University of Hartford Top Questions

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

Jennifer

I would stop reading websites and articles about what to expect from certain Universities to help make my choice. I realize now that who I was in highschool was not who I was in colleges, and that my interests changed tremendously. Had I chosen a school that would have offered me an array of acitivites and to chose from, I could have expanded my social circle and found my niche more easily. In highschool I was very against Greek Life, and having the opportunity to try it was important to my college experience and personal growth. As a senior in high school, I thought that college was a place where you had the time of your life automatically. I learned that it took work to make my college experience what I wanted it to be, and I was in charge of my fun. I also would tell myself to try and place an equal amount of importance on socializing and academics. If you stick to one or the other, you will not get the full college experience. College is about self-discovery both in preparing for your future and in creating the company you enjoy.

Sierra

I would tell myself to not stress out too much about taking all honors courses in highschool. Half of the honors courses I took in high school were not even applied to my college credits. It was too much stress for too little gain. I would advise myself to spend more time practicing my insturment so that I could have gotten into a better music school, or just been more prepared for music school. I would tell myself that you will make friends in college no matter how scared you are. During the first semester of school you will meet so many people who are feeling just as scared as you are and who want to make lasting friendships. However, don't feel sad when you stop seeing people as often. You will most likely have a completely new set of friends by the end of freshman year. Focus on your classes, but give yourself enough time to socalize. You will most likely take a smaller workload first semester, and thats a good thing. Get adjusted to your surroundings before you make too many commitments. Transitioning to college is scary at first, but you will be fine!

Spencer

I would tell my self to look at colleges more seriously. Don't worry about the cost because you'll end up in debt either way you look at it. Also, start reading daily because you will be needing to read a lot in college and getting started early can only help you in the future.

Dustin

When the time comes for you to attend college, you will be ready. Venture out explore your campus, get familiar with all the surroundings. Find places of social activity and quite places for yourself. College will be a great experience and it is your opportunity to learn more about the career you choose. Don't be afraid to take the opportunity to use every resource available to attain the education you desire. The professor are their to assist you. Put your all into everything you do, you will never regret it, especially because your reputation does follow you wherever you go!!

Randi

You will get home sick and you will want to go home. It is part of the experience. Do not be scared. Stick it out and make as many friends and talk to as many people as possible. You will find out that you have become a much happier person after you go to college. College will be four of the best years of your life. Go and enjoy them.

valery

I would say, focus on yourself. Words i can't stop telling myself now. When i started college, i can honestly say that i was more focused on who i would meet than the real reason to go to college, to learn in order to be someone great. There was this fear of not having those stable friends from highschool and teachers who you've known for four years that made things difficult. But, things have changed for me, i am starting to see that you should be the most important person in your life. Yes, it can be a bit scary to go to a new school but who really cares, who isn't scared just a little? in the end all you are going to be worried about is who you want to be. It isn't about everyone else, they all come in second when it comes to suceeding. Be it getting the best grades, being involved and managing to still have a job at the same time will only make you better. People who can still manage to see you somehow and understand how busy you are, they are your friends not the ones who leave.

Mason

I would tell myself to relax and enjoy the ride. College openen up so many doors that I never knew I had. College has shown me that I have so many resources at my fingertips and I can to anything I put my mind to. College has introduced me to so many more cultures. I would tell myself to use the facilites that are available to me to help make the transition easier to handle. I would tell myself to relax and to get as much out of the college life that I can.

Caroline

If I was talking to my old high school self, there are a lot of things that I would like her to know. You are still very young so it’s ok not to have everything figured out from the start. Transferring schools is not such a bad thing if you think you have found the one and that will help you grow. Life changes and as you go your ideas will also change. Trust in yourself. Don’t be afraid of making decisions and sticking to them. When you stand in my shoes here you will see that the most challenging decisions are yet to come. If you didn’t do the right decision at first you will get it eventually, life gives you many tries. Have confidence in everything you do. It’s not because you had braces throughout your senior year and didn’t hang out with a lot of people that it made you any less worthy. Years from now you will realize how that is not important at all. The good and real friends will stay and the ones that weren’t meant to be in your life will slowly fade away.

Michael

I would tell myself appreciate all the teachers all campus. The teachers at school know what they are talking about and they are giving great educational material. Trust that they are truly there and ask questions. Learn as much as possible and actually study. Spend less time hanging out after school and don't work so much at Chick-fil-A. There are way more important things in life. When entering college don't be scared to join a club or talk to a stranger. Cherish the few months left with the parents. When they move two states away in August they are going to be missed. Mature and love those around the community. Prepare for a new world and new teachers and friends. Don't be scared of taking risks. Above all love God, family, friends and community. They'll always be there so cherish them. Good Luck young man!

Sharen

To go back to when I was a senior in high school, I would take the opportunity to provide myself a little guidance in regards to college. Knowing what I know now about my choices that I have made about college, my advice for myself would be not what one would expect. As I look back now on myself as a senior in high school, I would suggest to change aspects from within myself. Making these specific changes, I believe would assist me through unexpected struggles relating to my college decisions. I wouldn’t stress on any of my academic choices, or any other choices I made thereafter. My academics in high school, I believe, were acceptable. My delay start in entering college and my slow progress, I don’t regret. I would explain to my younger self that my choices are what molded to who I am. It’s important that I allow myself to take risks, and that it’s okay that I took time to figure out who I am. I would tell myself to accept my failures and learn from my mistakes without shame. Realize someone will always judge, and be confident to not to bother.

Richard

I would tell myself to actually stay focused in high school and not become distracted by everything else that went on in my high school. I would also tell myself to stay focused on the dreams that I want to experience and stay focus on education because thats the key to everything you want in life by society's point of view.

Miranda

I know you want to be an actor--always have and probably always will. However, you need to give some serious thought as to what you want to do with your career. Charlene was right--you need decide what your genre will be. You also need to think about your location, whether you want to do film or stage or radio, etc. Don't give up on singing either--you have a gift! I know it is a lot to ask of a girl not yet out of high school but this will help you a lot more down the road. The Hartt School at the University of Hartford is excellent--the professors know what they're talking about and you'll grow stronger as an actor. However, Hartford is not where you want to be for the rest of your life. Do not be afraid to take that jump across the pond to the UK that you're contemplating. Yes, you'll miss Mom, Dad, and Duncan dearly, but you will make great friends no matter where you go. Follow your instincts and do what you think will best serve you in the future. I wish you luck!

Marisol

The advice I would give myself is to be responsible person for example take college serious, focus on my courses, and considered the advantages of financial aid. I think that is one of the biggest advices I would give. Now, I wish I was financially prepared to pay my courses and not in the need of paying my tuition. The only hope I have is a scholarship that can help me with my future tuition.

Jennifer

It’s completely true that college will be the best four years of your life, but this won’t happen by simply showing up. First, forget that you aren’t going to your expensive dream school. You can have everything you want out of the school you’re at, (aside from the gourmet meals), if you just have an open mind and take advantage of every opportunity. Try anything that interests you, even if it means going alone to the first meeting. You haven’t had to make new friends since middle school, but you will be okay. Stop caring about what anyone thinks of you and don’t be judgmental either, like by checking out his or her Facebook pictures. You’ll have preconceived thoughts and miss out on amazing friendships. As for the academics, the most important lesson, besides learning to drink coffee, is to use every penny of your tuition. You can learn a lot from those intimidating professors, with a long list of degrees, if you listen. Ask questions; go to their office hours, and soon they’ll be finding you job connections. Just don’t let school get in the way of college.

Raheem

I would tell him to make sure you you meet such and such so you can start having fun at college early.

Mason

Pick a school that will be fun but challenging. Do not take the easy way out, challenge yourself. You will feel better about yourself in the end.

Brian

Well hello there lazy but smart high school senior. I am you from the very near future, already attending college. Let me give you some little advice for what is about to come. Before you know it you'll be graduating and all the things you should have taken into consideration while still being in high school are going to be over. Apply to as many scholarships as you possibly can! Even if you have to stay up all night applying, it will benefit you and it will even help you practice staying up late doing all the homework or studying you have to do at college. Also study as much as you can for the Sat’s and take the test as many times as you can, the higher your score the more money your college will give you. Finally don't let the little arguments with your parents lead you away from home and take the quick decision to live on campus, consider commuting. Think ahead and remember that you don't want to be in debt for life. You graduated as salutatorian from high school, so I know you're smart enough to take a good decision.

Shyann

Look for more school options! Save money! Look for more scholarships.

alicia

If I had the oppertunity to go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would advise myself to stay on campus during my undergraduate period. I would encourage myself to push aside all the fears and anxiety I was experiencing, and assure myself that living on campus is a one in a lifetime experience, that should not be passed up just because of a significant other (who you probably will not marry). Also, I would encourage myself to not work as much, and put all my efforts into school work. By doing these two things, I would have many oppertunities to grow as a person and meet new, interesting people.

shiran

Stay calm. You know what is best for you. Its alright if your high school friends are all going in different directions. You know which path to take. Be confident that you know what you are doing! Don't be afraid to ask questions. There will always be someone who has the answer, or who will be willing to help you find it. Be yourself. Don't change to fit in. On a college campus there are all types of people. You will find your niche and you will meet interesting people from all over the world. Take a risk. Look outside your comfort zone. Don't worry about what to major in. Try classes that sound exciting and are new. You might just find a subject that you love and had never thought of before. Get involved. Join a club that matters to you or start your own. You are on your way to changing the world. To do your part, you need to be proactive. So again, stay calm and have fun!