but I am content being close to home and not having to take out a loan. My advice for most people is to give the colleges close by another look. You do not need to travel across country to find a "good college" because there are people that are already traveling to attend colleges in your state! There are places that are right under your nose that are able to meet your needs and then some! In order to make the most of the college experience students must learn to balence work and play. In the end, the nerds will only remember nights of slopering over their textbook when they fell alseep studying, and party people will only remember nights of slopering on other people! The key is balence, that way you finish with a strong degree and strong friendships. College is the most fun in your life, so be sure you make memories you are proud about and some memories to chuckle to!

John

Finding the perfect college can be like searching for a needle among other needles in a haystack: it may exist, but even if it does, it's hidden amidst a sea of alternate suitors. Pardon the clich?, but this is the reality of finding the "perfect" college. That doesn't mean that you can't find that "perfect" college or even one that suits your requirements and style. Here are three tidbits of advice I can impart to the prospective college freshman to assist in finding the best higher-education venue possible: - Look for an institution that has a strong program in the field you wish to pursue. If you're accepted to a college like this, your education will be enriched by some of the finest scholars in that area of academia. - Whether you like it or not, weather is an aspect that could make or break your college education. Be realistic: if you've grown up in a predominantly sunny and warm place, it may be extremely tough to adjust to a rainy/snowy and cold climate. - Visit the college!!! The best way to extract the atmosphere and feel of a campus is to just go there!

Blake

Finding the right college depends on what you can afford and what you want to study. I would recomend that the cheapest option is found until a course of study is selected and the approriate school is chosen and the student is transfered.

Audrey

The advice I give to parents and students is to check all of your options before making any quick decisions. The most important aspect is also for parents to understand that their child is going to school for something they are passionate about so it is important to find a college that is going to match well with that. Also, choosing an in-state school is not always that best option. In my case I chose the in-state school because it was affordable and just easier to apply to. However, I am now going to be a junior and am looking to transfer to another university because I am unhappy in my current program. When selecting a college it is important to do a campus visit and try taking a summer class to see if you enjoy your time there. Never be afraid to try an out of state school because in the long run it could end up being a better match for you and potentially provide you with a larger opportunity base.