University of Nevada-Reno Top Questions

What should every freshman at University of Nevada-Reno know before they start?

Jessica

I have gotten so much out of my college experience. I have gained so many friends and memories in a short amount of time. I have joined an amazing sorority full of girls who are like a second family to me. I have gained an amazing education so far. My classes are great and my teacher are very informative of the material. It is important to attend classes so you don't fall behind and so you can learn the information properly. It is important to attend college overall because you gain such an experience and such a good education.

Jennifer

I would tell myself to be gentle on myself. You might want to make different choices if you knew how difficult some experience will be, however in each experience what you have learned will benefit you in the greatest ways. The quote is true about your expectations "You should not be surprised at whatever you see or hear...if you are ready to accept things as they are, you will recieve them as old friends." Shunryu Suzuki. You are in charge of your choices, your life, the decisions you make and no one else. If you decide someone or something else is in charge its still the decision you are making. Its okay if you are the only person in your life, however you are not alone, ask for support, ask for assitance. Sometimes if you are pushing to accomplish something and its not working out ask yourself is this the right time and place, what is it that I need to know so that I can accomplish my goals. I would tell myself that this is my experience, I am here for me, its okay to pursue and experience your own dreams. Give yourself credit for your many contributions.

Ryan

Dialogue. It truly frames the experience and the outcomes. Take control of the dialogue and you take control of the perception. If you let others led the dialogue than it becomes a winding, pointless, drawn-out case study of the failing of natural forces bettering human development. Leaving the conversation does just that, it leaves the conversation in unpredictable, closed hands. Without direction and decisive involvement, the outcomes become just as useful as the process. Be smarter, expect more, and then there will be more. The dialogue frames the mind of all those involved; by seizing the dialogue and heightening the conversation you heighten the individuals involved and the experience in general. What do I mean? Speak what you feel, feel what you speak. Speak up, and up the dialogue. When we change what we perceive we can perceive change. Seize the dialogue, seize the conversation, open the world's mind.

Randy

I would tell myself to go to school and not to the military. I would also tell myself to find a full-time job and help your mother with her unemployment and try to find a way to help the down town libery.

Chelsey

College life is extremely more expensive than what I thought it was going to be. You not only have to pay for tuition you have to pay for books, room and board, and food. It can be really stressful when you start to think about it. I would tell myself to apply for more scholarships, get a summer job, and to make sure I have a budget of how much I want to spend.

Kristian

What does it take to be a university student? Having gone through the high school experiene, the 4 years seemed to have gone by quickly and smoothly with a few challenges here and there. This is why it takes time to adjust in transitioning into a college freshman. If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself that attending a university is no easy task. It takes a great deal of dedication, commitment, persevarance, and hardwork. In this kind of environment, teachers no longer hand things down to the student, but rather it is the student's responsibility to fullfill the tasks at hand. In addition to this, knowing how to prioritize is very important in order to succeed through the rigorous courses that the university offers. It is also in the hands of the student to seek help when they need it, which ranges from talking to your professor, to attending study groups. Most importantly get to know your professors, because having connections in the academic world will aide you in succeeding, because they can provide you with plenty of helpful resources, and great advice as well.

Alyssa

I try to live my life without any regrets, so it is difficult to give myself advice on events that have already occurred in my life. There is one thing that stands out to me though; I cannot overlook it. It is the fact I wish I would have applied for more scholarships while I was still in high school. Knowing now how hard it is to pay for college, especially in this economy, I realize now that I should have tried harder to get more scholarships. I thought just taking a lot of advance placement and honors courses and also having a GPA of a 4.0 would be enough; however, I found out quickly that you need to put time and effort into what you want to achieve great success. I learn from my mistakes and take pride in my accomplishments. I am trying now more than ever to recieve more scholarships to help pay for my tuition and make my college experience an even greater one.

Sara

Sitting in my first class with two hundred other students; attempting to write down everything the professor is saying--quickly realizing I can not do so and thus resorting to picking out the most important details. It finally hits me... I'm officially in college. College life is vastly different from the comfortable norm of which i found high school to be. Therefore, what i would be sure to tell my self as a senior if given the chance would be that: Sara, you can no longer cram for a test twenty mins before class and miraculously pull off an A. College takes time, and yes, PLENTY of effort. Your education is truly something that you must earn and not expect it to be given to you. Take the time to learn good study habbits now, because you will be in for a huge shock if you do not prepare yourself accordingly! Lastly, don't wait until the last minute to apply for scholarships! Take the initiative and start early, it's only putting yourself at an advantage, and you deserve to give yourself the best possible chance at success.

Garrett

If I could talk to senior year Garrett Sanford, unsure about college and stressing about his future, I would tell him not to fret. "College is wonderful!" I would say. "It gives you such opportunities to express your creativity, your intellect, and your desire to pursue new venues of knowledge!" "How is all this possible?" he might say. "Well, Garrett," I would slyly reply, "I don't rightly know. Just try to raise some dough before school starts!"

Kayla

I would advise myself to possibly take more Advanced Placement tests that would possibly help me in attaining more credits at my college and help me get more requisites and co-requisites out of the way so I can take more classes for my major, sooner. I would also tell myself to look into jobs a few weeks before the first semester is to start, because there is a great website available to students that has on-campus and some off-campus jobs posted. I would advise myself to look at my College's (The College of Business, for me) handbook often, as it has a ton of information on what majors there are, and what classes you would take for each, because it has really helped me choose my major, Economics. I would have to make sure my past self knows that college professors aren't as scary as they seem, and to not be afraid to contact them if you need help. And finally I would tell myself to not forget a map on the first place; it's a lot bigger than high school!

Megan

Follow the advice of those around you and start from the bottom up. Knowing a second or third language is extremely important so don't be afraid to start learning them now! There is nothing that you cannot accomplish if you set your mind to it so don't let anyone tell you "No"! Take the road that interests you the most and that will not necessarily be the practical one. By taking the classes that interest you, you will have an easier time in the long run and have greater success.

Lauren

I would definately tried to join a group, sport or club my freshman year to meet more people and get myself out there. Things could have been alot easier if I had done this I think. I could be more involved in my school and this could possibly have helped the situation I am in right now. If I had joined some sort of activity I may have been able to recieve financial aid so that I would be able to continue my education right now. I could have had more opportunities to succeed if I had done so.

Nazarae

The advice I would give myself is to never get behind and always try to stay afloat. Attending college now, I've learned that time management is the true key to success. It's important to have fun and really appreciate the college life, but it's also as vital to stay focused and maintain in school. So in order to do both, it really comes down to making the right decisions and planning correctly. I would also tell myself to really focus on scholarships and finding different avenues to get through college. Officially in college, I've really seen first hand how expensive it can be; from the books, the dorms, meal plans, and then the classes itself. Looking back now, I wish I would have found out about scholarships and ways to pay for college instead of waiting for the last minute. However, this is the advice I would give myself looking back, but I definitely wouldn't change anything. Some of these mistakes in high school has made me stronger and even wiser as a young adult that will be helpful in my future and career.

Skyler

If you're going to be a bear, be a grizzly bear! Get into the best College you can and don't worry so much about how much it costs. Do some research and get out of town to see something that might spark an interest inside. One of the most important things about college is to select a field of study that you are passionate about. Chose something that inspires you to do great work. You will see a lot of people that dread learning, but learning can be quite fascinating if you love the topic. Face challenges head on and don't let "naysayers" affect your decisions. Save your money and study abroad. The world is a huge place , don't limit yourself to one city your whole life. Get out there and see it! You might just fall in love with a foreign land and discover a whole new purpose or meaning to your life. And just one quote to go by: "If you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life."

Courtney

To be honest, I'm actually very proud of my high school senior self. I studied hard and ended the year with a 4.0. Despite my studying, I didn't do well on my AP tests. I definitely shouldn't have let my brother convince me that AP tests hardly help with college because they do. I missed out on 9 credits because I didn't take the tests seriously. On the other hand, the 6 I did get fulfilled science and math requirements (my least favorite subjects) and have made all the difference in the world. Had I taken the time to study for those other tests, I'd be further along in college and I could put those feats under my belt. Ultimately, I would tell myself, "AP matters. Buckle down and study, Courtney!"

Nicole

If I could go back in time to my senior year, the advice I would give myself is to fill more scholarship applications as well as take your AP tests more seriously. Also when you?re moving from home it?s not easy at first but it will get easier as time goes by. You do not need to pack everything leave the non important stuff at home. As well as respect your parents because in the end when you need money for books or other college expenses they are the ones who can help you out. Embrace the time you have while your home.

Melissa

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to focus on my studies. There are many temptations in college and not so much homework. The grades in college are determined by tests and essays. So I would tell myself to work hard and study instead of going out and about so my grades would be good.

Lauren

I would say to myself, that college is a very open free environment, and to push myself! Take more than what is considered full time, join clubs and groups. Do not party, its a waste of time for everything you do today is the foundation for what your life will be tomorrow. Enjoy your life and dont stress over the little things!

Sam

Do. Don't be afraid to put yourself into new situations. Say yes, play halo with the funny smelling guys next door, mess with your RA, get a noise complaint, open strange doors. Someone much smarter than me once said, (paraphrased badly for the purpose of authenticity) you will regret the things you don't do more than the ones you do. These years in college have more than affirmed that quote for me and I would love for young Sam to be as rambunctious as his heart desires.

Amanda

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself that college is very difficult. You have to keep your eye on the prize, don't procrastinate, and study hard. I have been unfortunately blessed with the procrastination disease and it has made me suffer horribly in my college career, I hope that I can change that this year.