University of Houston Top Questions

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

Michael

Focus on using all of the available resources that your University has. It is no longer enough just to get into a top school and graduate with a high GPA, one must also take advantage of all the utterly amazing life-long contacts a student will make during the time spent there. Study partners, graduate students, alumni, professors or facility provide a future student the tools to not only exceed in school, but life as well.

Holly

I would say it's important that you get that feeling immediately that the school is the right fit for you. Get involved. Volunteer as a research assistant, etc. Network as much as you possibly can and you will not regret knowing that you made the most out of your college experience because you were able to carry the networking opportunities and experience beyond the classroom, into a career.

April

Don't get frustrated and complete the process early and a little bit at a time.

Melanie

One of the first things I would say if I were advising a highschool student on college choice would be to go where you feel comfortable. Don't pick a place that you've never been--often schools put a slant on their campus/academic life that isn't true to life and, should you chose one that you've never seen, you're more likely to end up at a school completely different than you expected. When it comes to finances, it basically comes down to two options--with you as the decider of which is more important: to go to a school where you want, where for perhaps the only time in your life you can get a loan to pay for EVERYthing (and have no family to tie you down to one location), or to go where you won't need to borrow much or anything at all. If you prefer to travel and take your "opportunities" now, go for it, but if you prefer to live conservatively for the future, be especially careful of the cost of the school.

Rachel

All I can say is get involved and do not be afraid to meet new people! In a huge college where classes are as big as 600, its easy to go an entire day without seeing one person you know so you just really have to get involved. Join a club, get involved with greek life. That stuff may cost alot, but it is worth it because it makes your college life so much better. Don't just go to a college because of where your friends are going--make sure it is right for you... Big vs small and city vs country... It's going to be your home for a long time, so you might as well enjoy it and have fun. Also, its alot easier to do well if you're happy.

Kristen

Students should definitely live on camps for at least a year. That way they can get involved more on campus and meet even more people. Students should also learn how to manage their time wisely. There's so much to do their first year that sometimes it's easy to forget that you have to study. Get involved with a few clubs. They can really help you out with your first year and you can make connections in the long run. Get tutoring when you need it. Don't wait until the day before the test to get help. Don't be afraid to relax and take a break from studying. Get some exercise in at the rec center.

Nusrat

Do not worry about the money issue. Choose a school that feels right and one you think you can do well in.

Chris

Come in to the college experience without any preconcived notions about what should happen. While you are here, many things you had no idea about will come to light, and it is better you just recieve them as opposed to disregard them. In this world of wide ranging walks of life, your best friend could be your people's worst enemy. So be open to idea and weary of ignorance, as they will get you no where in trying to enjoy your college experience to the fullest. Live for purpose, so when you get to feel like you are lost, and trust you will feel lost, it will only be a minor bump on a fun and educated road to success. Experience is what you make of it, so choose a college based on feeling right about your decision to the core of your being.

Savannah

Find a college with alot of resources. Also find a school that is diverse. You should probly choose a bigger college. A small college is just like high school. Make sure your school has your available major.

Norma

Choosing the right college is not a simple task to do. In order to choose the right college for you, you need to sit and think about what you really want. First make the list of the colleges you would like and ask your self why are you choosing them. Then look where they are situated and picture yourself in that city. Besides think about the surrounding where you might be living . Make a note of the people that live in that city because you will live there for at least 4 years. Last, if you feel satisfied then start making the arrangemets continuing the process. If you didn't feel satisfied then choose another college remember that it will be your new home and that you need to feel safe and comfortable because that will reflect on how successful you become on your major. I hope this detalis work that way you have a successful choice.

Laura

The first piece I would give to any incoming student would be to job shadow. I believe that everyone has preconcieved notions of what their future job is like. However, a student should job shadow to see if they like the environment, stresses, paperwork, or people that the job entails. This will help prevent students from switching majors as much and therefore having to take less classes. As far as the right college, it needs to be a college where the student feels comfortable and has the opportunity to challenge the student. The right college has to also be affordable in order for the student to keep attending that specific college. Students should also find the time to make friends and to get involved in something that they are interested in. There are tons of clubs to get involved in.

Monique

I would like to advise parents and students to start early and make the best decision based on their specific circumstances. There are so many choices these days with online education, correspondence courses, the ability to transfer credits from high school to college. Research all available options and find out what the requirements are for scholarships and aid, then work toward meeting them.

Charlotte

I would suggest that students not only visit the campus, but get to know current students and sit in on some of the lectures before you enroll. Talk to students about the professors. Visit the school website and search for syllabi of classes you intend to take. Finally, when deciding which organizations to join, choose two that will allow you to be active and possibly serve in a leadership roll, rather than signing up for several and not having the opportunity to get the most out of the opportunity.

ryan

Take your time and start as early as possilble

Candice

College is a milestone in one's life, and the process is just as important as the outcome. One must take into consideration of the kinds of lifestyles demanded by particular campuses. Studious individuals must look for those places that will quench their thirst for knowledge while those not so ambitious must relieve their wants. Parents must come to the understanding that growing up doesn't always mean cutting off, but letting go in order to thrive. College is not completely about grade point averages and late night cram sessions for threatening mid-terms. It's about the homecoming games and endless parties that sew memories into our life stories. It's about the best friend we meet that without, we would otherwise end up in tearful breakdowns. It's about finding the inner you without disregarding the exterior self. College is the best horrible thing that could happen to a person. Its a journey without end but resulting in discovery.

jesmy

Deciding the right college is a very difficult decission. My advice to students and parents is to prapare well in advanced for college and to make sure your picking the school that you , the student, feels will help suceed in life.

Tina

Diversity should be one of the biggest factors in choosing a good school. However, one must not forget that college is a center for learning. College is a place of growth for any individual willing to grow. Both academically and socially college give us what our parents and community can not.

Lyndsey

Finding the right college is not about where your best friend or your boyfriend/girlfriend is going, its about where you want to spend the next four years of YOUR life. If you know what you want to do with your life research which university is best for that major, if you aren't sure about your exact major look for a university that specializes in your interests. When you get there join as many clubs and organizations as you can and want, always speak up in class, and get into as many study groups as possible. The point is, you need to have fun but don't forget you're here to begin the rest of your life.

Brittany

Don't get your heart set on one place that you think you want to go. You should leave your options open and apply to as many colleges. When entering college, go in with high expectation, and be ready to work.

Brittany

Make sure the college you choose fits every aspect of you. Don't choose based on family alumni status or where most of your friends plan to attend. Make sure the school is well accredited and offers the classes you need to get the degree best fit for you. Also make sure you enjoy the surrounding area. If you are used to living in the country a school in downtown Houston or D.C for example may be a bit intimadating, which could hinder your ability to perform well.