University of New Mexico-Main Campus Top Questions

What should every freshman at University of New Mexico-Main Campus know before they start?

Gillian

I would tell students to make a list of the top three colleges they want to go to, apply for all of them, apply for financial aid, and wait for acceptance letters. I would tell parents to be supportive of the colleges their kids choose. Students and parents should have a major discussion about every aspect of college before deciding which college is best suited for the student. I think it is important for the student to try to become independent at college. This means that parents, while they still have the ultimate authority on some subjects, need to be supportive of their students' decisions. College is a time of growth and maturity--the onbly way for both of those to happen is for students and parents to feel comfortable about the choice college and have trust that goes both ways about what will happen during a student's college career.

Anna

find a college where you know you will be able to learn what you want and have fun while achieving your goals. make you it will satisfy your needs and wants allowing you make the best of your college experience and your knowledge of the certain area of study that intrests you no matter what it is!

Amy

Everyone has their own opinion about what college one should go to. I would say follow your heart. Pick the college that you would want to go to, not the college that family and friends want you to go to. The college experience has a big impact on anyones life. Pick the college that most appells to you and what you want to do in the future. Dont just settle for any college, if there is somewhere that you have always wanted to go dont let anyone tell you that you cannot go there. As of getting the most of the college experience, do what ever you can at the college. Many colleges have big varieties of clubs and activities that would appelle to anyone. If there is something you like to do you can defientely find something that you like to be involed in at the college. College is a great experience in general. You met a varity of people and learn many different lessons throughout the course of college. College is an experience that will start anyone on the right path.

Reyna

Advise I would give to parents would be to always support your children in whatever field of study they choose. As for the students I would tell them to never be afraid to experience new things and get out there and try new things. It's ok to be unsure of your life and what career choices you want to make. Take your time and smell the roses, before you know it you'll be a senior ready to graduate and step into the real world. Meet new people and make life lasting friendships, and know that people will come in and out of your life, but the true people will be there for you when you need it the most. Study hard and have a great time in all that you do. College is truly the best days of your life and look around your true love could be right around the corner. Always keep your head up and never choose to fail.

Rachael

VIsit as many as possible. Talk to students and faculty. Go with your gut instinct and not what sounds best on paper. Only do what you want and feel is right for you.

Jessikha

Make a list of what you would want in a college. What are the things that make you comfortable? What activities are you in? Would you rather share a room with a roomate or have a room by yourself? Etc. Based off of the list you've made, choose the institution that's best for you.

Anthony

I applied to a dozen different colleges in order to keep my options open, and many of them were well-known, prominent universities. I was accepted to the majority of those that I applied to, but then came the hard part--choosing where I would be for the next four years of my life. In the end, I decided my best choice was my state school. College isn't about paying a lot of money to buy a great education. With the motivation to learn, and to set your own standards and stick to them, most colleges will be able to give you the experience that you are looking for. I chose to attend my state university over the other more prestigious choices partly because of my financial situation, but also because I felt that if I worked hard enough, and kept my goals high enough, I could be as competitive as any other student at any other university. By maintaining a proactive attitude, I was able to play an active role in the community by volunteering, running student organizations, tutoring, and taking part in university research--and I didn't have pay an extra penny for any of it.

Herardo

Immerse yourself with the different experiences, such as music, art, groups and clubs early on. This cultural aspect enriches the lives of students. Regarding academics, go beyond the classroom and research other relevant information on the topics you are studying. This gives you either more support or cases against the information you receive. You will be better informed and a better prepared student by this. Also, never underestimate the imporatnce of good writing and speaking skills. They will be essential during and after college once opportunities arise. Travel!!

Marzieh

Look at class schedules and sizes for your degree that way you can make sure it will allow for your life to flow. Also look at campus activities, student support services and career services. You may not need them when you apply, but you will eventually.

Monika

Don't have a declared major when you start school. Go in undecided. You may think you know what you want to study, but then down the line, you don't. I went in undecided and took a different mixture of classes. From there, of those classes, I decided which classes I liked and which ones I didn't... that helped me pick my double major, Public Relations and Classics. A bit odd, but they're two different spectrums of degrees that I enjoy studying and doing. I picked UNM because it was affordable. I have always felt that an undergraduate degree from UNM would be the same if I had aquired it anywhere else, the only difference is, say, if I went to Stanford, I'd be paying for them name. Save your money for graduate school! Live on campus, join student groups, and get involved on campus! There are so many people on campus that you are bound to meet your new best friend, and possibly life partner! Live college to the fullest and enjoy your time there because it's short. Get as much out of it while you can. :)

Jessikha

Make a list of what your personal wants and needs are and then do research on the schools in pursuit of those things, then choose from there. To make the most of your college experience, become involved, but manage your time for your studies!

Jennifer

Finding the right college takes alot of time and thought. I based my choice on what i could afford, and what would help me greatly in the future. The thought of college is very scary at times, but one of the best experiances of my like. Finding a college that fits your personality is important. Always keep your mind open to ideas, cuz in general one must never judge a book by its cover. Take time and read what the different colleges can offer you... Also take a tour of the campus and learn the ups and downs of the University.

Lisa

Students should not feel pressured to pick a collge solely based on those being applied to by their peers. Picking a college means being comfortable in that environment. If that means staying close to home, stay. If that means living in an exotic locale,: go. If you are unable to see yourself living in the environment of a college, you will not be able to suceed. Therefore, go with your gut. In addition to make the most of the college experience: go to class. Although it may seem like a fun or good idea to skip class, keep in mind that going to class has many benefits. Remember, someone is paying a great deal of money for you to attend that class, whether it is your parents or a scholarhips donor, do not skip. In addtion, you just might learn something that you love or at the very least learn what you hate. Going to class makes finding what interests you a much easier experience when picking a career without being hemmed into a profession. Finally, you meet some of the most diverse people in your classes whether faculty or students. Going to class is for the fearless.

Luis

Picking the right college should be chosen by what the student is going to learn and how well its is academicaly fit for the student. Will there be parties or study groups. what else surrounds the campus also is a good way to find out what the school is like.

Charles

I beleive that parents and their children should visit many colleges before they make a decision. Look at what the college has to offer in terms of academics and take into account the financial considerations as well. This is a place in which you will be spending the next four to five years of your life so it is a major decision that has come up in life. I also beleive once you do chose the right college for yourself to get involved in as many social functions as possible. I joined a fraternity and beleive that the friends that I have made will last a lifetime. Also get to know your professors as they will be able to assist you not only academically but in others ways as well. Get to know your classmates in college because they will be the people you will be around all of the time. When you do go to college do not forget your old friends either. Overall have a good time and understand that academics are number one. The social aspect will fall right into place and before you know it you will be graduating.

Kristin

Do whatever makes you happy : dont worry about the money- your education is worth it

Kateri

When attending this University for the first time I was afraid that I would not be able to find my way around, make friends or fit in. I was quickly immersed into campus life when I joined a program that was specifically designed to help incoming freshman with all of those things. The program offered tutoring, a work-study job, personal advisement and other services that were extrememly helpful to me. At every Universty you are bound to find so many different programs that are willing to help students figure out their future with the college. Before I even attended the University of New Mexico, the program that I became a part of offered me help in figuring out if it would be the right college for me and it turned out that it was. I would advise any student to speak with different University programs and advisors about the school and if they find that they like it than more than likely it would be the right school for them.

Carrie

Make sure your children apply for as many scholarships as they can. Make sure your kids keep their grades up so they don't lose scholarships. Students need to venture out on campus and explore it. Enjoy college life, but don't neglect your studies while doing it. Try to find that balance between having fun and getting a good education. Put your time and effort in to it the first time so you never have to go back and do it over again.

Leandra

UNM offeres a club or organization for just about any academic interest or hobby. Find something you enjoy even if it has nothing to do with your area of study and get involved. You;ll have fun, make great friends, and it's a nice break from school.

David

visit college ahead of time