University of North Alabama Top Questions

What should every freshman at University of North Alabama know before they start?

Jordan

Looking at how I went about school and work as a senior in high school, there are several things I would tell myself had I the ability to speak to my 'high-school senior' self. First would be the problems with procrastination. I had a problem with getting tasks done ahead of time and I would find myself frustrated and overwhelmed when due dates drew nearer and nearer. Looking back, I would tell myself to at least start on everything right away, regardless of its significance or urgency. Its better to have more done now, than little done later. I would also encourage myself to read more often and to spend less time on the computer and even less time watching television. Reading keeps the mind busy and will help to increase comprehension skills when in college, making it easier to understand and retain information. I would say that getting involved in community services, school clubs, societies, and things like All-State Band or other similar groups, will help your area of experience and will not only benefit in terms of personal growth, but colleges will look upon your interests and involvment very fondly. Don't settle for good enough.

Brittany

I would tell myself senior year is not the time to slack off from studying. I would make sure to apply for all the financial aid and scholarships early. I would tell myself to study everything and not just what I need to know. I'd ask more question in class and be more involved in student activities. Be sure to tell myself to that college isn't as easy as I'd thought it would be. The key to passing classes is by getting ahead in your studies. I would make sure to tell myself to be prepared forevery class.

Haley

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to stop and take a deep breath. Not to worry about what to major in, not to worry about if I will fit in, not to worry about what classes to take, and not to worry about if I will fail. I would tell myself to not worry so much, that I am going to go to a great college with great teachers and I will do just fine.

Abril

To be open to different options that would affect my future.

Alexis

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior some advice I would give myself would be when I get accepted into college not to sign up for early classes, study hard, and enjoy life. Singing up for eight o ' clock classes was the worst thing I could had ever done while atttending college. No one told me it would be so hard getting up in the morning to go to class. Not only that, the class I had was biology I didnt know lecture would be so boing that I would struggle not to fall asleep. Then my professor would lock the door at eight o 'clock so even if I was just a little late I would miss class. Another piece of advice I would give myself would be to study often. I would study often because most professors give pop quizes on the last class material, and if you look over the material before you go to class you would be better prepared. The last thing I would tell myself would be to enjoy life and live like there is no tomorrow because lifes short and you only live once.

Jennifer

If I could go back four years ago and give advice to myself as a senior, I would say, “You should attend a community college before going to a big four year college. Community colleges are such a wonderful place to transition into from high school. They are fairly small, easier classes, and usually close to home. College is expensive enough, so do not waste time taking out loans your first two years if you can take your basics for much cheaper. Then, after two years, transfer to a university to finish your bachelors degree. Pay attention your senior year! I know you want to get out and move on with your life, but keep working hard so you can get good grades. Really consider what you enjoy doing so you will have an idea once you get into college. Instead of taking study hall to fill that last class spot, take a class that interests you such as art, music, or psychology. People are constantly changing their majors in colleges, which only pushes them farther behind and needing more money.”

Katie

If i could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior in high school, I would tell myself to always do the best I can. My parents' always told me to study, it would pay off oneday. I did study as a senior, but not near as much as I should have. College is a lot different than high school. It is harder, and you are on your own. I would tell myself not to wait for my parents' to say "Katie, do your homework!" I would do it myself, without being constantly told. It is a hard transition to make. I went from living at home with my parents' and two sisters to living an hour and a half away from home in a building with about 600 people. Scholarships are hard to come by. If I would have made straight A's in highschool, I would have had a better change at receiving a scholarship. Another thing i would tell myself is to get a job as a senior. I would tell myeslf to save my money and not spend it, becuase college is very expensive.

JOSEPH

EVEN THOUGH I MADE GOOD GRADES IN HIGH SCHOOL I WOULD STRIVE TO MAKE BETTER GRADES AND I WOULD NOT LET A RELATIONSHIP WITH A GIRLFRIEND COME BETWEEN MY STUDIES.

Michelle

Take some time to figure out what you really want to do for the rest of your life. Don't rush into anything. It's expensive and time consuming to go to college, and it gets harder to go back the older you get, so make sure you really think through this decision. I rushed into business college right out of high school simply because it was what I was good at. I learned really late that this isn't how I want to spend the rest of my life. Now, here I am in my thirties trying to work full time and go back to school to earn a bachelor's degree to makea career change.

Rebecca Kate

Rebecca, Pace yourself. Don't let college math frighten you; find a tutor and give yourself grace to make mistakes, every mistake leads you to know more about yourself and wisdom for the future. Give it your best shot. Take care of yourself physically and emotionally too. Exercise, get out of your head, don't sweat the small stuff and most of all have fun.

Krystal

While attending UNA I have learned not to take things for granted. And by that I mean money for tution, but I have also learned that studying hard and doing the best you can does pay off. I have recieved some scholarships for the past four years for having the grades that I made. (GPA 3.9) Learning how to budget your money is very important and a lesson well learned. I will be going an extra year because I changed my major late. So that means that this coming year, the fall of 2011 and spring of 2012, all of my scholarships will have ended a four year reign. So I am trying to fund my last year at UNA. I am currently in the nursing school at UNA and love it. They are actually one of the best Nursing schools in North Alabama. I know that when I graduate in May of 2012, I will have received the best education possible in my field. I have also learned how important my family is to me by helping me in any way possible. The most important thing learned is that God Blesses, I am very thankful for each one.

brianna

nothing

Tracy

So far, I have attended three semesters of college. I have attended two different colleges during this time. Both have been great experiences. One thing I have gained is improved ability to socialize. As a person diagnosed with high-functioning autism, social activity has never been natural for me. However, due to the kindness and understanding of faculty and student body, I have become more comfortable in this arena. I have also become better at studying. I was never bad at studying, but college has made me more efficient at it. This is mostly simply because studying is so integral to the college experience; even more so than in high school. I have learned things in college that I never considered before. As someone who is endlessly on a quest for knowledge, this has been a wonderful thing. I have discovered new interests which have changed my life. If I had not attended college, I feel I would be missing out on many important things.

Kris

I have gained a good education, obtained a good job but realize i need more education and experience in order to go further in my career plans. While in college, I gained friends, networking opportunities, and a life long learning opportunity.

CANDACE

N/A- NOT ATTENDING COLLEGE, RIGHT NOW!

David

I have not started college yet. I am 36 years old and due to financial reasons I have never had the opportunity to attend.

Jasmine

I have learned that being on your own is hard and enjoyable, as long as you make the right choices. I believe that is what college is all about. Learning who you are, and how you deal with various situations. Its not about the parties or the opposite sex, its just about learning what you can and cannot handle, and shaping your life to make better choices that improve your weaknesses. Hopefull, eduacation and life skill are all part of the college process, after all making good life choices will only get us so far once we run out of money.

Amanda

I was not sure I wanted to attend college until my first day of class. Everything around me was new and exciting; and for the first time I actually looked forward to learning. Electricity filled the air as we all leaned forward in anticipation as the instructor entered the room. As if to know our apprehension, he smiled and welcomed us all on the first day of our grand adventure. Two years into the journey, and I continue to expand my horizons. I have made friends that may last my lifetime and I find the knowledge acquired being used on a daily bases. I am able to communicate effectively in most situations and the community college atmosphere has provided the self-confidence that I would have never been able to achieve elsewhere. I have been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and Epilepsy. High school students can be very cruel and are quick to point out personal flaws. Most of these flaws seem to have fallen to the wayside. I am now able to walk across the campus without hearing the childish laughter at my disabilities. If I had not gone to college, I may still be just another disabled young adult.

Alessio

What I have gotton out of my college experience is different from most others due to the fact that I am enrolled in an online college. I never thought it would have benefited as much as it has till this point. I've learned that once you have a dream you need to stick to it and not let any obstacles get in your way. Just because you are faced with obstacles does not mean you need to give up and stop following your dreams. You will be faced with many different obstacles as you are in school and you must find ways to overcome each. Each will make you stronger. I have been stuck in a dead end job for 3 years without any promotions. With a college degree I can start my career search.

Janay

I have become more mature. I have learned many things from watching my follow classmates.