University of Louisville Top Questions

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

Shelby

One thing I've gotten is maturity. In high school, I thought I was pretty mature, but when I got to college I realized how wrong I was. There's something about the college experience that makes you grow up, which I like. Also, I've learned discipline. Like I've said, I breezed through high school, and when I got to college, I really learned how to sit down, study and get everything done. I'm so glad that I've gotten to experience what some people can only dream of. I'm so thankful that i've gotten the opportunity to go to college and gain the discipline and maturity that I have.

Ricky

During my college years I have encountered lots of learning experiences and habits that will follow me the rest of my life. College has taught me how to prioritize evrything. This is something that is definitley needed in the work force. "Playtime" is not even in my vocabulary anymore. I have gained work ethic. No matter how hard or how tired I am, im going to do it because it has to be done. I feel like i finally got the grasp of what being an adult is all about. I have added depth to my personal morality. i'm used to dealing with diverse groups of people now. I am able to walk up and hold a conversation with any type of person.College itself has prpared me for any obstacle I may encounter in life and I'm ready to face it with out fear. If you can get through college, you can get through anything!

Josie

I have learned so much about the world around me and how it functions. I'm not just talking about the "real world" dealing with jobs and bills. I also learned a lot about our society and how it functions. I discovered new theories and ideas about why we think the way we do and I have learned to question everything in order to learn more. I have gotten ideas on what I can do to make a difference to people in our community. A College education expands your thoughts and better prepares one to live in the "real world". It also helps to round an individual socially, which comes in handy when dealing with the public or work relationships. I love going to school and learning something new each day, you know what they say about an idle brain!!

Jynna

If I travelled back in time and had a discussion with my younger self about college, I would warn myself that I need to buckle down and get out of the habit of procrastinating. If I were able to do this, I wouldn't feel as stressed out about college as I do now. When I look back on things, I really wish I had gotten out of this habit sooner because it's really hurting me. Sure I can get the work done, but the stress it puts on me is breaking me down. I'm trying to get through this habit and start getting my homework and studying done as soon as I can, but it takes time. So if I were to go back in time and talk to myself about college, that would be my advice to me. It seems like such a simple word of advice, but it makes all the difference.

Ayita

I would tell myself to really think about what career I want and how to go to school without getting into debt. I probably wouldn't had accepted student loans offered and I would have focused more on me and what career choice best fits my personality. Instead of trying to please others in choosing a major, I would have pursued courses that I found personally enlightening.

Anissa

When you first arrive at college, it may seem that everyone is lying about how difficult college is compared to high school and that your professors will not try and help you. Make sure not to disregard the warning of the difficulty of college, because you are graded soley on exams in most classes, which is what makes it difficult. However, do not worry about your professors not being there and willing to help you, because most of them will always offer to help.

Maggie

As a high school senior and, until now, I was always so stressed about everything; my job, finances, homework, sports, and, especially, my future. I had everything planned out... down to every class until I graduate. My academic advisor even said I stressed her out by being so ambitious and organized! However, I recently returned from a semester abroad in Barcelona, Spain. The decision to study abroad was very stressful financially. But, now, I realize it was a life-changing experience that shapes the person I am today. I have learned to relax and become more free-spirited. I prioritize my time much better and realize that life will simply work itself out. I have decided not to finish a year of graduate school during my undergraduate career and simply see where life takes me. Thus, from where I am today and where I was as a high school senior (who, at the time, had TMJ and medical yoga because of stress), I would tell myself that I need to take a breath, relax, and life will take its course. I need to stop worrying so much about my future and enjoy college! This is the time of my life.

Hillary

One piece of advice that I would give myself is to stop pleasing other people and do the things that you want to do. Just because your friends are going to one place and they want you to come along doesn't mean that you should follow them. You should do what you want to do, be who you want to be, and go where you want to go.

Brittany

If I could go back in time and give my self advice about college and making the transition, I would defenitly of told myself to pick my college earlier. Also to Apply for as much stuff as possible because college is a very stressful thing and money is hard to come by. I also think I would have to myself to maybe to not be as worried about whats going everywhere and focus on what was right for myself. College has defenitly been a big transition in my life and has been very stressful, but it has also taught me a lot about myself and what I can do. I think that students in their senior years need to focus on what they really want and make it happen.

Andrea

Think about it. Really decide if this is where you want to go. Dont walk into college thinking that what you wanted to do when you were in high school is what you will always want to do. Dont forget about your high school friends, dont forget that making friends is just as important as the school work. Dont leave school. its hard to go back.

Tiffany

If I could go back in time as a high school student, I would have pushed myself to do more academically. College is very expensive and if i would have kept my GPA up I know i would have been able to recieve a scholarship. Now that i know how important grades are I am pushing myself each semester to do the best that I can, hoping that a scholarship will be awarded to me. School is very important to me to complete and right now I am depending on loans to get me through college and where I want to be. In addition, If i could go back in time I would be involved im more extracurricular activities. It would have increased and bettered my verbal skills. There were many things I enjoyed and was good at , such as sports, but I didnt push my self to get involved. Getting involved in high school is very important because you get to meet many people also it would have looked good on resumes.

alisha

Friends will not always stay the same. Know what major you want to do before going in because it really does matter. Be involved as much as possible.

Stephen

If i could go back in time and give myself some advice about the transition to college i would tell myself to relax. In retropsect the experience wasn't nearly as horrifying as i made it out to be. The amount of stress i unreasonably put my self through was alot of energy that could have been put to better things.

Christy

I would advise myself to stress a lot less and enjoy my time at college a lot more.

Rachel

If I could go back in time and talk to myself about choosing a college, I would let myself know its ok to be unsure of where to go. You just have to go with your gut feeling. During your first you are are still unsure if you made the right decision or not. The best thing to do is to do your research. Check out the neighborhood around the school. Look at things that you could do on the weekend or in your time in between classes. If nothing interests you maybe this isn't the place for you. Also make sure you are true to yourself. Don't force yourself to like a school just because your parents like it or all of your friends are going there. Make sure you make the decision for yourself. You are the one who has to attend school there for the next few years of your life. If you aren't happy when you make the final decision, chances are you may not like it in the end. Why put yourself through that kind of misery just to make someone else happy? Do what feels good to you.

On'Draya

Stay focused and make sure that I understand the importance of time management and organization. I would focus solely on securing my footing in life and less on helping uplift others. I lost sight of that in being involved, relationships and life. Also I would tellmyself to prepare for life, because you never know where it may take you. No one really tells you these things when your preparing for college its mostly about keeping a good GPA, or getting a job or securing your place in grad school. While all these things are great I feel that when your not prepared or willing to understand life and its's obstacles it can throw you for a loop. Lastly, I would tell myself that there is nothing that I can't do and should not attempt to do if I am determined to succeed. Also never let a temporary situation or circumstance define who and what I am.

Savion

Assuming that I had the opportunity to go back into time and advise myself, my first bit of advice would be to appreciate those that have gotten you thus far. Be humble for the opportunities that you are given, because many are denied the chance of gaining a higher education. Secondly, I would say, to be more open to ideas and opinions that differ from that of your own. There are so many different types of people in the world, and if you're not willing to expand your mind, then you could possibly miss out on someone that could have enhanced your life. Education is something that so many take for granted. It's not a right but more of a priviledge. Take advantage of networking opportunities, get involved in student organizations and more importantly, don't be afraid to stand out above the crowd. Be the leader, set your own standards and follow your dreams. No one can get in your way but you. Be the change that you seek, even if that means you have to stand alone. Life is what you make of it, so make sure you're leaving a path worth following.

Rachel

If I could go back and visit myself in High School, I would give myself a pat on the back. I'd start by saying that college life is not as hard as I think that it will be, because as a college student, different types of people surround you. College is really just a gathering of diverse people from very different places and walks of life, all coming together with the same goals, and that is to learn. Every person that you meet at college is on a different path, but all of us heading towards a brighter future with more options and choices. I would tell myself,? Don?t wait," there's no reason to not go to college immediately, because you will discover a new person who will emerge a stronger, healthier, happier individual, with more direction. College gives you the ability to spread the wings of creativity and dabble in all things beautiful and fun. So while on this journey of self-discovery you can find the perfect hobbies that turn into careers that turn into your future...

Andrew

If I were to go back in time and speak to myself as a high school senior, I would be sure to tell myself three things; to change my study habits, to apply for as many scholarships as I could, and to learn how to manage my time more efficiently. My study habits from high school just are not going to cut it in college. Cramming each night before a test is a stressful and inefficient way of preparing for an exam, in college I would have to start preparing at least a week before each exam. Also, scholarships can be extremely important for attending college, it is expensive to go to a large university and any scholarships awarded could help me succeed academically and keep me motivated to gain more knowledge. Lastly, I would tell myself to work on my time management skills, there will be times in college where I will not be able to go out with friends on a Saturday night but rather go to the library and get some more study hours in. I would also need to manage my homework and get it done efficiently so that I am on track for each class.

Hannah

If I were to gpive myself advice as a high school senior there are a few things I would want to tell myself. I would tell myself to take standardized tests as often as possible. It's worth the money spent to help you get the scholarships to pay for school. Also I would tell myself to do massive amounts of volunteer work. Universities love seeing volunteer work on applications. Lastly I would tell myself to save as much money as possible. Having a job as a Freshmen in college is very difficult. If you can save money before hand life will be much easier.