University of St Thomas-Saint Paul Top Questions

Its hard work.

The advice that I would give myself as a second year college student, having experienced the college life, is to get involved. All throughout high school I was so focused on grades and studying. Coming to college, I now know how important it is to put yourself out there. I am not by any means saying studying isn't important, because after all, it is why you enter into college, but the friends that you make and relationships you form have the potential to be lifelong. Achieveing academic goals have always been and still should be the number one priority! In the same respect, I now realize just how much I gained from joining a club and going to on-campus events. You are now not in college to just gain factual knowledge, but to get to know who you are as a person. Campus life is an unforgetable experience and it would be unfortunate to spend all your time in a book when there is a whole wonderful sea of people to get to know. College is one of the best experiences and it should never go to waste, I am so lucky and grateful to have the opportunity.

Looking back at my college career, I realize that things are not always as they seem. Things that I thought were important at the time are not as important now that I look again. With that said, I think I would tell myself now that while you're in the moment, be cautious of the future. Look at your future and make sure that the decisions you're making now are going to make a positive influence in your future. Work hard so that the people who get to make the decisions about your future easier. While working hard in the classroom, make sure to allow yourself to have fun with those who you surround yourself with. I promise the more fun you have with friends, will make your entire college experience better. The better your experience, the more you will enjoy your classes. Some of the biggest stressors in college are the ones you make youself. You're (usually) only in college once, don't fill it with regret.

Trust your instincts, you've taken the time to visit and evaluate the colleges your deciding from. When you get to school take time to get to know the other people on your floor, there's a good chance some of them will become your best friends. Take time to get to know your roomate before move-in in the fall, it's nice to know at least one person when you arrive on campus. Be open to new things! You never know what you might try doing and fall in love with that activity. Take time to get to know your professors every semester, this way when you're in a bind there's someone to help you out. Have a social life, but don't let your social life affect your schoolwork. Last have fun! Take time to stop and smell the roses once and awhile because the time goes fast!

I would tell myself to get into better study habits. I realized that allthough I did study in high school. I did not study to my full potential and I did not get into habits of studying. I would also tell myself to treasure the days that I had with my friends as we all split up to go to college and we all have different experiences and change. Even the friend who came to the same college and I ahve changed in different ways.

C, You may not feel it but love high school while you?re there. Study for the ACT and take it a second time. A smile makes all the difference when presenting yourself- enjoy those friendships that it makes. Rowing gets easier, so put in the hard work now and your perfomance will amaze you. Your life gets more confident but more complicated. Be happy in the ease of day to day things such as homecooked meals, car rides from parents and school events. You are beautiful and the people who are always there are the Family. Spend time with them now. God is good. Volunteer. -Clare

Get involved! Get to know people besides your roommates! You are going to meet your best friends in these clubs! Don't forget to take deep breaths and LIVE!

To look at colleges early and not to think about where your friends are going but what fits best for you!

If I was able to go back in time I would tell myself the following: College is a big transition from highschool, to prepare for the workload of college it is important to start reading the textbook material along with lectures, even if not assigned. This simple trick will help you get into the habit of reading every day. Another hint is to choose your first semester classes with knowledge of what you are signing up for, so if you have any questions make sure to request someone to sit down and talk with you about your options. Switching from the academic aspect to the social aspect of college I would suggest that you remain at college for the first few months without going home. This will allow you to get out and make new friends and become involved with the St.Thomas community. You will have fun, college is a great balance between learning and experiencing new things.

I would tell myself to take school more seriously. The transition to college would have been easier if I had a more positive attitude towards school and had a heavier workload during my senior year.