University of Louisville Top Questions

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

Amy

I would advise myself to be completly open to changes and the new experiences I will face. I came into college thinking that I would continue my old high school habits and attitudes towards life and I completly changed them. I would have wanted to be more open in the beginning so I could of had an easier time adjusting.

Samantha

You can't get by how you did in high school. You have to do the school work and pay attention every day or you won't get out of it what you need to.

Rachael

I would tell myself to look into the requirements for the graduate program I want sooner so I wouldn't be wondering if I'll have to stay an extra semester.

Jennifer

As a college student, I have become an academic perfectionist. I whole-heartedly dedicate myself to my school work because I am so passionate about what I am pursuing, a carrier in nurse practitioning. My college GPA shows that this subject is where I find myself. I believe most college students would say that they would tell their old selves to stay focused, work hard, and prepare for the work ahead of them. However, I would probably tell myself to explore the scholarly peaks of academia that I?ve never thought I was intelligent enough to reach. I would tell myself that, with discipline, I am ?smarter? than I think I am, and can do more than I thought I could. I would make sure my old self knew to take advantage of higher education because it is such an amazing privilege. To coast through college with a goal of mediocrity is cheating yourself and the world of the change they need.

DeAndra

Looking back, I would be more ample to guide myself as a senior in high school. I would of screamed, "Hey! Get off that library couch and get to work, it's gonna be even harder in college if you get out of the groove now." I would inform myself to step out of the box and maybe meet some new people in Louisville in order to build some relationships before I suddenly jumped into an unfamiliar place. I'd make sure to let high school senior me explore more areas of life in order to get a better feel for what possibilities could come with the rest of my life. I would of prompted myself to quit the procrastinating right then and there as well, it's a pesky little mannerism that should be dealt with before being introduced to college papers (especially ones 12 pages in length). But most of all, I would tell busy, senioritis me to just relax. Enjoy life and the experiances you are having everyday. College is a big step but one that will be worth every bump and crack along the way!

Angela

I would tell myself not to rush into the decision and don't base it on other people. Think about what you want and the school that will be the best fit for you. Visit many schools and then decide. when you get there, don't be shy. Get involved right away and you will find the group you fit with. You just have to put yourself out ther, because if you don't, you will regret it later.

Jonathan

Do everything you can, this is your last year without real responsibility and without the weight of your entire future resting on your shoulders. Apply to IU and Purdue. But mostly, know that everything will be fine, as long as you study. Be careful, your second semester is hard! Study harder!

Corey

Get involved in volunteer activities! And don't just do it because it looks good on a resume. Do it because you genuinely have a desire to help those in need. Helping others who are less fortunate will expand your intellect by making you understand many of the social forces that cause some people to be worse off than others. Particularly in working with the homeless. Since you already know you want to study social sciences, this will give you a direct application to supplement your classroom learning as well as serve as a constant reminder of how fortunate you are. Also get to know your professors as human beings. Even though your high school teachers may paint these individuals as stern and unforgiving disciplinarians; the reality is that these people are just that, people. They have a wealth of experience in their fields and are more than happy to help you so don't be afraid to ask. Not to mention, professors serve as excellent references for jobs and advanced study programs. If you work hard for them and treat them with basic human dignity, they will be there for you.

Keri

First, I would tell myself to shut up and listen because that's what I needed most back then. Then, I would tell myself to stop being afraid to follow my heart. When I was in High School I always stopped myself from doing all that I could do because I was afraid of failing. If I could go back in time I would pull a Thomas the Train Engine and tell myself "you can do it, you can do it, you can do it!" I think that so many High School seniors need that encouragement. I would tell myself that it is ok to be afraid of what comes next but not to let that fear stop me from getting involved. I would also touch on learning time management because the time you had in High School to get everything done seems to disappear when you go to college. Lastly, I would tell myself to lighten up and have fun! College really is the time of your life so do not spend it stressing over the small stuff!

D'minia

My advice to give any student or parent when looking for the right college is to look for a college that would best fit you and your standards. I always say that only you know whats best for you and by this I mean that you are the only person that can determine what happens to you and the kind of future that you hold. Whether you decide to go to a two year college or a 4 year university, a ivy league or a very populated school with lots of school spirit whatever your choice is make sure its really what you want to do and that its a place that you will want to be for that certain amount of time. Certainly after you make that choice of where you want to be you have to remember that while you r there you must make the most of your college experience. Get involved with your school and the community, try-out for a team, join clubs (make your own club), try meeting new people everyday, just take advantage of everything that the school offers and I guarantee you that your college experience will be awesome!!!!! p.s STUDY!!!!!!