University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Top Questions

What should every freshman at University of Wisconsin-Green Bay know before they start?

Christine

Leaving for college was my first experience for being on my own. I learned to make my own schedule, make all my own appointments, and to do things for myself. I also learned how important it was to make the commitment to go to class even though I didn't have my mom there telling my I had to. I never regret going to college and I would recommend it to anyone looking to a good job. Also, college taught me that I can be a social person without having to be a party person. There were many organizations that I could get involved in and do good for my fellow students instead of getting into trouble. I also learned that you have to give respect & earn it to get it. I have found that having a college education has gotten me much further in life then my classmates who either didn't go to college or dropped out. I am hoping that getting my Master's degree will give me even more of an advantage and help me to get a great job that I love and that will support the family I am hoping to someday have.

Marissa

So far, I've met quite a few new people.

Pamela

I have learned a lot about culture, diversity and the concept of health. My undergraduate education prepared me for graduate school through encouraging me to do my best and to explore all options in situations. I learned to write academic papers and apply research principles.

Morgan

I would tell myself that I needed to work harder during my last year of high school. I attended a high school in a rural community and there are not many students who attended my high school. As a result my high school did not have much money to buy more advanced books. I would tell myself that I need to make the most out of my high school education and listen better in class to be better prepared for my college years. I would also tell myself to work harder in my athletics because that is the time when it matters. Finally, I would tell myself to focuse more in my english classes because that is where I struggle most in college and if I would have studied harder in high school, I would not be in the position I am now.

Tia

When I was first choosing between schools, I was picking between what I really wanted to do and what I thought others would want me to do. For financial reasons, the school I chose was cheaper and closer to home. However, after being here for a semester, I haven't found myself happy and enjoying this experience. If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to follow my heart and instincts and do what I want to do. You only live once, and it's important to enjoy these years of my life. Although there may be a high cost, it's the price you pay to be happy. Of course I don't want to have too many loans to pay after college, but I also want to have an experience that I enjoyed. So my advice would be to do what you want to do instead of doing what you should do.

Renee

Wow, I' d party more. Honestly that is not my answer, I'd work hard than what i did my senior year! I did go out and do whatever I could in my senior year of High School, but I think I should have reach high than I did. One, do more research on what i wanted in my life for the future, not choice the path I did and go another route, maybe not do someof the things I did or choosed to do back than. Mainly being more involved in my educational future, looking at other degrees and college than. Being open with my parent on where I could go. I was scared to ask about colleges, funding, and didn't know who or where to go for answers. But, if I could go back , I would have gotten my head out of the clouds and headed full steam ahead to a future that I would not look back at and think I could of change that. But, in all truth I have nothing to change in the past but ewveything to change in my future and that is what I'm focused on NOIW!

Jeana

If I could go back and tell myself what to expect in college, I would be completely honest with myself. I would say that college life is not for everyone. The poeple who truely want to put the effort in for as long as they go will succeed, those who do not will be disappointed at graduation time. Being able to be open to new things and cultures is going to make college easier for you. I would tell myself to wipe away any impression I think college is going to be like because when you actually get their, its like nothing you have experienced before. I would then tell my self to relax because college is just a big community that is evolving and learning together and that everyone is in the same "boat". I would tell myself to "go for it", either for a tougher class or a new club, because it is only you who takes the steps in your life now and you might as well go for it. With that being said do not lose sight of what yor there for, do not stop trying to always give it your 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c}.

Stephanie

Being able to go back and talk to myself as a senior would have really helped me a lot. My senior year I was very nervous and scared about leaving for college. I kept pushing it off and trying not to worry about dealing with everything. These were probably my two biggest mistakes. The first piece of advice I would have told myself would have been: don't be so nervous! Being calmer would have helped me not stress out so much before the real stress of college life had even started. The other piece of advice would have been: get your "stuff" figured out soon so that you know what's going on. If I had been more prepared, I wouldn't have been so rushed at the end of the year deciding where to go and what I wanted out of a college. Going back would definitely help me make a smoother transition into college. Hopefully other high school seniors can take this advice and use it to benefit themselves and make their way into college confidently. I know it would have really helped me!

Kassie

If I could go back to when I was a senior, I would tell myself to just relax and enjoy myself because time goes by really fast. If something is meant to be, then it will happen. I would tell myself not to worry because everything will be fine and work out. Just take time and look into things and everything will be ok. The transition to college is not as difficult as you think. Make many new friends and join a few organizations. Also, get to know your professors because they will be a valuable asset during your college career. Make sure to check your school email often because that is the mode of contact in a university. The most important thing that I would tell myself is to just relax and everything will work out. Make sure to get all work done, but also make time for fun because college is not only about schoolwork, it is also about finding yourself.

Andrea

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, the advice that I would give myself would be to make sure that all aspects of your life are as organized as you can get them. When your life is organized, you are able to concentrate and focus on important issues at hand, personally, financially and academically. So when a problem arises, you will be able to solve it with ease and without much difficulty because everything is easy to locate. Being organized can help you in accomplishing more, with greater speed and prioritizing the tasks at hand, so your achievements will be greater in your life. Also when organization is in place, life seems more positive and simpler, which creates a better environment, so you can excel in finding a job and networking with people that may open doors of opportunity that could help in any of future endeavors that you dream of. Also it is important to be respectful and polite to all those you come in contact with, you never know who holds the key to your success that leads you down the road to achieving your goals.

Amber

Knowing what I know now, I would remind myself that transitioning from living at home and high school to living in a residence hall is hard and more difficult for some than others, but if you do not close yourself off and put yourself out there, you will meet fantastic people and maybe even be presented with great opportunities. I would also remind myself that drinking does not solve anything, nor should you feel like you have to do it. There is NO SHAME in not drinking. Surround yourself with people who love you for who you are and who stay on campus on the weekends. It is a lot more fun and you are then free to be yourself, instead of someone you are not. Explore the many opportunites and organizations on campus. You would be surprised at who you meet and what you end up doing, but it will all make you a better person in the end! Never stop dreaming, focus on academics and finding the right career for you and you will succeed!

Ariel

I would advise myself to try and stay in contact with the people who I met at orientation. I met many new people at orientation and I only stayed in contact with one and I rarely talk to her. I would also advise myself to make a schedule of some sort and to prepare myself in better time management. Including

Anna

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would have told myself to make appointments to talk to both academic and financial advisors at the university. When I started college, I had no idea how I was going to afford school, let alone what I wanted to major in. Though I recieved honors my freshman year of college, I debated continuing school as I was still undecided and could no longer afford tuition. However, once I was out of school for a semester, I realized how much I missed school and how it would be a waste to work retail my entire life. Then I realized that I should stop thinking about majoring in something practical and major in something I am passionate about: art. After deciding on my major, I no longer felt as though I was wasting my time and money attending school. I talked to a financial advisor and found I was eligible to recieve financial aid. All of those tears could have been avoided had I known in high school that there are people at the university who are dedicated to helping out people like me!

Ryan

As a sophomore in college, it's finally starting to hit me. Better late than never, I'm starting to realize the importance of this whole "college" thing. This is the real deal here. I don't think it was a matter of not working hard enough. I just believe that I didn't work as hard as I potentially could have when I started. I can get things done when I put my mind to it. Of course, that's always mixed with a little hard work. I'm finally starting to realize why I'm here. My plan is starting to make more sense to me, and become more clear. So if I could go back in time and tell myself one thing, I would tell myself to start things with 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} committment. If I had started my college career with the same work ethic that I posess now, I believe that my grade point average would be higher, and I would feel a lot better about the money I am spending here at UW-Green Bay. I just wish I had known that college requires a gritty work ethic. Thankfully, I'm starting to realize that now.

Thai

I would tell myself to avoid social groups which can deter my studies. Most students feel that they must be accepted socially. This is not true. It is necessary to have a social life on campus, but most of your time should be used to study and researching in the library. It is also important to communicate with your professors. If you are having any problems, you should talk to your professors before it is too late. You should also talk to your academic advisor to make sure that you are taking the correct courses which will be used towards your degree. Also, you should pay attention to your professor in class and take good notes. Finally, I would tell myself that college is very difficult. It takes time to adjust from high school. Although the workload may seem too much, if you remain focused on your studying, you will do well.

Danielle

My advice would be to allow myself to be open-minded and fully experience all that college-life has to offer me. Join more clubs on campus and be active in the community. When figuring out your college budget, leave some breathing room--you never know when your car will break down or when you'll have a medical emergency. Keep in mind what you are here for, so put in the time to study and get the degree. But remember that college is also a time to make lifelong friends and memories.

Valerie

Keep trying and don't give up.

Jentzen

Go with the flow. It's alright to take a break and let yourself unwind. Also to get involved as often as possible and to go to as many school sponsored programs as possible.

Aimee

First and foremost, get ready to buckle down. College professors will likely not care how many AP classes you've taken, whether you graduated halfway through the year or how many clubs you participated in. In college, you will have to prove yourself in a whole new territory and working under much more strenuous circumstances. Second, do not be afraid to participate in campus activities. The easiest way to make friends and learn more about yourself is through programs provided by the school. Not only are many of them exciting and fun, they also develop your communication and intrapersonal skills. Lastly, always believe that you can accomplish whatever you desire. Biases of the past cannot hold you back. In college, you set your own limits; you alone decide your destiny. Take life by the horns, and don't ever look back.

Brittany

In hish School I wasn?t out going and I did not like to draw attention to myself. My shyness followed me to college. I found it difficult to make friends since I did not know how to talk to them and I was afraid I would say the wrong thing and look like an idiot or weird. I also let college overwhelm me and I did not seek help. So if I could visit myself in the past I would give this advice. Don?t be afraid to voice your option and be the one to strike up a conversation with a stranger. If the course work is to hard drop a few and take it slow, but ask for help when needed. I kind of gave up during my first year and when actually tried to dig myself out of my hole it was at the end of the semester.