University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus Top Questions

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

MonaLisa

MonaLisa

YUSUF

i thing my advise was going true with young generation who like to study a college for 2yrs or 4yrs make sure if you are not study hurd for high school you will never sacseed a college because i saw the time i am study for college i see so mony peoble site in my class they sey iam finnish high schooll and they doint evan read a grammer for inglish i undrestand america its very hurd to study but if you bond hear in united state atleast you have to spick english so and doint west your time for your high schooll do not sell a drugs athers wys you never servive and you have to undrestand you are the land of apourtunity our god sey you need to bray like you die write now and you need to wark like you life longer thanks and god bless you

Sandra

If I could back in time, I would tell myself to attend a community college. When I was a senior in high school I made the decision to go to a university I really didn't want to go to. After one semester, I transfered into the local community college and was much happier. Also, I would advise myself to take my time and explore my interests before picking a major. Finally, I would tell myself to work hard and stay dedicated to school. Although, the transition from high school to college can be a difficult one hard work and dedication make it much easier.

Timothy

Accept any job and make as much money as possible. Attending a univisersity is too expensive. Also dedicate yourself to reading.

Becky

Our campus lies along and in between two major city roads, Forbes Ave and Fifth Ave. A common trick played on freshmen is, when they ask where something is, to say "at the intersection of Forbes and Fifth." So every freshman should know that the roads are actually parallel!

Adam

The most important thing is time management. There is a lot to do, and not enough time to do it (my biggest problem is always that I don't have time to do everything I want to do, which is a great problem to have). It's important to set your priorities, and make time for them (priorities may include staying in shape, getting good enough grades, making time to hang out...). When you set your priorities, it's important make them realistic, and know that there's always a trade off and opportunity cost to your time. So say you want to get straight A's, know that it'll require a lot of time, and thus you'll have less time for other things (you can get straight A's and still do other things, I'm just saying you can do less of other things). For example, you can't get straight A's, be a member of 3 clubs, volunteer in 2 labs and a hospital, play video games, and follow 3 tv shows. In addition to setting realistic goals, it's important to use your time efficiently and not procrastinate. Another important thing is to figure out the best way to learn in a class. Every class and professor is different, and you should keep an open mind and try out a few methods of note taking, studying etc., decide on what works best, and use that. For example, different ways of note taking may include pen and paper, printing out lecture slides and writing on them, and using your laptop. There are also many ways to study, including reading over lecture notes to identify what you are shaky on, and then going over that, reading the textbook, making review sheets, doing practice problems, watching khanacademy.com or youtube videos, going to office hours, using free tutoring services, studying with friends. Again, your time is limited and you can't do this all, so figure out what works best for each class, and use it. Socially, I'd recommend (especially in the beginning) being friendly and introducing yourself to people. Everyone is in the same shoes and is looking to make friends, and lots of people will go introduce themselves to random people(so it's definitely not weird to approach strangers to introduce yourself). I'd especially recommend doing this to people you'll likely see a lot, such as kids on your floor, in your classes, who you meet doing something you like (ex. playing basketball) etc. You can always meet new people and make new friends, but the beginning of freshman year is the best time to do so. Edit: Keep your door open too, especially in the beginning. Its a great way to meet people and make friends.

Adam

The most important thing is time management. There is a lot to do, and not enough time to do it (my biggest problem is always that I don't have time to do everything I want to do, which is a great problem to have). It's important to set your priorities, and make time for them (priorities may include staying in shape, getting good enough grades, making time to hang out...). When you set your priorities, it's important make them realistic, and know that there's always a trade off and opportunity cost to your time. So say you want to get straight A's, know that it'll require a lot of time, and thus you'll have less time for other things (you can get straight A's and still do other things, I'm just saying you can do less of other things). For example, you can't get straight A's, be a member of 3 clubs, volunteer in 2 labs and a hospital, play video games, and follow 3 tv shows. In addition to setting realistic goals, it's important to use your time efficiently and not procrastinate. Another important thing is to figure out the best way to learn in a class. Every class and professor is different, and you should keep an open mind and try out a few methods of note taking, studying etc., decide on what works best, and use that. For example, different ways of note taking may include pen and paper, printing out lecture slides and writing on them, and using your laptop. There are also many ways to study, including reading over lecture notes to identify what you are shaky on, and then going over that, reading the textbook, making review sheets, doing practice problems, watching khanacademy.com or youtube videos, going to office hours, using free tutoring services, studying with friends. Again, your time is limited and you can't do this all, so figure out what works best for each class, and use it. Socially, I'd recommend (especially in the beginning) being friendly and introducing yourself to people. Everyone is in the same shoes and is looking to make friends, and lots of people will go introduce themselves to random people(so it's definitely not weird to approach strangers to introduce yourself). I'd especially recommend doing this to people you'll likely see a lot, such as kids on your floor, in your classes, who you meet doing something you like (ex. playing basketball) etc. You can always meet new people and make new friends, but the beginning of freshman year is the best time to do so.

Ally

Go with your gut and do what you want to do. Take the time and chances given to go out and make new friends and just go up and talk to people. Sit next to people in class because they're looking for friends too. And you know what? If you miss a lecture, you'll still be okay. Keep in touch with your high school friends and make new friends too. And it will all be worth it in the end. Also, consider social work now so you don't find yourself unable to finish that major in time :D

Rebecca

If I had the oppurtunity to go back and talk to myself as a senior in high school and would make sure I told myself that it does get easier with time. Moving out on your own and transitioning into college life is hard, but its also a really great expirience. I would tell myself to be more out-going and more open-minded about the girls that I was living with. I would tell myself that its okay to talk to some random quiet girl in the dorms because she is going through the exact same thing. It isnt as awkward as you think it will be to meet new people. Everyone is in the same boat at you so everyone wants to make friends just as badly as you. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, college is where you will learn who you really are. And if will also be where you find your true friends. Stay in touch with your friends from high school but dont depend on them. Call your family every day because they do miss you, and its okay to be homesick. You can do it!