University of Connecticut Top Questions

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

Lyndsey

I was able to attend college during my Senior year of high school so I was able to get an early jump start on college. I've gotten a positive experience out of my time at college, I have realized what my intended field of study is through my experience in college. High school wasn't much help in helping me choose my career path because they didn't offer the actualy experience of figuring out my career. While I was attending college I realized what my weak and strong areas were and only by that I realized what I should be doing in school. I originally thought I wanted to become an orthodontist (which I would still like to) but I realized science was a very weak subject with me, after coming to this realization I figured out that math was really where I was strong. College has been the only one that has helped me to figure out where I should go in life. Only the experience can help me.

Nathan

My college experience has really shown me a different side of education that I never would have received, had I stopped after high school. Through my general education requirements, I've been exposed to subjects and critical thinking skills that I would not have learned. Within the first week, I already found myself more open-minded and eager to try new things and learn new information. I agree completely with the saying that college is the best four years of one's life. The feeling of newfound independence of budgeting my own time, coupled with the new friends I have made, and the knowledge that every day I learn things that will only continue to make me grow as a person is incredible. Finally, I have never felt more prepared for the real world, and each day's experiences make my future seem more secure.

Michelle

After my first year at the University of Connecticut, the realization that I am that much closer to completing a long term goal of becoming an educated, well-rounded role model, has started to set in. From UConn I have learned that when beginning any new chapter in life, it is beneficial to start with an open mind. To hope for the best, but always to keep in mind that the complete opposite result is possible. If one idea doesn’t produce the desired outcome, there is always another opportunity to achieve success. It all depends on how a goal is tackled. Now I know that one must try and fail, and then try again. After all, college is all about creating your image, developing skills and harvesting knowledge. I know the value of a dollar, the value of your time ,the value of hardwork and also the value of good friends. I feel that I am more prepared and confident about my future academic and social careers due to my college experience so far!

Kirsten

I have met amazing people, gained a great amount of life experience, and just learned more about myself than I ever would have anywhere else. The environment at UConn is unlike any other school I've ever visited, and I would recommend it to anyone.

katie

I have been a student at Cuyahoga Community College in Parma, Ohio, for a little while now and as of August became a Tri-C graduate. My experience at the school was absolutely fulfilling and very informative. I feel that because I started my college career at a two year school I am better equipped for my next two years at Kent State University. My experience has helped me grow as a student and also as an individual. I know that a lot of students go immediately out of high school to a four year institution often wasting funds, but because I chose Tri-C as my first step I saved time, but more importantly, I saved money. It also gave me room to form my “tastes” and allowed me time to make a decision as far as careers go. The value of my education at a two year school has been priceless and I would not change a thing about it if I had the opportunity to do so.

Brittany

Going to college is a huge step in anyone's life. UConn has been an amazing stepping stone for me. I was at first reluctant to stay in state and attend such a large university. Yet I would never change me decision. I have learned so much about myself; my strengths and weakness, what I like and don't like. These are things that I probably never would have discovered if I wasn't pushed out of my comfort zone and forced to experience new activities and surroundings. I had to make new friends and try new foods. I had to speak up in class and seek my professors for help when needed. While my high school did prepare me for college, UConn has prepared me for life; for the real world. I feel more capable to make my own decisions and lead my own life. I still don't know exactly what my future holds for me. But I know I am equipped to make the right decision when I come to a fork in the road. I may be walking blind for a little while, but I trust I will get to where I need to be.

Kiara-Nabil

Currently being a college freshman attending summer school, I have learned a tremendous amount. The experience is so much more mature and my fellow students share the same interest in wanting to learn. Being independent and able to control what classes I want and what times I want to take them is very freeing and empowering. The experience has taught me that ultimately it is me who is going to be fully responsible for my education from now on. No teachers or counselors are going to be pushing me to work hard; it is all going to be me.

Jeanne

It's valuable to attend because a lot of people learn things I already knew growing up. I've always been mature for my age growing up. What people learn here, I had already learned at a very young age in Haiti. I see my classmates learning about diversity issues and differences in culture and such. I think it's important to learn to have an open mind which the school provides for those who want to learn. Everything Uconn teaches I learned from experience but I think is important for others to know. I've mostly benefited from courses that I will need for my career choices later on such as: biology, nutrition, mathematics. But I hope to learn more about how to manage and maintain a business which they also provide. Thank you, Berenice

Victor

The most valuable aspect of my college experience is the involvement I have been able to have on my campus and the chances to help others. In my time at my college, I have served as the Secretary of the Student Senate and a member of the College Activity Board. I am also the elected Student Trustee for next year as well as a soon to be member of Phi Theta Kappa and the Criminal Justice Club on campus. I also volunteer at most campus events such as the commencement ceremony and our community day at our local hockey game. During the summer I am continuing to serve my campus and fellow students through my work-study position in our Student Activities Office. Academically, I have managed to maintain a 4.00 gpa while taking classes in a wide range of subjects. This has expanded my world view, or as I learned in my Nazi Germany class, the German term Weltanschauung. I am the first member of my family to ever attend college, and my decision to attend is one I will never regret in my life. Education is a never-ending pursuit that is invaluable.

Kelly

I have learned so much by going to college. Attending such a large university as I am, I have found that it is much easier to avoid problems associated with cliques, but rather to form friendly get-togethers between INDIVIDUALS. College has also been a way of showing me what it is like to have freedom. Due to my current status, as an upcoming college sophomore who still doesn't have their license, this freedom is some of the first I have experienced. I am therefore able to travel to destinations on my own in order to obtain the necessities such as a job, food, research materials, etc. without having to rely on others. I have grown attached to the responsibilities I have as a college student -- having to manage my time with studying, a job, and a social life -- showing me that I am very strong as a person and that I have the potential to go far in life.

Mindy

What I have gotten out of my college experience is not just information from classes and lectures but information that I can utilize and apply to other individuals and even my students. For example, Sigmund Freud's defense mechanism's and recognizing the signs and symptoms of Autisim so I can obtain my students required assistance if they need it. I also became more of an individual, a free thinker, if you will that allowed to me to follow a non-traditional path post-graduation that is currently involves service in the United States military. Overall, I believe that Uconn made me more independent and exposed me to experiences and people that I would not have met or experienced had I decided to attend elsewhere. These have proven to be life-changing and have left an indelible mark on my life that will not be removed anytime in the near future.

Kimberly

For me college was a time of tremendous growth both personally and professionally. I entered college to be a grade school teacher after a few months of classes and speaking to my professors and friends I changed majors to nursing. My education has provided me a lifestyle that my parents never had. I see the value of education and how further a college degree gets you as compared to my friends and family who either didn?t go or didn?t finish. I am proud of my college degree and strive to continue learning with a masters and eventually a PHD in nursing so that I can be called ?Doctor Nurse?.

Kimberly

The most significant experience I have received from UConn is the education, specifically my gained knowledge from my interesting and engaging classes. After getting through the general education requirements, I have been able to take my major courses (history and education) and I have been exposed to passionate professors that love the content they teach and this spreads to the students as well. Also, my education major is a teacher certification that is a bachelors and masters integrated program. To be able to graduate with my certication and quality teacher preparation education is something that I value. I also appreciate my experience as a student-athlete at UConn. Being able to have the support of the Counseling Program for Intercollegiate Athletes has been tremendously helpful. I have enjoyed the challenge of balancing academics and athletics. Representing UConn as an athlete has been a great learning experience. Also, the comradery I have with my other 50 teammates is very important to me.

Amanda

College is an experience that can not compare. I am a firm believer in the fact that life makes you the person you are but college really helps you to find that person. College gives you the opportunity to see more and do more things than you can imagine. The doors that college open are the doors into community and outside possibilities. In college I have been able to dicuss and learn about things that I would have never thought to bring up in conversations. The other value I also think is amazing, especially for older students going back is that it gives you a great oppurtunity to make new cotacts in the area and possibly help you get going in the right direction!

Diego

college experiences have the most valuable award,because You got the sense of knowledge out of it.On top of that you walk with wisdom.

Emily

I have gained so many valuable experiences at college. I have made friends who will be my friends and supporters for the rest of my life. I have gained work experience. I have gained interpersonal relations experience by working with professors, TAs, and other students. I have gained a new outlook on life, and it has really helped me grow into the adult I am now from the kid I was when I got here. By the time I graduate I will have the necessary skills to get a job or move on to medical or graduate school. I'll be a certified genetic technologist, with the knowledge and experience to diagnose many different genetic illnesses. I feel that when I graduate I will be an asset to my community. I believe that my education is an important part of my life and a crucial step in my journey toward success.

Monique

There are alot of great experiences that I am getting while at college so far. I am meeting various kinds of people with different backgrounds and goals. I am getting involved in alot of extracurricular activites that I would not have been exposed to if I was not enrolled in college. Attending college is very important and valuable, because it is here where you become an adult. Within the span of four years you become a more responsible and disciplined individual , while learning about the people around you and how to manage in the outside world once you graduate. You also gain lifelong friendships while here at college. As a member of a sorority I have met alot of influential women who I can trust and learn from and they will always be apart of my life, even after we graduate. College is a very important institution that I believe is essential to everyone's lives. Once you go to college, your life will never be the same.

ANA

What I have gotten out of my college experience is that one needs to be professional and do the homework assignments as if you are already out in the workfield. I've also learned that networking is an important aspect for your career. Managing my time to get things done, and following the deadlines are extremely important. Not to be afraid to ask an instructor when I am uncertain about something, it is always good to learn from their knowledge and personal experience. Having a hands on experience in my major as an Interior Designer has allowed me to envision what to expect when I'm ready to be in the workfield. Attending college has been valuable because it is preparing me for a better future. Not only that, but it has made me more aware of our economy, and what I can do as a designer to make the world more eco friendly. Overall, this has been a valuable experience because I can be an example to my younger peers why attending college is important for eveyone's future.

Kyle

I am in my second year right now and i have learned that you really have to put a lot of time and work into getting everything that you would like to accomplish done. I have also met some great people here and they are friends that I plan on having for the rest of my life. The University of Connecticut is a great school and so far I have been having a great time here. I am proud to say that I attend this school because it is nationally recognized and offers a great education.

Adam

Hopefully I will be in College this year =)