University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Top Questions

What should every freshman at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill know before they start?

Jada

If I could go back to high school with the knowledge that I have now, there are many pieces of advice that I would give myself. One piece of advice would be to push myself as much as I can in high school to prepare myself for the adjustment to college. I was focused more on getting the grades I needed to get to receive admission to my dream school rather than actually learning the material, using efficient study skills, and challenging myself to step out of my comfort zone.

John

If I went back in time and was talking to my senior-self, I would give myself a couple of tips. The first advice that I have for myself is to take the AP class tests in order to receive as much credit as possible becuase it is essential to graduating on time. The next piece of advice I would give myself is to not stress out about college as much. College is a time to have fun and a lot of it. But, having said that, I would make sure to emphasize that I told myself that academics are still the most important part. I know that if I was told that when I was a senior, I would have been much more relaxed, prepared, and ready for college than I actually was.

catherine

I would tell myself to be confident in my abilities, and that I am strong enough to make it through whatever life throws my way. I have experienced devastating trauma and hardship during my time in college, but I made it through and became an even better person for it. It would have been nice to know beforehand that I am tough/smart enough to accomplish anything I put my mind to. I would also tell myself to take full advantage of all of the wonderful opportunities available to me at this great university. Getting involved with research projects under different professors has been an extremely rewarding experience and one project will lead to me being a co-author of a book! That is something that I never would have thought possible, but that is why it is so important to keep an open mind because you never know what is going to happen. Finally, I would tell high school me that I am really going to miss my parents and that it is going to be a lot harder living on my own than I thought, but that it will all be okay.

Melisa

As a high school senior about to enter college, there are a few things you should know before you embark on the adventure that is university life. First of all, be prepared to change, a lot. You will grow in unexpected ways, feed your passions, and discover new ones. Get involved in your campus life outside the classroom; play a sport, volunteer, sing in a group, or act in a play. Do something outside your comfort zone, because you might just love it! Fine a good balance between work and play; work hard academically (because that's why you're in college, after all) but take time to relax and do something you love. Make an effort to meet new people and make new friends, especially with people who are different than yourself. Finally, take care of your body. Manage your time well so that you get plenty of sleep at night. Eat well and take time to exercise, either in the gym or on the field or court. You'll feel better and perform better if you care for yourself well. Also, DON'T FORGET TO HAVE FUN! Savor every moment, it'll be over in a flash!

Tonesha

Hey, I don't have much time so turn the music down for a moment and listen because I have three important things to tell you. First off, stop goofing around and waiting until the last minute to cram. Yeah you always came out on top but that was high school. Before you start college you need to master at least two powerful study tactics: one long term tactic that you will use throughout the entire course to help you accumulate the material and a one week span tactic where you skillfully review material for each chapter test. Now, stop looking at the guy over there! Yeah he looks good but so does that first check from the Fortune 500 company you will be working for. So think, which is most important to you? And lastly, yes the college experience is as incredible as it sounds so please have fun. But if you forget anything, please promise me that the one thing you will never forget is why you are working this hard. You have a dream and you plan to shoot pass the stars so focus and stop settling for clouds.

Abigail

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition, I would give myself several pieces of advice. First, I would tell myself that completing my first two years at a community college will not only save me lots of money, but it will also better prepare me for college life. Additionally, completing my first two years at a community college will cause me to appreciate my college experience more than others who arrive to a college or university directly after finishing high school. Secondly, I would tell myself to give myself permission to discover who I am and what I love. I would encourage myself to try new things, to get involved with clubs and organizations, and to attend as many cultural events as I can. Lastly, and what I believe to be of most importance, I would tell myself to believe in myself, as I have learned that you never know what you can achieve until you try!

Siddharth

I would advise my high school senior self to learn how to study; my "study" skills in high school were subpar at best because I never really needed to study to do well. However, college is much more difficult, and I have learned the hard way that it is necessary to develop effective study skills to do well in college. I would also advise my high school self to attempt to make more friends; life is a very lonely experience without others to share it with.

Gloria

If I could go back in time, I'd tell my high school self to follow her heart and not do what she believes is expected of her. It is her life to live and doing what everyone else wants is going to weigh you down. Eventually, it'll be a burden too heavy to bear. I'd also tell myself to utilize all resources that are available to me at the school. When you are depressed , go to Student Counseling. And last but definitely not least, DO NOT ever let a man abuse you. Be strong mentally, emotionally, phsychologicaly, and physically and endure to the end.

Nneka

The advice I'd give is to worry less about how my accomplishments will look and focus on what those accomplishments mean to me. I've always been a perfectionist, always trying to get the best grades, be the best athlete, and have the best records, all in the hopes of getting into the best colleges. I was convinced that it was all about the big names and the big achievements, and that those are what gave you your worth as a person, that those made you. I've come to college and seen a lot, and though I still have my drive for success, I have started to do things for me and not because I want recognition about them from others. I've learned that my self-worth is measured not by the quality or quantity of the activities I do but rather the satisfaction I get from doing them. I would tell myself that no matter where I go to school or what major or extracurricular activities I pick there, it’s the small victories I make, like being a true friend or getting an A on that test I studied so hard for that really matters.

Evan

I would tell myself to not be anxious about all that the transition to college brings. It is truly as it is said to be-- the best years of your life. New friends, academic opportunities, and learning to be independent all come in a positive and controlled environment that will really help to become a healthy and mature adult. The most important thing to know is that there is always someone else who feels the same way you do. There will always be another nervous freshman, another confused undeclared major, and a lost student on his or her first day. Never shy away from asking for help if it is needed, because just about everyone is in the same boat and would love to know that there are others that feel the same way!

Ronnie

If I could talk to my high school senior-self, I would let them know that there are many opportunities to chase their dreams. I would tell them to not to get discouraged if people tell them they cannot make their dreams. In high school, my senior quote was said by Walt Disney, "If you can dream it, be it". I would tell my high school senior-self to remember that quote because it is true. I framed that quote in my dorm room so I could remember it as I go through my college career.

David

Making an easy transition and getting the most out of college has a lot to do with how you spend your time. The one thing you don’t want to do is waste it. TV shows and video games aren’t going anywhere, so its best to get out there and find that group you click with while there are many opportunities. I never wanted to go try something new by myself. I would want to do new things with someone I knew, that way there was at least one familiar face. Doing this I realized two things: one, I missed out on experiences I wanted to try, and two, when I went to events with others I wouldn’t interact with that many new people. All you have to do is suck it up and get through the door, that is the hardest part. I’d recommend learning a few conversation starters and focus on what others say that way you can always keep a conversation going. School work will come easy for you, as long as you allow enough time, but people skills are just as important.

Michelle

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior, there are multiple things I would say. First, I would tell myself to not wish my senior year away. You're only a high school senior once, and it's one of the best times of your life. As as senior you still live with your parents, but you also have the freedom of any other 18 year old. I was very close with my family growing up and looking back I regret taking the time I had with them for granted. Also, I would tell myself to not stress about the future. I spent many sleepless nights worrying about if I was going to get into college, or what my major would be, or anything else I could think of. In the end, it all worked out and I wish I wouldn't have wasted so much time worrying. Lastly, I would tell myself to take advantage of every opportunity. I wouldn't miss a basketball game, or a night out with my friends, because senior year is when a lot of memories are made, and I wish I would've cherished those times more.

Michelle

Always live by yourself. Always have a mealplan. Get involved in tutoring/ vounteering.

Michaiah

I would tell my high school self to really apply for more scholarships, search long and hard for even more scholarships. Every campus has it's ups and downs focus on the ups, besides the guys. if there are any possible summer programs even summer class that i can go ahead and take to get a feel for the class work load and campus life go ahead and take them

Lindsay

I would tell myself not to expect too much from my original school - it was a worthwhile experience, but I should be ready for the stress of transferring. I would let myself know that the experience is important and I just need to get through it. All the things that annoyed me in high school - the cliques, the teachers holding our hands, the lack of independence would all be remedied in college. I would let myself know that the world is lying. These are not the best years of your life.

Miatia

I would give me the advice of not having sex at a young age, because I am now a single parent struggling to take care of my one year old daughter by myself. It's hard becuase not having no help,but when I win this scholarship I'm going to more than thankful because it will help me pay for my classes and books. I stay in Alabama now but I want to attend college at Columbus State University. I'm trying to save my money now but its so hard because children are suspend.

Allison

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior in high school, I can sum up the advice I would give in a few words: "Don't worry. Don't hurry. Trust the process." (Alexandra Stoddard) As a high school senior, looking out into the unknown world of college, I remember feeling extremely overwhelmed. I didn't know where I would live, who I would live with, how I would meet friends, how it would feel to live on my own and I definitely did not know how I was going to deal with the world of college academics. Looking back on all of my old worries now, I realize how inconsequential they all became. Worrying about my future life in college did not help me make it better. Trying to rush through the summer to make all my plans for the year, did not make getting to school any easier. I wish I realized that growing up, leaving home, and moving to college is all a process. A process where I would grow and mature, and become someone I am proud of.

Nathaniel

I would advise my self to have done more research to find out what i needed to do to get accepted to the college I watned to get in first. I had a lot of troulbe with this and have ended up at not my first choices for schools because of class I did not take.

Asher

Well hello 17 year old Asher, its me. You are now 21 years old and you should be done with college by now, but you arent. Listen, and listen carefully. Things are going to come to your way to distract you. But you have to remained focus. There will be friends, boys, and stress that will come your way but you must remained focused! Do not. and I repeat, do not procrastinate. This will lead you to behind in your studies. Before you know it, you will be a year behind in your studies. Remember to study hard, and play later. Your freshman year is the most vital part of your college career. Don't worry, you can get it together, but you must concentrate. You must remember to put God first in all that you do. Remember that you are not doing this just for yourself, but for your family, for your future children. You want them to be able to look up to you. But even if you do get off course, God will most surely guide you back. You've always been a dreamer, but God has always steered you back onto the right path. Be encouraged.