University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Top Questions

What should every freshman at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign know before they start?

Nicole

The best advice I can give is to not only visit the campus with your family when the school is giving tours, but also visit with friends and see what the social atmosphere of the campus is. You want to talk to the students that go there and ask about course load as well as talk to academic advisors to see if the major you're interested in is actually what you believe it to be at that particular university. If you feel comfortable after all of these steps, you've found the right school for you.

Enrique

Every resource and service available is highly recommended to do. To find the right college one must know how they are and willing to adapt to one's environment.

Joseph

Sophomore Year of High School: Decide what you are interested in and start looking around. Focus hard on the ACT and SAT in order to achieve any school you want. This is the best year to reach for the stars. Junior Year: Start visiting colleges that match your interest in subject, acedemic level (grades/test scores), and preferred environment that suits you. Decide if you like big/small schools, social/quiet, city/rural, and public/private. Do NOT forget high school; this is a crucial year for students to do well because of how scrutinized the ACT and grades are by colleges. This is the student's last year to show off! Senior Year: Save yourself money by studying for A.P. tests. Once you have chosen a school, look up what you need on each test to get the most credit. Start preparing to live away from home by choosing an appropriate meal plan, staying organized, and relying less on the parents. Freshman Year of College: Start Strong! Keep up your GPA, but do not forget to be social; join a club or activity. This is when you start appreciating the parents; tell them on your visits home!

Jeff

One of the biggest things would be to start early. The earlier you start looking at colleges the better. Get interested, Apply Early, and do your research. Know what you are getting into and be prepared to take the necessary steps to complete your degree on time. Second, do not be afraid to try new things. It only makes it easier and more interesting when trying new things and getting a better experience at college. Get yourself out there and take college for all its worth.

Brandon

Find somewhere that provides the resources and opportunities that you want to have

Ethan

While making the decision about which college or university to attend may seem like a serious and daunting challenge that requires months of visits, research and planning, going with your gut instinct about which university you will enjoy and learn the most from is necessary for an enjoyable college experience. Getting a good education is important, but so is having a good time. It may seem important now to obsess over school statistics, graduation rates, and job placement opportunities, but just remember that enjoying the best years of your life are just as crucial.

Morgan

Finding the right college is all about a setting you think you would feel most comfortable in. It doesnt matter how much it costs, or where all your friends go...as long as you are happy, safe, and comfortable with your environment, nothing else should matter because college is your last building block before reality takes over. Enjoy it while you can!

Anastasia

Make sure the size of the college is what would work for you. Make sure you finde scholarships. Do not be too lazy to write essays or what ever it is that causes people to hate doing it. Take time and do the tedious work, it is well worth it. Know at least one other peorson that you are comfortable to hang out with. It helps a lot especially when you get a little home sick. It is good to have a familiar face around. Study hard, especially if you want to go out. The more you go out, the harder you have to study. Also, never skip a class, even if it's easy.

Sue

In order to make the right decision on where to attend school, one must do a few preliminary things. A must is to visit the campus. Knowing how the campus is laid out and distances can factor into a person's decision. Also, the beauty can either make a person fall in love with the cfampus, or hate it. Also, a person should talk to a current student to hear about activities, dorm life, athletics, and the people to decide if it sounds right for them. In order to make the best of the college experience, a person needs to stay busy. Whether it be volunteering, meeting new friends, or just hanging out, a person should always have something to do. Personally, I joined a dance team and I think it may have been my best decision. I met new people and made some of my best friends. Putting yourself out there and into the campus is and will be a great way to make the best of a person's college years.

Elise

Make sure you visit each college before deciding on one, the atmosphere of a college can never accurately be translated onto a web page. Also, when you get there, join lots of clubs and activities to meet new people.