Virginia Commonwealth University Top Questions

What should every freshman at Virginia Commonwealth University know before they start?

Laura

Never stop putting effort into everything you do. Whether you move forward to a community college or a four-year, always try your hardest. Things may seem to be easier than you expected them to be when you first begin the transition; things may not seem much more different from high school. However, this is the real world, and you now have not only your independence, but your responsibilities. Putting 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} into everything you do is crucial for both academic success and personal accomplishment. Even if something seems easy, always put your utmost effort into it and never settle for something that is simply mediocre or not as great as it could be. That way, you make even the easiest tasks a challenge, which exercises your mind and your personal feeling of achievement.

Colette

I spent many years wishing I could go back to my high school self and say one thing: “Do not do drugs.” Few things in my life have so negatively impacted my future. I began using heroin when I was a sophomore in high school. I was smart and quiet and easily influenced. The drugs helped me to feel as though I fit in, as I suffered from social anxiety. I was popular and well-liked when I was someone besides myself. I left college after my freshman year and sought treatment. I have been sober for nine years now. Life is not easy. I still get nervous around large groups of people and I do not have nearly as many friends as I did before. I become sad when unfortunate things happen, stressed when I have too much to do, and happy when good things happen, like being accepted to the college of my choice. As painful as these emotions may be, I would tell my younger self to embrace them. As my father, and perhaps any father, would say, these events “build character.” Well, I suppose I am quite the character. At least now I can embrace it.

Marwan

I am great

Noelle

Being in the Art program, I am subject to the complex projects that come along with the required studio classes. For me, the real challenge has been figuring out how to execute each one that I am assigned, given that the teachers have rather high standards. However, the greatest part is that after all of the sleepless nights working on sculptures that seem to only leave you with hot glue gun burns, you're left with this great feeling of having accomplished something that was once so intimidating. Just pushing through the stress and worry of not knowing how to do something is worth it because in the end you have something you're proud of, something you're happy to stand by. Being at VCU has really influenced this for me because I have met the most fascinating people here , and am so inspired by all of the experiences that I have had thus far. This school has offered me the opportunity to be a part of the excitement and flurry of the world that's waiting for me once I make it through school.

Catherine

A lot of students go to school to get a degree. In many fields it is impossible to get an adequate job without one. Every year the college application process becomes more competative, as dos the job market. Students go to class because they have to, they study becaue they have to, and because if they don't then they are risking not getting an adequate job. I am not here for a degree. I am here to learn everything I can. As an art major, part of what will make me successful is understanding the world around me, doing constant research, and persuing the ideas that interest me. I take the classes that interest me and I work hard because I love learning, not just becase I want an A. It has enabled me to fuel my love for learning in an environment where I can learn from others, develop relationships with my professors, and learn who I am as an artist and as a person.

David

First of all, my college experience has redefined the pattern of my usual life and has enabled me to hold on to a positive perspective of what life should be. Optimism is now an integral aspect of my general outlook of life and it remains the engine that drives me on to believe that I could achieve all things as long as I make up my mind to put in the required effort. I have been able to improve upon my communication skills and this shall forever remain an asset to me in this ever evolving global marketplace. I am now confident more than ever in my entire life about all endeavors I pursue and I believe strongly that in the near foreseeable future, I would keep on standing after confronting and surmounting any challenges I may face. Above all things, I believe the development of my communication skills as well as a renewed sense of obligation enveloped with confidence towards meeting the requirements of a successful future have been the most valuable things I have gotten out of my college experience because I believe these qualities or attributes will catapult me to much greater heights of achievement. in life

Monica

I have most definately gained a sense of independence. All my life my parents have always been right there to fix what I had screwed up, so I never really understood how it would feel to "fall on my butt". Here, I've seen so many different types of people. In highschool, people were judged based on looks, here it's completely opposite. People I thought I'd never be friends with have become my support system. It's nice to have people who are on the same page as you. Being surrounded by "nerds" in college isn't always a bad thing. I have always considered education as a major part of my life, but here I finally realize how all my hardwork will determine my future. College has really been a huge wake up call for me.

Marina

Out of my college experience, I have experienced how much work it takes to be an achiever in college. As I look back at all the homework and studying in high school , it has payed off. Of all the work I have done before getting into college, it has helped me get far. As I continue to work hard, it will help me get far in college.

Denise

I have gotten so much out of college life. Mainly the fact that everyone is there for a reason and they are dertermined to succeed. I enjoy school and learning new material every day. It keeps me interested and focused. I have learned that getting a degree is not easy and nothing just comes to you. You have to work really hard to get the grades you deserve. I have worked my butt off for 3 years and it has paid off. Making Dean's list 2 years in a row has been my high light of college life. To be succussful is my dream and it is what I want out of my college experience. School is a powerful tool and it will help me in my life to come. I can not say in words how valuable my education has become. I am greateful that I can attend college.

Stephanie

Attending this university has given me a greater value of respect for others, despite the situation. In high school it was all about your status. If you were a freshman you werent valued as important in the high school environment and the one I attended went as far as to riducule and shout copious amouts of ridiculous chants. Needless to say, I expected the same entering VCU as a freshman. On the first day of orientation the reaction of my fellow freshman shocked me, to say the least. Everyone was friendly and I made tons of friends very quickly. There were no boundaries between the classes and they respected us as new to the college experience. The amount of chivalry was overwhelming and to this day I am still subject to students rushing to assist opening a door or to swipe their cards for entrance into the building. I value my attendance because of the mutual respect that flows throught the campus. It has taught me just how far kindness can travel and it is a lesson I will continue to spread and have kept with me ever since.