Viterbo University Top Questions

What should every freshman at Viterbo University know before they start?

Raisa

I would tell myself to go out and do orientation activities and not worry so much about trying to fit in with everyone else. Just go out for activities and try them and if after trying them if I don't like them then I can quite. I would also say talk to people and collect numbers and names and ask people to hang out. Also don't be afraid to get to know the girls on your floor. Talk to them, get to know them, you will never know what friendships could come out of them. Dont be afraid to be yourself, even if you are a little goofy because everyone hear is nervous and doesn't know anyone so be the first to make introductions. I would also tell myself that even if your roommate seems to be a really nice person and you think you'll get along fine, set up some dorm room rules. That way you both know whats expected from each other and it will prevent conflict in the future. Don't be afraid to tell your roommate what you're uncomfortable with because its better in the long run to avoid conflict.

Sara

I would really think about your future and even if you don't know exactly what you want to do when you grow up, do what your heart tells you. Even if you choose a school that you can barely afford, do it. In the long run, you'll be happy. There's always a way through financial aid help and jobs on campus. Students: Do it for you, not for others. Parents: don't force your child, let them learn on their own, sometimes that's best.

Justin

New college students should get involved with as many extra curricular activities as possible. By doing that they can create life long friendships with people who share the same interests as them. Students also need to take their studies seriously. Companies look at GPA so it is important to keep it up so it can put you ahead of the next person. Community service is also another very important part of college. By helping out the community students can make connections with people, which could help in their networking and finding jobs. The overall college experience should be very enjoyable and active. By being involved in many things students slowly develop into the people they will be for the rest of their lives.

Marybeth

I would advise any future college student to be sure and make a very informed choice. It is hard to find the college that is good for you; fortunately I was able to find the perfect one for me. For parents, let your child choose don't push them into a choice because they will more than likely end up not being happy. For students in college try to get involved in activities that the school holds and clubs and sports, it is a great way to meet new people and have fun at the same time.

Seth

Take you time! It is so important that you know it's the right fit for you. Don't worry about what your parents think; it needs to feel like you are spending this money for something you really want.

Kelly

Make sure you look at everything. If school is too much, ask about offered scholarships and grants. Go through a checklist and make pros and cons, but do not be quick to judge. Never be intimidated by goals that you put your mind to. Its not just your childs first time, other students are new also. So take advantage of things going on around campus and interact with people , try new things. Now is a time to find you. Never feel intimidated/scared by anything. You are not just here to go to classes. You have the opportunity to meet new people from all over the world, volunteer in your community, intern at the place you want to work for after graduation, and all of these things you learn values, responsibility, and how to have a good time. If you hesistate at something, try it anyways, you might like it.

Ashley

Don't go to a college just becuase a boy or girl friend is going or already goes there. You need to have your own experiences and grow.

Mary

It is hard to tell when looking at colleges, but you need to find the school that is the right "fit" for you. If you have to transfer schools because the school isn't quiet right, that's ok to do. But it is important that the school you pick works well with your personality and prefrences. The best school in the world will be no good to go to if you are too unhappy at school to do well and graduate from there.

Betsy

My best advice is to really think about your high school experiences and what you like and dislike about your high school. If you attended a smaller high school and you liked that fact, moving to a larger college or university is probably not going to be a good choice for you. I never realized how much I enjoyed being in a small high school until I attended a larger college and did not do well in my classes. i would suggest that you make as many visits to the campus as possible to fully understand the ins and outs of the college and its surrounding area.

Joni

I had a hard time finding the right college for me. Choosing a college is ultimately the student's choice. Though, parents can help guide his or her son into a couple good school options. Something I have realized, myself is I love bigger areas, but I need to be educated in a smaller school so I get the attention I need in order to do well. Even though private schools tend to be more expensive, I have found this to be most successful because it is a smaller school, yet in a bigger area where I also like to be. My classes at Viterbo have left me with a comfortable feeling and I know I can talk to either my professors, advisor, or other classmates about anything if I need to. It is also very important to get involved in extra-curricular activities because you open up so many doors for yourself and in meeting new people. College is about doing what you love, but also trying new things that help you develop into who you are meant to become. I've learned it's about what you make, not necessarily what the college brings you.

Brooke

Find a college that provides the best academics for the field you wish to study in. Do not pick a school because your friends or significant other is going there. When you pick a college remember that you will be there for at least four years and that you must enjoy going there.

Patrick

Follow your heart, or start out undicided and think about it the next couple of years.

NO

no

alyssa

move away from home if even by an hour or so. Its a great experience!

Sarah

Really look for the attitudes of the professors. If they are all about wanting you to succeed and finding ways to help that process, then it is worth attending the school. I was in a school where they set you up for failure and very few people lasted there long. Viterbo professors, financial aid counselors, human resources officers, and career services people are all eager to see you leave with a degree and a successful college career!

Cory

The college experience, or at the very least finding what the "college experience" means for oneself, can be most taxing on one's life yet a solid investment for a future. This makes finding the "right one" an insatiable quest because, ultimately, choosing a college can mean choosing a life, lifelong friends, and an education worthy of the money that is spent on it. The most crucial time to first discover this is on a campus visit, where one can discover the true colors of the college/university. Scrutiny of the campus and asking innumerable questions about campus life and the surrounding community is essential to peering beneath the depths of a college/university beyond the face value of the tour and what the tour guide deems flattering to it. It may seem mere common sense, but without questions, there can be no answers to one of the grandest decisions of one's life if he/she so decides to attend an institution of higher education. Once a college/university is found, the experience is what each student makes it: a student can have more icebreakers than he/she can dream of, but ultimately he/she decides his/her path.

Silke

The most important thing for a student to remember is that the college you choose is for him/her, not for the parents or friends. So the student needs to always make sure they visit all the colleges they are interested in, not just the ones they are told they should be interested in. Parents should ask all questions involving financial aid, because no matter how much aid a person may need, its always out there and always available. While a student is at college, he/she needs to be in active in all extra-curriculars available, both clubs and sports. This is a good way to meet new people and make new friends not only fast, but friends who share the same interests. Also, the student should be involved in the classes. Taking part in all in-class and out-of-class activities and assignments is a good way to enhance the student's learning experience. The one way to really enhance an experience for both the parent and the student, both parties need to be active in both the academic and collegiate experience and be supportive of each other.

Debra

If you are an adult learner like myself, seek out a college that has specific programs designed for the working professional. Small class size, sense of community and professors who are fun, insightful and knowledable. Preferrably a college that accepts previous college courses as credit toward your degree. The campus should offers a variety of cultural diversity and opporunity to become involved in school and community programs.

Jessica

To the new students: Be yourself.

Becca

Firstly, don't just go to college because that's what everyone is doing. Yes, a degree offers opportunities otherwise unavailable and college is a great experience, but it's not for everyone and that's okay. Take the time to decide that so if you do decide to pursue a higher education, you want it and you're motivated to do well. It's expensive, so make sure it's worth it! When you look for colleges, be honest with yourself: does a recognizable name matter to you? Do you want to stay close to home? Do you like the 'vibe' of the campus? But also don't forget to look outside your comfort zone. It doesn't hurt to look at a school far away in a big city, or apply to a 'smart/hard' school. Once you're there, get involved! You may think it's lame to go to a freshmen dance, but you won't meet new people in your room. Join clubs to meet people and expand your comfort zone. Don't go home every weekend. Find out what services you have on campus-you pay for it, use it. Volunteer. Get out there!