University of South Florida-Main Campus Top Questions

I would tell myself to slow down, in high school I was a part of the International Baccalaureate program and in this manner, was in a mind frame that my best was not enough, that college was this grueling battlefield for which I was training. I took the hardest classes and studied to the point of exhaustion, sleeping a few hours a night, taking fervent notes in class, doing homework for hours and community service in my free time. What disgusts me in retrospect was the fact that I only volunteered my time to log hours for the program and not to aid my community, the aim of my every action was my gpa. Now that I'm past all of that, and in college, I can look back and realize that college is not what I envisioned it to be, for the most part it is a lifestyle. I study twice as much as I studied back then yet I am involved on campus, I volunteer to better the people around me not my record. I study to learn and not to make the grade, verily I am growing as a person and for that I am eternally grateful.

My advise is don't declare a major before entering college & keep thinking about what it would be like to use that major. Would it be fun or like a living nightmare? Never limit yourself to only obtain one major because people change and so do minds, especially after experiencing activities involving that major. College isn't cheap and one needs to strive to graduate within five years. Also, if you need help, don't procrastinate. Help there and most colleges pay for it so that you don't. Help doesn't make you look dumb; however, not asking for help when you need it does. Another tip is don't wait till two weeks before exams to finish all of the term papers. It is rough trying to work on three research papers, with the same due date, and not get the sources mixed up. Lastly, do not go home after your first week of attending college. The quick trip causes many people to miss home more and not want to go back. Yes, it's hard leaving friends and family behind, but look at the new students around you. They will be your new best friends, trust me.

College is a lot easier than high school and college is not all its cracked up to be. It is relatively boring, the professors appear unfamilar with their material and no one else knows what is going on.

I would tell myself to take the chance and live on campus. I've always wondered what it would be like to live away from family and live on campus and enjoy that part of college life. I would tell myself to stop being so shy and open up more, open my mind to new ideas and possibilities. USF has changed how I am, has opened my social circle and increased my overall knowledge and philosophy.

To make sure not to get so pulled into the freshman college life. Not to party as much and to focus more on school.

Don't be afraid to try new things. Clubs weren't your favorite activities to be a part of, but they are really beneficial to your overall experience at college. Don't be afraid to fail. It might be tough not getting "straight A's," but you know that you're intelligent and what really matters is what you learn from it all. Don't waste time worrying about the future. You'll be prepared no matter what classes you take. Finally, have fun, enjoy yourself, and live life the best that you can. You can only be young and in college once so make the best out of this experience :).

To live in a dorm for the first year because you will make friends for a lifetime. I would also tell myself not to let lecture classes intimidate me. As long as you attend the lectures, do the assignments that are given, and study hard, there is no reason for you to be scared. Last thing I would tell myself is to make friends by joining clubs.

Do your best and take advantage of your college experience as much as possible.

I would tell myself to go to a college that best fits your personality. You are only in college once, so go somewhere that will make you happy and meet all you expectations. Even though saving money is important, the cheapest college isn't always the best choice. Go to your dream school, and you will enjoy every bit of your college experience. Once you are in college, make sure to get involved as soon as possible. Join a sorority or any other student organizations that will allow you to make friends for a like time. These friends will become your "family" while you are away from home. Moving to a new town and not knowing anyone is scray, but by joining a organization, such as a sorority, you will feel less alone. The most important advice I would give myself would be to focus on your goals. Your goals are the reasons you are attending college in the first place. You are here to learn, so make sure your education is a top priority. Also, do forget who you really are. Don't let people change the person you were born to be.

The advice I would give myself would be to always plan ahead, stay focused and ASK FOR HELP. In high school I was an excellent student with 3.5-3.6 GPA and I took it all for granted. I assumed that college would be the same as high school. I was completely wrong. College was nothing like high school. My first semester in college my GPA dropped to about 2.3-2.5. I procrastinated a lot and I REFUSED to ask for help. I was independent and too strong willed. I felt like I could do it all by myself. I never had anyone talk to me about what to expect when I went to college so when I started, I felt like I was blindsided with the material and workload from my teachers. I finally got the hang of how college worked my sophomore year. I was able to raise my GPA up, I took my work more seriously and I learned how to ask for help. It turned out to be a positive experience for me. My rough transition eventually smoothed out because I began to focus more on my intital reasonings for going to college.