University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Top Questions

What should every freshman at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities know before they start?

Amanda

Having transferred from the University of Wisconsin-Madison to the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, I have had two very different experiences with two different colleges. With my transfer I believe that I have found the school the best fits my needs and personality. But how does one find that college? My experience has taught me that finding the right college can't be decided by other people's opinions or the college's reputation. The way to find the right school for each individual is not by researching magazine and online polls, or basing it on sports rankings or social events. If you look for it, no matter how big or small the school, one can find many opportunities and get a great education that best fits their needs. It's important to find a college where you can focus on academic work according to your own personal needs, as well as be able to enjoy your experience by having social events available based on personal interests. Finding a school where you are happy and comfortable ensures that you perform at your best as well as acquire the most out of your experience.

Deandria

College is another step towards becoming an adult and being apart of the real world. Location, Scholarship Offers, Size of School, Professors to Student ratio, extra-curricular activites offered and so much more are important when selecting a college of your choice. Selecting colleges can be tough, but the right college is determined solely upon what is fit for you (the student). Parents, you should be there for you son/daughter, because the moment they open their acceptance letter or if the letter turns out to be a denied application, they (your son/daughter) will need you right there by their side. The adventure doesn't end the moment they read their letter or when you drop your son/daughter off for their first day of college, it is just starting. For the student, take advantage of every opportunity on or off campus, but also stay focus and make sure you keep those grades up.

Anna

The best advice I can give is to remember that choosing which college to attend will be one of the first decisions you make in your process to becoming an individual. Pick your school based on how you feel about it when you visit the campus and when you visualize yourself on the campus. During your process of trying to pick a school try not to think about where your friends or boyfriend/girlfriend will be or what your parents want. Choosing a college is one of the biggest decisions you get to make in your life and I personally believe you are allowed to be selfish, within reason in making that decision because in the end it will only affect you. And remember, if in the long run your choice didn't work out as well as you thought...that's okay because you can find a different school and transfer. I found a school that I loved, but in the end I found one that fit me better and ended up transferring, however, I wouldn't give up any of the life changing experiences I have had the pleasure of experiencing at both of the universities.

Taylor

In order to find the right college, make sure that you visit the college in order to truly understand what it feels like to be there. Try and stay the weekend and meet some people so that you will have a few people that you can contact if you decide to go to that school. If you end up going to a school where there are a lot of people from your high school, don't take your judgements of them to college with you, you will be amazed at how different people are when they are not in the high school world anymore. Live you life outside the box. Parents, let your children be themselves and make their own mistakes, it's the only way that they will learn from them. Make sure that the college your child chooses is their dream, not your dream for them. If it's your dream, they end up being more stressed about pleasing you than getting the experience that will help them figure out who they are. Finally, one bad grade or one bad semester is not the end of your life, it helps guide you to what you are good at.

briana

UMN is spread out and HUGE. Students ride bikes everywhere . The bus system is excellent and you can ride all the way to the airport and Mall of America. My best advice for new students is to find a sub group of interest. It is very difficult to socialize without being involved in some activity or club, sports or Greek life. Once you are involved, there is always something going on. Sports are a big part of college life as the UMN is one of the Big Ten schools. Students have to be proactive in friendships and academics. Professors do not hold your hand. Always check your email and don't be late to class. There is a foreign language requirement so plan your four year schedule. Off campus housing is surprisingly affordable (subjective- since I was raised on the East Coast). UMN is not for beach bums. The weather is COLD like I never felt before and again I'm from the East Coast. Minneapolis is rocking and the theater life is amazing. Also just outside of campus is Dinkytown, a cool hip section of the city where you will find great cafe's, food and nightlife. Have fun.

Sam

First and foremost, there is no rush. While I am completely satisfied with my school and though it was my first choice, I felt rushed to chose. Do not feel rushed because there is plenty of time. This is also a very important decision that requires time and thinking. Your college should have a good program for what you want to pursue, but also good programs in other interests you have because more likely than not, you will change your major, possibly more than once. Once in college, keep schoolwork first, but be open-minded to new ideas. Put yourself out there to get involved in activities. Getting involved even in one event will greatly improve your social spectrum without you even realizing it.

Andrea

How far do you REALLY want to be from home? The Post-Secondary option saves a lot of money and time if you can do it during high school. Take advanced-placement classes and do well on the exams, becaues it can help you pass out of lib-ed requirements. Take advantage of learning-abroad opportunities.

Rebecca

Remember to make the most of these years because they fly by very quickly.

Alexandra

College for most people is about growing, learning, adapting, and dreaming. For many, it is the best years of their lives because they are able to meet new people and experience new things that they never were able to before. They have the ability to study anything they want, and are given the responsibility of picking a path for life. College is not just about fun and social experiences; it's also about hard work, diligence, and motivation. The balance between work and play is a learning curve for most, but is one of the best lessons in life. When picking a college, many aspects need to be considered. Tuition, location, majors offered, financial aid, and campus life are a few of the most important. A person needs to decide what is most important to them and what they want out of college experience, and then do the research on the desired schools. Always apply to more than one school. Regardless of where you go to school, always give your best and do it with an open mind and if so, you will without doubt have a positive educational experience.

Jeannie

I do not think I will be able to win this because I already graduated with my bachelor's degree from the U of M and I am at graduate school in a different state. However, I would be happy to share my advice. My best advice for both students and parents is to pick a handful of schools that you are truly interested in and tour them. Ask lots of questions on your tour about what the campus can offer you according to your needs and interests. Aside from social activities on campus, you might look into class sizes and the variety of majors that are offered. For students who are unsure of their major, you may consider looking at colleges who offer a variety of majors that interest you. Academically, I think this would be a great way to start your college experience. In terms of social activities, I would strongly suggest living in dormatories where you will meet life long friends. Being on campus as much as possible is the best part of a true college experience! So get into the school spirit with your new friends and show your pride for your ahievements and your school!