University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus Top Questions

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

Katie

As a high school student I was very frustrated with school, the educational system and certainly the social aspect. I highly disliked the excessive homework and the "pointless" classes I was required to take. I always enjoyed learning but the environment I was in was somewhat disheartening. By the time I was a senior, these frustrations were just about through the roof and my grades reflected this. Looking back on my attitude and how I let my frustrations get to me, If I could tell my high school self anything it would be to stay strong and just fight through it and to always keep your head up. I would put an emphasis on not letting external problems interfere with my love of learning and my determination to reach my goals.

Martha

If I were able to give my high school senior self adivce on college I would tell myself several things. First of all, I would make my past self promise not to bring a tv to the dorm room. I would advise that studying is more important than Grey's Anatomy. Futhermore, I would explain that I would need to give myself time to adjust to the academic demands of college versus high school. I would also advise myself to enjoy the experience of being a freshman in college and not to worry so much. Finally, I would advise myself to get involved in campus activities and make life-long friendships.

Brandon

Take fewer AP classes and more concurant classes.

Feyi

Be ready to juggle. In high school, as a senior, it was just about fun. But when I got to college I had to juggle being a leader, having fun, and learning all at once. Really enjoy high school. College is on a bigger scale.

Alysia

If I were to go back and advise myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to take every opportunity to experience new things with your classmates as possible. I am a senior in college now and the last three years have flown by. I have focused a great deal on my studies and I would adivse that I study as much as I did but also make time to have fun with classmates and friends through community service activities and going to cultural events on campus. This campus has so much to offer as far as clubs, extra curriculars, community service opportunities, and cultural events. College is the prime time in your life when you can grow as a person and as a citizen by experiencing every new experience that life offers and by learning about your classmates and community members. Education is of course top priority but growing as a person should definitely be the next priority for every college student and the University of Oklahoma understands this and gives ample opportunities to do so.

Jawanza

Remember not to walk in the bike lanes, get a good laptop or you will be miserable, don't walk under the clock tower, ask upperclassmen about the best professors and ALWAYS set wake alarms, home work reminders, and program your class schedule into your phone's calendar (be smart with your smart phone)

Jocelyn

Through this last year of high school keep an open mind. Do not let current plans come in the way of future plans. Always leave some spare time to spend with friends in family while working hard to be the best. Never lose touch with the dreams that give determination to work hard. Always thank those who have taken the time to teach you throughout the years. Take time to realize where you could be without all the hard work you have dedicated to school. Always be a friend to everyone you come into contact with. In the hard times, always listen to all sides of the story. Be the best that you can be and never let yourself become less than what you are. You will go places in life if you keep up the hard work!

morgan

If I could go back and talk to myself about college and what it’s going to be like I would tell myself. That is not all what people make out to be. It’s very hard and time consuming every bit of your time goes into studying and getting good grades. I would also tell myself that getting good grads in high school and working hard then will pay off in the long run in college. Also college classes are competitive everyone wants the best grade in the class and no one is going to be willing to help you. I will also like to let myself know that taking a lot of classes all at once will not make things easy take one or two of the hard classes then some of the easy ones that way you’re not always at home studying you can have a social life. I would also tell myself to schedule my classes when it’s best for me not for my friends take them when I will be more likely to pay attention so like at night than the morning. At the end i would say have fun.

Makenzie

If I could go back into time to give myself advice on college my main point would be to stay calm. When going to college, I got really nervous about classes, tests, etc. Everything ended up being perfectly fine as long as I kept that thought in my mind mentally. Also, I would tell myself to always read the chapters, and always do the homework. Professors don't always give you answers to tests in your notes, you have to contribute effort in order to get the grade that you want. Finally, although education is very important, I would tell myself that it is important to sometimes take a break, relax, and enjoy yourself.

Sarah

If I could go back to my high school senior self I would slap myself in the face! It's funny how just a few years in college can completely change your outlook on life. I would have to tell myself to stay humble and patient; don't let anyone tell you that you can't do anything or that you aren't fit to succeed. Don't worry about what others around you are doing. Don't fret about the obnoxious guys sitting behind you in class. Remember, you are sitting there in that classroom for you and no one else. I'd tell myself to not be lazy. That's the biggest thing. My first couple of years I had trouble staying focused on my schoolwork. I'd tell myself to pay attention and keep my time and focus on my school and make sure I do the best darn job that I can possibly do because it will seriously pay off. I regret not doing better at the community college. It's really hurt my GPA and would do it all over again to make it better.