Winona State University Top Questions

What should every freshman at Winona State University know before they start?

Abbey

As a college senior, you should take as many AP courses as possible. It will make your life easier when you get to campus because you will have less classes to take. Take time to enjoy the classes you are in now as they will only get harder in the future. Be open to meeting new people and learn to live with people who aren't like you. It will help you get along with/tollerate them in the future. Keep up on your studies because the course work will build up if you don't take time to do it now. Try to get involved in clubs and activities so you can make new firends and have more fun on campus. Learn how to eat healthy on a low budget and be creative with cooking in a microwave. You will have limited space so stop buying all new clothes and do some spring cleaning before you move in. Lastly, enjoy every moment of it because it goes by faster than you can imagine.

Audrey

I would tell myself to not take things so seriously and to not change my personality based on who was around me.

Kaitlyn

I would give myself the advice, you prepared enough for college while in school. Head straight for the four year school right from the beginning. Don't try to save money by staying at home. You will get a renewable scholarship from the four year and the relationships with your parents will take on a new dynamic that is more what you have been looking for for a few years. Also try new things. It will lead to good things in your life.

Sarah

College is by far much different than high school ever was. I always heard this from the students that graduated high school the year before me, but never actually took it to heart because I was always a good student. Knowing what I know now, after my first semester of college, I would definitely go back and tell my senior self that college isnt as easy as I think. In college they don't hand you things on a silver platter, its much more work and you do not have time to sit around and, for lack of a better word, procrastinate. You must go to all your classes everytime they are held because it is much harder to catch up if missed. I would also tell myself to keep track of assignments and the grades that I get on certain assignments since there isnt a program that tells you what you are missing and what grade you got on the assignment. Overall, I would tell myself that it is something that must be taken seriously and that I must have a complete dedication to.

courtney

Throughout high school I suffered from a hearing loss; however, my junior year I was fortunate enough to have surgery to correct the hearing loss in both ears. The advice that I would give myself is that anything is possible and to always have hope. I would never have thought I would be able to hear like everyone else, and after my surgery my life changed. I began trying harder in school, and my overall happiness was sky high. I wish that I would've had that feeling my whole life. My advice to anyone is to never give up, there is always hope, and things can always change for the better if you have the right mind set.

Taylor

I would definately say save more money and work harder! College isn't cheep and you need to keep a little in the bank for yourself but pay for everything that needs it first! DO NOT PROCRASTINATE!! Apply for financial aid ASAP!! You could have saved alot more time and money if you would have done it right away! Go to Dad and mom to look at your financial aid application so you know how much money you need for the whole school year that the grants and loans didnt pay for! And relax! And STREACH!!! You don't realize how much you hurt until you pull all nighters and everything is multiplyed by ten haha and have fun!

Thien

College is a scary place. There are more smokers than you think there are so enjoy the fresh air. Other than that there will be people who are there for you through thick and thin, you just got to find them yourself. I have found them which means you will too. Where can you find these people? I found them at Circle K. You have to join. Don’t forget school always comes first. You’re going to have to balance your time more and keep telling yourself a little more extra credit never hurts because that will save your grade. You will go through a lot of school work and will also love the community service you’re doing with Circle K. Just remember to finish your homework! Also don’t slack off on turning in the financial aid papers; going through college without any money sucks. Make sure you pack lunch from now on too, food here is expensive. Don’t worry about your friends they are seriously the most faithful bunch and will always have your back, just focus on school. Anyways, college will be fun, hard, and confusing all at the same time. Enjoy yourself!

Taylor

If I could write a letter to myself when I was a senior in high school, I would tell myself a few different things. FIrst of all, study hard and get good grades now because they will always stay with you. Secondly, apply for any and every scholarship possible because college is extremely expensive and your parents do not have enought money to help. Third, spend all of the time you can with your friends. Once you get to college some of you will be on the same capus but most of you will go your seperate ways. The friends you have right now are amazing, no matter what drama is going on today, be greatful that they are in your life. Finally, have fun and enjoy every day, but most of all tell everyone in your family thank you. Without your parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins you would not be who you are today.

Elizabyth

I would tell my somewhat lighter self that she needs to stop thinking she needs more clothes and gummy bears. One, she needs to save her money, so she has more saved up just in case. You know, those things that pop up on you with no warning. Like your shoddy, salvaged ’99 green Dodge Stratus with a Chrysler steering wheel needing a new fuel pump. Two, she definitely doesn’t need all the sugar that’s in those squishy little treats. Had I known how much those things contributed to my weight gain, I would have hissed at the delicious morsels when they called to me in the candy aisle at WalMart. I never realized how important saving as much money as I could was. Sure, I was mostly conscious and stingy with my spending decisions, but I definitely didn’t need 5 pairs of flipflops from Old Navy. When I was able to pay for the tuition left over after my scholarships and loans were applied, I was appalled at what was left. I vowed to myself I would spend very stingily from that point on. No more gummy bears for this girl-unless someone else buys them.

Lyndsey

I would tell myself to start applying for scholarships and grants as soon as I could. I should also sign up for an ASPIRE educator who could help me with all of my post high school education and help me fill out scholarships correctly. I would also try to take some college classes before graduating, so I could be a little ahead of the game before I started college. If I did win any scholarships I would have been able to apply to University of Oregon or Oregon State University, which I have always wanted to attend, but since I was not prepared I am attending Lane Community College. Hopefully from these couple of guidelines I could have been more prepared then I am at this point. I really wish I would have started applying for grants and scholarships before I even started high school, so that I could be more prepared.

Seng

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior in high school, I'd tell myself to take things slow, not to rush anything, and look for opportunities. One of the biggest mistakes I made going into college was that I thought I was ready. I thought I could handle taking a lot of courses, because it seemed like it was going to be just like high school. But when push came to shove and finals were around the corner, I had to cram in many hours of studying, because I didn’t understand anything from my classes; in the end, things were pretty ugly. Another thing that I didn’t think about thoroughly was how was I going to pay for all these classes. Of course financial aid helped with some, but not all, and because I had taken so many classes, in the end my family had to help pay the extra, because I didn’t have a job to pay for it myself. If I had known these things ahead of time, I would of done things so much differently, and I would of looked for a job ahead of time also.

Alexandra

The first bit of advice I would give is to take easier classes in the spring because when the weather gets nicer, it is harder to concentrate. On a more specific note, I would tell myself to really focus and prepare for tests. Studying the night before and cramming is not the most efficient way to study. Study for a bit every night to lessen the load in the future. As for making the transitions, attend a club fair and join something that really intrigues you. Clubs are where you find people with the same interests as you. Volunteering is very important because you feel that you are contributing to the public wellbeing. You will feel more connected with your college community if you give back. Some personal advice is to be outgoing. Everyone is starting new and you are not alone. On a big campus, there is always someone feeling like you or liking something you like. College is what you put into it.

Candace

If I had to go back to myself and give myself advice on my future I’d have so many things to say. The first would be to not stress out so much. College is a scary new experience, yes, but I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself. To go along with the stress factor, don’t worry about making friends, you can make friends and good ones at that. The next piece of advice that I would give myself is that college is different, a lot different, so going to the library doesn’t make you a nerd. That means use it a lot because it’s one of the most valuable places you could study. After that would come the lecture on if something seems to easy, you’re wrong and you need to work harder. That means studying when you don’t have homework for that class. The last piece of advice that I would give related to school is to not be afraid to talk to your professors. After all that is what they are there for. The final piece of advice I would give would be to have fun, its good for you.

Andrew

Not everything in life is easy - sometimes you just need to get through the tough stuff so that you can move on to what really interests you. There is no easy easy way to get through the hard times, you just need to keep your head held high and jump in. You have the foundation you need to move forward: remember that your family is behind you one-hundred percent, your friends will like you for who you are, you have a good Christian up-bringing that will remind you to always remember to treat others with respect and dignity - like you want others to treat you. These are the most important things in your life, and remembering them will help you get through the tough times, hard classes, and in dealing with teachers (or bosses) you may not really like at all. You have all the resources you need at your fingertips, all you need is the strength to ask for help when you need it and it will be there.

Jordan

If I could go back in time and talk to myself I would tell myself to not be so stressed about college. I would let myself know that I had been given all the tools necessary to make the transition smoothly. I would tell myself to take the dual credit math class that I ended up not taking and I would fill out more scholarship applications. I would tell myself that even though you're scared and doubting yourself, you can do this. Everything is going to be okay and things will work out. I would tell myself to come out of my shell more and start preparing to meet new people by getting used to introducing yourself to others and meeting new people now while still in high school. I would tell myself to continue studying hard and making an effort to be kind to others. I would tell myself that it is important that you feel confident in your abilities so that you will be ready to take on a new challenge.

Kelly

That during my first semester at college I should be more open to making friends and go to all the on-campus events to meet new people. Work hard and you can graduate in three years.

Kelly

I would begin by telling myself not to freak out. Simply because everything works out. You do not need to go in with a mapped out plan of what you want to do with your life and how to get there. The first year of college is what helped me determine my life goals. Also, do not be afraid to ask for help. Everyone is way more friendly than you think. You will make friends whether you decide to live on or off-campus. Another tidbit you should know is to make a schedule that works for you. You are granted tons more freedom in college than high school. Now here's a big one... save money! You want to focus on your school work and academics, not money issues. You certainly do not have to be a poor college student. Most universities offer financial aid services as well. Get to know your options. Last but not least, STUDY HARD AND HAVE FUN!

Marcela

Beforo college I was a mess, I was in the wrong direction. But when I decided to star college, I became more aware of what life really is. In my experience, I have met so many diferent people and so many different cultures. This opened my mind to start finding out more abour the world. Traveling around so I can see the world and learn about every single person I meet. College has given me responsibility and leadership to take my group to competitions. I have waken up my social awareness because of all the different events going on. And of course it has given me all of the elements that I need to continue my education and become a respected and honest profesional. It has been very valuable to attend college, because it has brought my life to order and now I see that there is future and I can change my own destiny. It just takes some effort.

Elizabeth

I mad e alot of friends, learned about being on my own and gained a soli education that has given me a career that I have been gainfully employeed in since graudation.

Brianna

College has been a great experience! It’s definitely challenging at the beginning, but there are many resources available to help me succeed. I have matured, being on my own, taking on more responsibilities like; managing money and time, appointments with professors or advisors, even the clinic etc. I definitely have a higher level of respect for my parents and everything they have done for me. It was a great decision for me to move away from my hometown, because I have the chance to make my own mistakes and learn from them, making me stronger, plus I don’t rely on my parents as much. It has benefited me, because I have met a lot of new people, I have also grown out of my shell, becoming more outspoken and my views aren’t tailored to everyone else’s. Being at college, is a new beginning, because there’s limitless freedom, students just need to be smart about what they do with that freedom. We also don’t need our parent’s permission to drive to the next town or stay out late every weekend. It’s our time to shine, learning from our mistakes.