University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Top Questions

As a highschool senior I was unaware of what was on the road ahead of me. The University of Michigan was my first choice, yet as a 17 year old, I still had many doubts I was making the right decision. If I was able to go back, I would encourage myself to not be so stressed about the college process. There were so many opportunities for me to assure myself that I was making the right decision. I would tell myself at 17 that I love my academic and social life in Ann Arbor and that I was making the best decision fo myself. In addition, I would encourage myself to not be anxious coming into the first few weeks of college, and remind myself constantly that there are 6,000 other new freshmen undergraduates who are in my same position not knowing where to go the first day of class or who to talk to. As I look back today, I am thrilled with the decision I made to become a Michigan wolverine, Go Blue!

To spend less time stressing out about different things that do not end up mattering in the end. Spend your time doing what you love to do and enjoy life.

Find low cost-no-cost fringe benefits associated with being a registered student, such as discounts at retailers, apartment finders, cooperatives, food clubs, free bennies on clothing, food, entertainment, mental health, and transportation, and if there are interest groups that will help with organizing a new life in a new town. See if there is a non-profit organization like the Inter Cooperative Council for support, net-working, education and low cost, safe housing because housing is so expensive and landlords are almost predatory. In addition, find "Know Your Rights" booklet about housing ordinances and tenant-landlord legalities, including who is responsible for what in a lease agreement. Look for student-run businesses like booksellers, document copiers, clothing, health and beauty and entertainment. Find out how accessible the public transporation system is. See if there is a directory of self-help groups such as those that address stressors and/or spirituality. Check out statistics on crime rates on campus, with a map detailing the frequency of which kinds of crime. Take a self-defense class (crime prevention).

I would suggest to myself that I need to loosen up more! I don't think I fully enjoyed myself and my friends until I got to college. In high school I was very focused on my grades and spent less time enjoying my social life. While today I am still focused on my education, I have realized how important it is to live your life and enjoy it while you're young. Now, I have a good balance between school and my social life. It's also very important for incoming seniors to maintain an open mind and be tolerant of other student's opinions. As a senior, I had an open mind, yet when I entered this university I still butted heads with other students over controversial issues. That's entirely alright as well, as long as you are not disrespectful to others or their beliefs. Overall, I would tell my high school self to be prepared for lots of fun and new friends. There's no other university I'd rather attend to complete my four years as a nursing student.

I would tell myself not to take college courses too lightly, and to invest my full time and effort into doing well and applying what I learn. Taking more math classes would have been helpful, and is particularly attractive to employers. I suggest that students be well-read in the literature of the fields they study in each class-- there is always something intriguing in each area of study that most students are not aware of. Spend your time reading and researching on your own-- learn to be fully self-motivated and excited about what you do. Only then are you able to fully digest what you have learned. Furthermore, cross-disciplinary work is what I believe will shape and form future research and development, so becoming familiar with other fields outside your major would be a great boon to yourself in the future.

Frankly, college won't be what you expect. It's going to be hard, and you'll be studying full time. Your friends will help you cope, but no matter what, don't lose your determination. What you do at college defines the shape of the rest of your life. Don't be afraid to have fun; it's what will keep you, for the most part, sane. On the other hand, don't let fun consume your studies. These rules apply to you as a Michigan student, but it is now that I should insist that you might like to take a chance with the unknown. From the college experiences I've been told, there are two types of colleges you can go to: One with prestige, and one with an education. Unfortunately, the intelligent atmosphere of Ann Arbor tends not to be focused on undergrads. Though a U of M degree will get you almost certain preferential treatment, the level of detatchment in lecture halls with nearly 300 students makes attaining a true education extremely competitive. Take this decision seriously. The education you must actively pursue is what will set you apart from the rest.

In retrospect, the advice I would give myself about college would revolve around two aspects of college; paying for college and getting involved on campus. As a senior in college, I realize how much money my parents have had to pay and sacrifice for me to attend the University of Michigan. If I could do it all over again I would help to alleviate some of the burden on my parents to pay for college through applying for as many scholarships as I could. I would tell myself to be persistent in doing so and take it seriously so that some of the out of pocket costs of attending college could be taken care of through scholarship money. Financial aid, loans and some scholarships still dont seem to be enough to pay for my education and could use help from other sources. Secondly, I would stress the importance of being involved in groups on campus for many reasons including meeting new people, making friends and also because it shows what kind of person you are to those who may have to look at your resume and college life. It makes your college life well rounded.

I would tell myself to take the classes more seriously and do the best that I can and so that I can get a higher education and to be able to get a well paying job that I would want.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a senior, the best advice I would give myself is to start learning how to study now! I never really had to try hard in school and study a ton, because it all came pretty easy to me. I did very well in school (I was even in the top ten), but i never worked as hard as I do now in college! The only time I really spent on school work outside of school was when I had a paper due. I did not get a lot of homework or reading. Now that I am in college, all I do is study! There is so much to read! That was the biggest adjustment my first semester, learning how to study! Classes did not come easy for me like in high school, and so I really had to work hard and study a lot!

Mountain climbing can be an exhilarating, rewarding and life changing experience. Although climbing a mountain can be one of life's greatest accomplishments, it is more than panoramic views, the satisfaction of reaching the summit, or a true wilderness experience. Mountain climbing is a great challenge that involves risk, danger, and hardship. Mountain climbing is not for everyone, although some can find it irresistible, as well as frustrating and sometimes even deadly. There are qualities to mountain climbing that bring inspiration and joy in a pursuit that is more than a pastime or a sport; it is a passion and sometimes a compulsion. A distant view of a mountain may speak of adventure, but the mountains only hint at the joys and hardship that await the climber. Climbing a mountain takes much preparation, knowledge and skill. The mountain climbing environment is indifferent to human needs and not everyone is willing to pay the price or able to survive the hardship in exchange for the mental and spiritual rewards the experience can provide. Climbing a mountain is no easy task, however, it is an adventure worth seeking.