University of Houston Top Questions

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

Cindy

I am in my first year of college life. This has been my family's goal to put me in college in America. I am enjoying my self reliant way of life, without my mother waking me in the morning, and attending to me daily. I have the opportunity to live with a room-mate ( a total stranger) and learn how to accommodate each other for a year. I am very lucky, I had a very nice room-mate and we became fast friends after our first meeting. I learn to make friends fast and we learn from each other their best traits, get valuable pointers from each other in learning, studying together,movie late nights on the weekend . I took a military science program and I was totally uncomfortable in it, but after doing all the vigorous exercises and marches, I even learn how to throw a hand granite during our military exercises! I was given so many opportunities to learn different things from different society and clubs if I chose to join, I feel so lucky that I am here. I wouldn't want to miss this opportunity of a lifetime.

Dagmar

My college education has been extremely valuable. Not only did it expand my horizon in incredible ways but it also strengthen the confidence I have in my self and in what I can do. Many students attend courses and they do not pay attention to the content of the course, they just go through the motions, however, if they would just stop and really wrap their heads around the issues discussed in the course they would not only learn more, but they would actually become more interested and involved and maybe discover new interests and new challenges. Event the math courses - I always absolutely hated math! - ended up to me a rewarding experience for me. With lots of hard work and studying I discovered I could manage and solve the problems in front of me, and once I found the correct solution I was absolutely exhilarated . Getting an undergrad education is a must , it not only builds self-confidence, but also teaches how to make better decisions, how to communicate with others, how to write better and it opens a world of opportunities that a person otherwise would never have access to.

Hamza

I have gotten a lot out of my college experience from the University of Houston, and I must say that it has been very valuable to attend this university. One thing I have gained is amazing friends. From forming study groups, and just sitting next to random people in my classes, I have met so many people that I know I will never forget. If it weren't for my friends, I don't know how I would survive college. The most important thing I have gained from my college experience, however, is a sense of accomplishment that I haven't felt from anything else that I have done. I know that I must try my best to achieve good grades, and earn a high paying job, and the professors and students I have met here at the University of Houston have been able to help me throughout my freshman year in my studies. The confidence I have gained from attending college is like nothing else in the world. I love attending the University of Houston, and I am proud to be a Cougar!

Christina

My college experience, so far, has taught me to not be shy and to be myself. The day that I moved into my dorm, I didnt know anybody. We then had a floor meeting that brought everyone together and this made me come out of my shell and I had to show who I am to everyone. This led to a more outgoing person and helped with a lot of my classes. I am no longer scared to introduce myself in my classes which leads to getting into study groups. So because of my dorm floor meeting, which might have not happened at any other school, it has been very valuable to attend the University of Houston.

Ruth

I just began going to college this semester. If I have gotten out of it a fresh start a new life path. I say this because after i dropped out of high school I spent the last seven years of my life being an alcoholic and using drugs. Now I have quit all that (thanks to my new baby), and I'm going to do something with my life.

Kevin

I learn more that what college teaches you in class. I learn a lot about other people, and their own way of life. The way they talk and live make it interesting to get to know them. You can understand how people feel about society, and it just makes you easier to understand other people and their culture later on in life. The learning experience still continues even after class hours. I have a more in-depth perspective on how to be independent and understand what other people are like in society. I learn more than just reading textbooks now.

Angel

If I could go back in time and tell myself to stop stressing about academics and instead allow more time for family because soon I would be four hours away from the ones I loved I would. I studied so much senior year that I forgot to spend time with my family that helped me get thus far. Even though I was extremely proud of my grades and my graduating rank I think if I stressed less about the subjects I had to study I would have been able to comprehend the material more efficiently. Now that I do not procrastinate with the tasks I have to complete as I did in high school I realize life goes a lot smoother, I have time to do the things I want because I don?t have a three page paper due tomorrow I have not started yet. If I knew the power of time management like I do now back then I would have had a an easier time making the good grades I strived for.

Mary

I would go back and tell myself to study harder and learn new ways to study for tests. Studying harder would of allowed me to score better on AP Tests so I would recieve credit for certain classes that way I wouldn't have to take in college and it would be less on my tuition. I would tell myself to make better grades so I could graduate at a better rank. I would warn myself to start signing up to scholarships as soon as they came out so I wouldn't miss the deadlines and due dates and have a better opportunity to recieve more scholarships. College transition isn't as easy as people may think and to prepare for a bigger variety of obstacles. College classes are a big deal because it is paid out of one's own wallet so to make sure to do all homework and do well on tests. And most importantly, I would tell myself not to be afraid and that if i put my mind to something, anything can be accomplised.

Bryan

Going back in time would be more than being able to tell myself the phrase that my aunt has told me since I was little, "College is important and you must always do your best to succeed in life." The difference would be that it would be more than just advice, it would be a warning of some kind. Being face to face with myself so that I can prevent the constant stress I feel of not keeping up with what I want myself to be academically and as a human being. I did poorly in my first semester for reasons I now look back on and see as petty. By talking to myself I would be able to redeem myself in front of people I know and, most of all, myself. The best advice I could give to myself is to "start studying as soon as you feel a hint of problems occurring. That will help keep your mind focused on important things and you will be doing what you need to do for school. Don't let social issues of loneliness and being gay get in the way. It feels hard now, but it will only get easier."

LaTricia

Going back to high school and getting ready to make the transition towards college, I would advise myself to be patient, study hard and enjoy campus life. With patients, I can relax and not worry about multiple assignments that are due on the same dates. I can be healthy by being stress-free and getting my work done on time. I would advise myself to study hard because with college I?m becoming a career woman and within the career I choose I need to be professional and most important knowledgeable. Last but not least I would have advised myself to enjoy campus life. Living on campus can be convenient to resources but also can be fun. I would advise myself to join activities, get involve with school and get involve with the community.

D'onne

If I could go back in time to give myself some advise I would tell myself to take some college class while in highschool so that i would be able get ahead and also help with the transition from high school to college. I would also tell myself to get a job and start to save some money for gas and other expenses while on campus. I feel that these simple tips would be very helpful to me now.

Jaleese

Knowing what I know now about college life and the changes in life after high school, I believe I would have alot to tell myself as a high school senior. First, it probably is not the best idea to take a break from school after high school because it is so much harder to get motivated to get back to school. Even if it is just taking general studies class at a community college would be best. I did not know what I wanted to do after high school and decided to spend my time working, but not saving money for any future education. That would probably be the second thing I would tell myself as a high school senior. Mostly I would just say the same thing I'm telling my younger brother, who is graduating from high school in a year. Follow your dreams and do not let fear of the unknown hinder the possibilities of new adventures. College is about finding yourself and looking forward to the future.

Katherine

I would advise to go to college and finish a degree, and start a career before settling down with a marriage and family. I am currently trying to go back to school to get a degree while raising two kids, one of whom happens to be autistic, and I am trying to find part time work to supplement our income. I feel that if I had finished my degree when I had the chance, I would have more to offer to a prospective employer. Go to college, finish your degree, then get married and have kids!

delia

first of all i would take school more serious, meaning acadamically. Second retake SAT for better results to advance in college courses. Third, apply to colleges on time before the due date to receive diverse acceptance. and lastly know what career i want to do.

Kayla

Be smart about all the resources available. Go see advisors and take classes that will benefit you and not waste your time. College is very expensive and there is no room for slacking off. Make sure that school is your priority and put all your effort into making good grades and actually LEARNING. Figure out what you enjoy doing and look at different careers. The worst thing to do is to go and take random classes because you're not sure about what you want your major to be. Join study groups but also learn to study alone and not depend on others to learn. Learn to be independent. Always be prepared and do all assignments on time... the worst thing to do is miss an assignment. Learn to study a great deal, that is the only way to pass exams. Do not expect to "wing it" on tests... it is not possible. Last but not least, have fun. Don't party too much, but enjoy every single step of the college experience... you will not get all these moments back so enjoy while you still can.

Washington

My first advice that I would give myself is to take more AP classes and dual credit classes as well. I would also tell myself to try harder my senior year to pass the AP test. And I would tell myself to really build a stronger bond with some people, because friendships can become very distanced once college begins. One of the most important thing I would tell myself is to apply to more scholarships and find more oppurtunites to get financial aid. It would really help my parents and I would feel better if they did not have to pay any of my tuition because they have given me all the oppurtunity in the world to succeed.

Joshua

Plann ahead NOW for what you want to get your degree in. Don't spend four years just trying to find your nich in life. And most importantly get your general associates done right out of high school. This is the most basic and most important first step. Don't wait to start it untill you know what your bachelors degree will be. Get the Associates done first! As you work through your Associates seek the guidence of school councelors to help guide you toward your Bachelors degree in a chosen field. And above all don't procrastinate and don't become discouraged. Once you have a plan in place it is easer to set goals and steps to accomplish the task. And remember it is far easer to accomplish your degree while you are still young. Once you "grow up" and get married it becomes increasingly difficult to provide for a family and be a full time student at the same time!

Adriann

Thinking about how college is going now, I would have to say that there's two things that I wouldn't mind advising myself about in high school: my study habits, and (awkwardly) my weight. As far as my weight, I feel like I'm not really accepted because of my size, which ends up being a big depressing factor in my life. With the studying habits that I had in high school, they were quite lazy. I felt as if I thought I knew the information, there was no need to study, which is something that I have now passed on to college. Now that I've gone through one semester, I know that studying is a very important factor that I need to add into my daily routine, to allow myself to be very successful in my future career as an Oncologist.

Ashley

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to stress less over the little things and enjoy life more. As a home schooled student, I wasn't sure what to expect out of the transition to college. I was very focused academically in high school and wanted to make sure I scored very well on my SAT. Once the transition to college began, I found myself somewhat overwhelmed by the process. Instead of enjoying my first few years of college, I was over concerned with performing perfectly on every test and assignment. Looking back, I wish I had devoted more time to joining student organizations and community service. While I still maintain a good GPA, I have learned that there is more to college life than grades. Now I maintain a more balanced lifestyle, and am able to balance work, school, and outside acivities. I am still satisfied with my grades, but I wish I had learned to lighten up a little bit right at first - it would have made my first years in college much more enjoyable.

Stephanie

I would be sure that I check the price of dormatories and the mealplans since I was planning on living in campus. I would fill out as many scholarships the University offered as well as websites that offers scholarships. I would especially go to class every single day because attendance is mandatory and a part of your grade unlike high school. I would turn in my FAFSA by the required deadline because you qualify for more grants and definately makes college a little bit cheaper. All in all, be more ontop of things, it is all about personal responsibilty at college, especially if you are living away from home. Don't take anything for granted because you never know what you could have experienced or missed out on.