University of New Hampshire-Main Campus Top Questions

Look for a university with pride and responsiblity in its programs.

Look around and tour various schools. Do the research on the schools you're interested in. Ask questions.

Going to a college or university is a change and most students do not realize that. If you are moving away from your family this will be an adjustment. Also you will meet many people from diverse and different backrounds and you must be willing to accept. As you continue to explore a college or university you will learn that you will have less class time, but also the exams take a lot of outside studying. Also when moving into a dorm one may feel a little worried about their roommate but most are normal, and most colleges and universities will move you if you cannot live with your current roommate. The key to living with a roommate is communication and to be accepting, if these things do not work out you would just simply talk to a residential director and they will help you move to a new room. things to know: Be accepting, be ready to study out of class, DO NOT EVEN THINK OF PLAGERISM, and remember to have fun and focus on what you want to do with your life. Talk with your parents, and don't forget they are always there if you need them.

My best advice would be not to judge schools based on what you hear/read. Everyone has their own needs, and the only way to find out if you will be compatible with a school is to go and spend time on campus. For example, my school, UNH, has a strong reputation for being a party school, but me and most of the people I know spend our weekends skiing, cycling, rock climbing, hiking, dog sledding, ice climbing, kayaking and doing various other on and off campus activities. I spent two days on campus and sat in on two classes before making my final decision about going to UNH, and I feel that time gave me a true feel for the school.

Spend a weekend at the school if you can. Don't follow the tours - they only take you to the best parts of campus. Try to figure out what you want to do before you go to college.

In order to find the right college for someone, that person needs to realize what they want to get out of the whole college experience. The academics are very important, because that is what your paying for, but your also paying for the whole experience. What I mean by this, is that college is a time to grow and mature into an adult. I have found through my own experience that its not only what you learn in the classroom that prepares you for the "real world" after college, but also all of the interactions and experiences that you have throughout your college years that truly prepare you for life after school. So with that that said, I would say that the major things that an incoming college student needs to look for in schools, is 1)if it has a major that that student is interested in, 2) Location of the school, if the schools surrounding area has other places that interest the student to help get away from the class room from time to time and 3) the environment of the school, this includes size and reputation, which can effect the life style of that student.

Make sure both the parents and students agree on the college of choice. Parents shouldn't have to force their child to go to a school they don't like because of financial reasons. Make sure the student applies to a school that he/she likes and is within the financial range of the parents.

I would tell the parents and students that are looking to make the most of their college experience, that it is really important and crucial to visit the schools you are considering. When you visit the schools you think you want to apply to, it gives you a feel for how the campus, you can see how the students act and behave, and get an idea of how comfortable you feel being there. Not only are the academic and social reputations of the schools important, but visiting them and making sure that you can see yourself going there is the most important factor of all. Once you have a list of schools to apply to, visiting those schools can help you really narrow your list and see where you actually think you want to attend.

On finding the right school: I was very unsure what school I wanted to attend, but once I saw UNH in person, I knew that it was where I wanted to be. You have to go visit any schools that you're seriously considering going to because if you walk around and can't picture yourself eating in the dining hall or having to take classes in that building then you know that there's one out there that's just calling your name. On making the most of the experience: I joined a sorority the first semsester I was at school. Now, I know that sororities aren't for everyone, but the main thing to do is to get involved in something that you're passionate about. If your heart and soul isn't into whatever your doing, go until you find something that makes you feel like you belong.

Make sure you feel comfortable with the enviroment at the school you choose. The worst thing is feeling completely lost when you get to college and your parents drive away. Its important for your school to feel like home otherwise it will be very difficult to focus on your studies.

I would say that in order to find your "perfect fit", you really need to visit the college while school is in session. Looking at the shiny brochure is all well and good to see the best photo opportunities, but if you visit you can get a real up-close view of the total environment, not just the picturesque skyline but also the attitudes of the people. On a visit to one particular university back when I was applying, I was struck by the beauty of the place, but the students' attitudes were a turn-off. It made me realize that my happiness as a student wouldn't just rely on tree-lined streets and top-notch profs, but also on the friendliness my classmates. I ended up at a university that gave me all of that (and at a much cheaper price - another major determiner, despite what your counselors might say. As for "making the most" out of college, I would say to remember that this is the most free you'll ever be in your adult life, so go ahead and join those crazy clubs whose names intrigue you. Just don't overdo it. Sleep is sometimes good.

It is essential that you visit the school. Stay overnight so that you can visit the campus at several different times of day. Sit in on a required freshman class and a class in your intended major. Ask lots of questions and don't feel stupid about asking them! Ask who teaches the classes--are the courses taught by faculty or grad students, or both? Go with and without your parents. Visit the dorms and ask lots of questions there. Try to stay away from a structured tour. They are fine to an extent, but if you want the real 411 you are going to have to ask questions of various students and faculty--on your own. Ask where you will most likely be living (which residence hall) and if living on campus is required or optional. Most importantly, get all the costs including fees--not just tuition. Ask financial aid what your award will be. Often there is some wiggle room, especially if you haven't accepted yet and you are being courted by different schools. Ask yourself, "Can I picture myself living here for the next four years?" Listen to your gut. Talk to your parents and goodluck!

I would advise students and parents to tour a school long before the application process. Too often students choose schools based on other's reviews, rather than their own personal research (secondary information). I would recommend thinking through your whole college career, not just where you are going right after high school. I am most disappointed that I didn't look into the classes offered at my particular college within my school, and also disappointed that double-majoring is so difficult and expensive. Friends of mine attend colleges that are more open to double-majoring, interning, etc. I feel as though my school is an advocate for itself, rather than the student (i.e, money). I would have preferred a private school because in-state schools tend to be a glorified version of their state's public high school system and in turn are cliquey (a result of everybody already knowing one another). I would also recommend transferring immediatly if you are at all unhappy: it may seem intimidating but it will be better in the long run!

Make sure you always visit the places you're considering and parents, let the students deiced for themselves which would be a best fit for them. They're the ones who will be living there for 4 years! To make the most of your experience, live on campus in the dorms Freshmen year. Those you meet Freshmen year will constantly resurface and stay with you the rest of college. Get an internship. Study abroad. Go out, but study hard. Go to lecutres and any other events the campus offers.

For parents and/or students who are looking for the 'right' college, my advice to them is that there is no perfect school for anyone. I believe there are a variety of colleges for a reason. All of them essentially offer the same thing - an education, activities, a chance to learn and grow on your own. However, I would tell future students not to get too hung up on finding that 'right' college because each one will give you the same thing - a degree. In the end, it's up to the student to ultimately determine if they've chosen the right school for them. There could be many, however, the student knows which school(s) is right for them in the end. In general terms, I would say that college is a wonderful yet trying experience to endure and go through. In my first years, I experienced some very difficult times and would recommend that students seek the help and resources from their school. There are always people out there to help you, it's just a matter of asking for it. Students, choose the school that you think can offer you the most for the best price.