University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Top Questions

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

Audrey

Don't get caught in the trap of "being too busy." It is awesome to balance work and school, but you need time for social and networking opportunities as well. A lot of times the people you are exposed to can help you in ways you can't even imagine. It is ok to say "no" to an obligation if you know it will spread you too thin. Allowing yourself some downtime to recharge your batteries is valuable in keeping a fresh perspective. Don't forget to breathe. Go get 'em, Tiger.

Kylee

I would make sure to prepare myself a little better when it comes to study habits and techniques. I would make sure I studied a little more, and got involved a little sooner, but in the end I would reassure myself that this was the right school for me because it has been nothing but a good experience thus far!

Miranda

First off, breathe. You can do this. Don't worry about not being able to. Life has prepared you for all that is about to come, but there are a few things that you are going to learn. Don't be afraid to take the chances that are going to lead to the best learning experiences. Remember to maintain your ground and don't lose who you are. It is easy to forget who you were and conform to others just to make them happy. You are a smart, strong, outgoing person who can do anything that you put your mind to. I can't wait for you to achieve all the success that is destined for you, and seeing your head held high at campus. Good luck!

stephanie

I would have a lot to say to myself! For starters I would tell myself to get college done fast and first before anything else, such as marriage and kids. Have faith in my abilities would come next. Following up with FOCUS!!!! Stop letting the squirels distract me. Had anyone told me these things growing up, I wouldn't be going back to college at 43 while being a mom and working more than full time.

Anyssa

I would tell my high school senior self to figure out what is truely important to me, and what was not. With all the stressors that come with college life, it is important to keep yourself healthy and well. I have learned that there is not always time for everything you wish to do, but I make sure that I make time to eat well, take study breaks , and participate in some sort of leisure activity. It is not healthy to constantly study, and worry about classes, sometimes taking a break to work out, read for fun, or watch a movie with your friends is important to give your mind a break from school. I have also learned that some of my high school habits, or activities which I thought were vital at the time, are not anymore. I found what and who was really important to me and my life to help me succeed, and made those priority.

Stephanie

Start strong, stay strong and finish stronger! Get as much knowledge as you can because it is all around in college. Start a network with people in your degree area, it will be useful once you are working towards your career goal. Don't wait, do it now! Set your goals and make sure you complete them. Always remember that this is YOUR life and YOU are in control of it now, make is count!

Andrew

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, knowing what I know now, I would tell myself to make the most of the opportunities afforded at that time, work a lot harder in school, and enjoy the time off. I would tell myself that the harder you work in high school the easier it will be transitioning and becoming successful during college. Also, being a Marine Corps Veteran, I would remind myself that the life experiences and benefits gained from that time is well worth it, even if it did postpone my college career by four years. Most of all, I would remind myself not to have any regrets during that time or the time to come, but rather, make smart well thought out decisions because they will affect your future endeavors and quality of life.

Valerie

When you go to college, do not be afraid to try things that you would have considered out of your comfort zone. Do something that you would never have done in high school, like take a physical education course about how to water ski on the lake nearby, or audition for the university's band. Be adventurous. Find out when group exercise classes are at the recreation center and drag a friend to zumba class with you. Look into leadership opportunites with hall government or clubs around campus. Participate in community service projects. No matter what you do in college you will meet new people that share your interests and have the potential to become great friends. But, while you are exploring what college has to offer, remember to explore with safety. If it is dark out make sure you have someone to walk with. Make sure that if you decide to go out Friday night you are not alone, and that you are with a group of people you trust. Whatever you end up doing in college, be adventurous but above all be safe.

Emily

There are many things I would tell my high school self, but they would not necessarily be things to change. For me high school wasn't the best time of my life. I was more shy and quiet than the rest of my friends and I enjoyed talking with my teachers more than I did other students. Then I got to college and everything changed. I would tell myself that it was ok that I sometimes felt lonely because once I would move into my dorm, I wouldn't have to feel like that again. I would say that it's never fun feeling like the odd one out but there are people who are going to love you for how nerdy you can be sometimes and who will always be there when you're feeling down. I would say that despite the fact that you never had many friends in high school, you are going to meet the friends you can have throughout the rest of your life. I would tell myself you don't have to worry about feeling out of place because the place you have always been looking for is only two hours away.

Lauren

If I could go back in time and give myself advice I would talk to myself about developing good study skills. Even though you don't go to class all day you still get a lot of homework. College is nothing like highschool and you don't get a studyhall or commens to do your work. It takes a lot longer and you can't just put it off untill the last minute. Also if you want to pass you have to review everything multiple times. You should look it over every day and try to make it fun because you will be doing it all the time. Finally learn to find ways to enjoy reading that normally wouldn't because the majority of the work to be done is reading.

Krystal

Get involved. You will be entering into something completely foreign with no friends. The easiest way for you to accomplish your goals, find friends, and learn outside of the classroom is to get involved in clubs, community service and anything you find interesting. Don't wait until you're "settled in". The best way to settle in and feel comfortable on campus is to get involved in campus life. You want to feel part of the college community, so make it happen!

Demi

Hello Demi, Here you are a high school senior graduating tomorrow and thinking you have it all figured out. Well I am from the future to give you some much needed advice. Don't follow your boyfriend to the college he chose, you won't end up staying because it is too expensive for you and your single mother to afford. Don't get a credit card at a pizza place and then charge all of your food and books on it with no way of paying it back. Take your time deciding what it is you want to do for the rest of your life. Follow your gut even if it means straying from the pack. Apply for scholarships- a lot of them. Do your homework, it is the most helpful tool your professor will give you. Speaking of professors, be nice to them. Ask for help, raise your hand, and get off your phone in class and you might get an A. I hope you take this advice because it will help you avoid a 6 year struggle to return back to the classroom after being denied a loan. p.s. Avoid the piercing place across the street.

Sandra

I would tell myself not to be afraid. For me, it was difficult transitioning from a small town to a college in a big city. I was no longer able to see my family and hometown friends every day. Classes were much larger in size and more intimidating. And even my eating habits were different. I was essentially out of my comfort zone. So if I could go back in time I would tell myself to be brave and to not be intimidated by change. Now that I have experienced college life and have lived in the real world, I don't feel afraid. I realize that I was just afraid because it was something new. Sometimes I wonder if I wasted years of my life being afraid when I could have met my challenges head on instead. Since I will be attending college again in a few short months, I can take the lessons I learned and make the most of my experience.

William

It gets better

jessica

i would tell myself that everyone one will need time to adjust to the change from living at home to being on a campus

taylor

i would tell them to get the best grades possible, try for every scholarship and take as many college prep cources as possible

Andrew

There are many words of advice I would give myself as a high school senior. Two main bits of advice I would state are study what you love and give your best to the subjects you dislike. The reasons why I picked those two topics are because I wish I would have known that before becoming a student because had I did, I might be in a different boat right now. Coming into University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh I was a business major. I always loved history, but chose business because of the "idea" or "sound" of being a business major sounded more elite. It was not until doing poorly in classes did I finally drop the busines major and switched to history. It is because of that, that now my GPA is no where near where I want it to be and I hope it does not impact my future too much. Try your best in the classes that you dislike. Remember, the university is requring these classes for a reason, to expand your knowledge. Embrace, accept and succeed.

Anna

Use your resources! There are so many people that don't know about things that are available to help them like free counseling or services to help with a disability. Take advantage of these they can only help you! Never be afraid to ask for help it's what the staff and professors are there for. Remember you're paying a lot of money to attend school and further your education. You deserve to use the services and get help if you need it! Lastly I've learned that every day counts no one is promised tomorrow. So do what you can today if you fail a test big deal, move on and do better next time. Success isn't always based on being the best student it's about doing the best that you can.

Katelyn

I would tell myself, as soon as you get to school make sure you put 110{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} into everything! Make sure you get the grades you need but make sure you get involved with new friends and clubs you learn just as much in the classroom as you learn on your own.

Crystal

Crystal, Pack up and go to school away from home. When you get there, live on campus, join extra-curriculars and make the best of this college experience.