University of Colorado Boulder Top Questions

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

Hannah

Transfering to college is tough. First: Form better study habits. High school was a breeze, and it didn't require any studying for me, but college is very different. Beware classes that don't assign homework. Just because there isn't anything outside of class doesn't mean you can slack off. Those tests will kill you if you don't at least read the textbook. Make sure to discuss your sleeping habits with your roommate as soon as possible, preferably before you move in. It's very annoying when you can't sleep because your roommate is doing something to mess up your routine, and simply talking about it can avoid the mess altogether. Go to bed at a decent time as often as possible, because there will definitely be some late/all-nighters.

Alissa

College is the best place to start making decisions about the future, and starting off with something you actually enjoy doing (not just what you're good at) will make school so much easier and worth your time and money. I love my major because I have a passion for it. I'm a Communication major, and I like helping people and having meaningful relationships. There are careers out there for everyone (many that I am not even aware of yet), so why spend your life being miserable? Some college students have even invented their own careers such as designing their own websites. School will be miserable if you're only going for a title on a piece of paper, and don't waste four years of your life!

Alissa

College is the best place to start making decisions about the future, and starting off with something you actually enjoy doing (not just what you're good at) will make school so much easier and worth your time and money. I love my major because I have a passion for it. I'm a Communication major, and I like helping people and having meaningful relationships. There are careers out there for everyone (many that I am not even aware of yet), so why spend your life being miserable? Some college students have even invented their own careers such as designing their own websites. School will be miserable if you're only going for a title on a piece of paper, and don't waste four years of your life!

Taylor

Don't come into college thinking it's going to be a breeze, because it's not. You're always busy, you'll struggle with your studies at first. But once you get into the routine of things, it's great. I've never been happier. Also, don't drink a ton to "look cool". You look like an idiot. The cool freshmen are the ones who know how much is too much. But also, freshman year is the time for a lot of people to learn how to handle their liquor. So don't be embarrassed if you do puke... a lot of your friends (and possibly you) will, and a lot. I had a friend puke on my shoes once. But HELP YOUR FRIENDS if they need it. And never let someone walk home alone shit-faced.

brandon

I would have started applying for scholarships sooner. No matter what your college is like, you can bet that it's expensive. Start early and work diligently. You'll get to college and you'll love it, but the problem will be staying there. Scholarships are the best way to pay your way in college and keep learning and living for a better future.

Joseph

If I could go back in time to when I was a senior in high school what would I do. First I would of took my senior year more seriously. I would of tried harder in my classes to bring my GPA. Then I also would of tooken classes the earned me college credits. Reason is so I wouldn't have to crame so many credits in per semester and so I could finish my degree sooner. One last thing that I would do If I could go back in time to when I was a senior in high school would be to apply for more scholarships. Why, Because before I came to college I had no idea how expensive college was until now. If I ever had the chance to go back that is what I would Change.

David

There are a few things that I have picked up in the short time I have been in college. If I could go back in time to give myself advice, the biggest piece of advice I could give myself is talk to everyone. Everyone knows someone, and if you open yourself up to ask everyone questions, you have a nearly limitless supply of information. Make sure everyone knows your name, all your professors, counselors, TA's etc. Thre more people know you, the further they will be willing to go to help you with whatever problem you may have. Another piece of advice I would like to give to my former self is attend every class you possibly can. Even if your professor does not take attendance, there's a good chance they have a way of knowing if you're in class or not. The more they see you in classes, the more dedicated they feel you are. If they feel you are deeply commited to their class, the professors may feel inclined to offer you extra help. The more effort shown on my part will equal more effort given to help me.

Skyanne

All those times in high school, especially senior year, when I thought I had a lot to do...I didn't. I would tell myself that it is possible to get busier, and I would tell myself not to complain anymore. I would also reassure myself that the transition between college and high school isn't as scary as I thought it was. I would tell myself to keep paying attention in high school, because every piece of information I already know is more time to spend learning things that I don't know. Also, don't bring as much stuff into your dorm room. You are a messy person. More stuff = more mess. And you're lucky that you'll get a chill roommate who is almost okay with it. Also, don't flaunt the fact that you are from Texas. People in Colorado love to make fun of Texans. Yes, most of it is all for good fun, but some people really don't like Texans. Yes. You will be stereotyped and asked about your non-existent accent and horses. Get ready.

Athena

The primary thing I wish I had known before I left for college, is that it is harder then I thought, but easier then my junior year English teacher tried to convince me it would be. There are a lot of essays, a ton of notes, and enough reading to make me want to collapse in exhaustion. I would tell myself to prepare for the worst, because if I prepare for the worst classes I'll end up with the best grades in the best classes. There's nothing harder then going to college and realizing that high school didn't prepare me for college one bit. I would go back and tell myself that nothing will be like high school, and everything will be more difficult. The second thing I would tell myself is that I need to be more social. Coming to college making friends was extremely difficult because I'm antisocial. I would let myself know that I need to leave my comfort zone and meet at least one new person every day in hopes of creating at least one life long friend.

Jade

I would tell myself to be okay with feeling stupid. That is what college has made me feel time and time again. The feeling was an aquired taste, but now I cannot get enough of it. I would say to pace myself in the dorms. I would say to take freshman year a little more serious, but not too serious. I would tell myself not to feel bad about saying no, and that there would always be another opportunity arriving if I said no to one passing. I would tell myself to apply for all the scholarships and financial aid that I could, because I would be needing it later. I would tell myself not to stress, because it would all be worth it in the end, and everything somehow always ends up getting done, so I shouldn't worry so much. I would tell myself to try and remember every moment that I could because these moments have been the most precious in my life.