College Life Questions

PRQuin
Fri, 25 Nov 2011 20:55:10 +0000

What is the one advice you’d give to college freshmen?
Try to be outgoing as possible even if you are a naturally shy person, the first month or so is when everyone is lost/scared/looking for friends and so it’s easiest to make friends then, and you don’t want to miss out. Also, GO to class. I saw so many kids see the freedom of not having to go get bad grades because they missed too many times. You think that is simple but when no one is pulling you out of bed like high school telling you that you must go, it’s easy to try and stay in bed on a cold morning.
What’s the most important thing in choosing a college? Why?
Atmosphere - that you feel as though you should be there and that you like the environment. Don’t get caught up in going to a prestigious name or something because you “should” or going to another school with a friend because that is whats comfortable. Choose what would fit you, and leave you growing room as a person.
Is studying different in college than in high school? How?
I think this depends on your high school and your college. College is much more intellectual based with the answers instead of standardized facts. It’s also harder because you are expected to be at a certain level depending on where you go compared to in High School (at least not in Honors or AP) they have to water a subject down so that everyone in the class has a fair chance based off of their intelligence levels. I think the studying part depends because my college gives a lot of homework assignments daily and stuff, but I think that is because of the small classes we have.
What’s the biggest distraction in college? Why?
Other people - at least while you are living on campus. You will be surrounded by your friends/peers anywhere you go. To eat, to sleep, to study, etc. It’s hard not to get distracted with all the people you hang out with at your disposal.
What was your first day like?
In the dorms- CRAZY. So many people moving in at once and so many new faces to meet, as well as your first taste of what your roommates will be like.
Class? - I can’t remember hahah. Nothing amazing, nothing traumatic I’m sure. We moved in a week before class so all my nervous feelings were gone.
What is living with a roommate like?
Whew that one depends. My first year I roomed with two other girls, in a building with 100 girls per floor with community bathrooms. While it was awesome having that many of us for taking clothes and socializing, I had roommate issues myself. My one roommate and I became good friends (actually live off campus together now) but my third roommate didn’t really know how to cope with living on her own or the real world and came from an amazing home life (was also wealthy,conservative, and religious) - the opposite of the roommate and I that got along…She is a super sweet person but that was really hard to deal with and live around.
How did you know your college was the right one for you?
Just knew. Beautiful campus, friendly professors, tons of college students dedicated to music. Also had the top program in the country for what I wanted to do.
What matters most in choosing a roommate? How was your roommate chosen?
Random selection for me first year, second year roomed with a bestfriend. I’d say sleeping habits. Sounds odd, but trust me it will be not too fun if you are a night owl, but your roommate is a morning person. Super irritating for you both.
Do you have a job? If so, how do you balance school and work?
Yes unfortunately I do, and my GPA suffers from it. It’s risen every year so far (how much I work). Freshman year I worked 20 hours a week, Soph year 30 hours a week, and now as a Junior I work 40. I pay for all of my own living expenses and education expenses (aka 100 percent on my own financially) so with a car, insurances, rent, feeding myself… it’s necessary I work a lot. It sucks majorly, but I still make time for clubs and internships along with working and class. I just don’t sleep much haha.
Where do you go to college and what is your experience there like?
I go to Belmont University. I love it, and the people are friendly. My professors for the most part are excellent and they know my name/will give rec letters in the future if I ask. My department is willing to go the extra mile to help out. We have amazing internship opportunities, and are across the street from Vanderbilt which is always fun.
What is your toughest class? Why?
My toughest class - hahaha was Business Ethics. I know, right? But the professor just could not explain himself well and then on the test would ask questions that always confused me. Some people did well in there, but I just really couldn’t latch onto it.