University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus Top Questions

What should every freshman at University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus know before they start?

Brett

If I had to give myself advice it would be to take more college preperation classes and try to get a head start on some basic general education courses. I would also say to try and get help with my learning disability early to make an easier transition from high school to college.

Samantha

If I could go back and tell myself what I know now about being in college, I would tell myself not to go into debt for housing supplies. By debt, I am talking about the dreaded credit card. I thought that I wouldn't be able to have enough money to pay for the things I needed (sheets, towels, school supplies, etc.) for moving into housing. But if I could go back I would've bought them gradually, like I'm doing now.

Carrie

As a high school senior, I was in advanced placement classes, two choir classes, and volleyball in and out of school. I was also a member of Mu Alpha Theta, National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Students Against Destructive Decisions. Needless to say, I was busy. I was forced to be extremely organized and manage my time perfectly, or I wouldn't get everything completed. This also left me little time for friends and relaxation, leaving me constantly stressed and pressured. If I could travel back in time to talk to myself, I definitely would tell younger me to relax, meet people, and make as many friends as possible. I spent the first six weeks of the semester stressing and trying to be the perfect college student that I forgot I was also there to have a little bit of fun. Some of the friendships I acquired from one semester helped me make A's in my classes and fit is definitely easier to study with a buddy. These new friends also helped me relax when I needed to get my mind off of the school work. Friends can truly go a long way and make college easier!

James

I would tell myself to start strong in all your classes. I made the mistake of not studying enough the first half of my semester and therefor I had to work very hard the second semester. I would let myself know that by doing so, I would still be able to have a social life. Managing my time is the key to success.

Allison

If I could go back and talk to myself during my senior year the one thing I would have stressed on myself would have been to not cling so closely to one friend. Throughout my four years in high school, and my senior year especially, I attached myself to one person who I thought was the only one who could be my best friend. When it was time to go our seperate ways it made things really difficult. If I could change things I would have embraced the many other great friends I had around me instead of setting my focus on just one, because you just can't do that in college. A big part of college is making new connections, and I wish I would have realized that sooner.

Blake

I knew college was going to be expensive but I do not think I ever realized how expensive. In high school I looked for and applied for a few scholarships. I did not look hard enough though. My money for school is starting to run out, I began looking for more scholarships. The problem is though I am having a hard time finding scholarships for collage freshman. It seems that there are a lot of scholarships for high school seniors and every collage age but freshman. If I were to go back into time I would tell myself of my upcoming financial problems and tell him about all of the scholarships I have found that are available only to high school seniors. I would also tell myself about the specific class that I had problems with my first semester in collage that way he would be able to study for it and be prepared before he got there. Being able to go back in time could really help me prepare myself for collage now that I have been through my first semester and have advice to give myself.

Ayssia

Hey Ayssia, how are you doing? I've come to let you know one major secret about college and that is do not stress! College is super fun and exciting and there are new adventures everyday but the key to success is not to stress. I can not stress that enough,knocks on wood. There are three things other than not stressing, that will help you have a successful as well as enjoyable first semester of college. These include taking everything one day at a time, organization, and getting that demon called procrastination off your back. I know its hard but you can do it trust me I know. I know your probably worried about living away from home for the first time. Well let me tell you its easier than you think. With no parents nagging you to do your homework or to clean your room you will most likely feel like your on a super getaway. Let me tell you; however, dont overdo it. These same joys can be your downfall. So one last thing before I go Don't worry, be happy!

Taylor

I would tell myself to focus on school and finish my high school career strong. Focus on earning a high grade point average, so you can get more scholarship money. Work on study habits and get everything in order early to guarantee academic success. I would make sure once I got to the University of Oklahoma I would focus on school, and let making friends and socializing come in its own time.

Elizabeth

I would tell myself not to worry so much. I didn't know many people that were going to my college from highschool and I worried about that, but I made amazing friends quickly after I arrived. I would tell myself to be ok with going potluck for a roommate because it was going to work perfectly and we would turn out to be best friends. I would tell myself to just relax, make the most of my life, enjoy everything that comes at me, not to worry about the little things, and most of all, that everything happens for a reason. College is meant to be a fun time where you mature into a responsible adult, preparing to enter the workforce, and its good to be involved in many things there. I was so nervous going into it that I almost made myself sick; but I really had nothing to worry about. I wouldn't change my college experiences for anything. It's been so amazing so far, and I can't wait to see what comes next. I wish I could go back and tell my highschool self that it would turn out that way.

Lacy

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to focus. Senior year is often a time of fun and getting ready to venture to a new world. If i knew the changes that i would be making i would have been better prepared. I would tell my highschool self to develop better study habits. I would let myself know that everything does not ride on a few missed points; it is okay to relax sometimes. College is serious, but not enjoying life leads to unhappiness. I would also tell myself to spend more time with my parents and siblings. With the rush of college, parents usually feel left behind. I would involve my mom in searching for schools and let her be a bigger part in my "growing up" process. I respect and love my parents and making them feel as comfortable as possible with my leaving would make me the happiest. I believe that I made many 'right' choices senior year and there is little i would change. The biggest thing i would tell myself is to get pumped up for college; it is such a fun experience!!