Advice for starting big university?

Question

I'm transferring from a small, relatively easy community college, and starting at a big university. ANYTHING HELPS!

I'm just concerned about not being prepared for classes, cuz it'll be a big change...what should i expect?

plus before i was living at home, now i'll be in a dorm

Answer 1

The biggest change is the big school-mentality: as opposed to smaller schools, where it's easy to get in touch with your teacher for help and they probably even know you by name, you are just a number. Don't let this discourage you, just be aware of it. Also, be aware that most big universities provide some sort of free tutoring with other students who have taken the course and gotten an A. Chances are you will seek help from them more than your actual professors. When professors teach hundreds of students, sometimes in just one class if it's a lecture, they don't have the time for individualized attention. And depending on the teacher, they could bluntly tell you that if they were to help you, every student would expect help too, which they are unable to give. Also, I recommend getting to know people in your classes, picking out the smartest or most helpful, and forming a study group with them. Unless your first day of classes the teacher specifies that they frequently check their e-mail or voice mails, or gives a preference regarding how to contact them, I would recommend trying to get in touch with them in person. There's a chance that they could never even read your e-mail before you need them to. It may be hard to set up an appointment with them as well, especially if they have a reputation for being unreachable outside of the classroom. So I suggest that you politely, and quickly, as it seems teachers are always in a hurry, ask them what you need either after class or if it's too late for that, find out what other classes they teach, where and when. Try to meet them after one of those classes, politely apologize for not making an appointment, and ask your questions quickly. I wouldn't expect them to spend more than 10 minutes with you unless they have the time for it, so it's important to come prepared. Hopefully, though, your professors will be very reachable and quick to respond, as it would save you time and stress. One way to find out ahead of time which professors to expect this problem from is to go on www.ratemyprofessors.com which gives reviews of professors made by the students that have already taken his/her course. It's also very helpful for understanding their teaching style, and what they expect from their students. Most of the time students note if the professor gives help. However it is important to know that in big schools individual help is rare, so if he does provide help, it would probably be scheduled at a certain time, and all of his students are welcome. Meaning, the tutoring class he/she provides could be as large as your regular class.

Answer 2

I attended three big universities (I graduated from the last two) and then worked in a small two-year college for 7 years.

The main difference I think you need to pay attention to is that in a big university, you are totally responsible for yourself.  Do not rely on the teachers to check if you are in class.  Do not rely on the teachers to force you to do your homework.  Do not rely on the teachers to make sure you understand.  Make yourself noticed in class.  I suggest, for starters, sitting in the front row.  Anytime you have a question, ASK!  It is also worthwhile to go to the teacher´s office after class and ask questions, at least once in the semester.  It lets the teacher know to pay attention to you because you actually care about learning.

Also, in a big university, paperwork gets lost or done incorrectly.  Keep a close eye on administrative things, such as how many classes you need to finish before you can graduate.

This sounds like I am talking bad about universities.  I am not.  Universities are great preparation for real life, because in the real world, no one is watching your back and making sure you don´t s***w up.  You have to be organized and take care of things yourself.

Another piece of advice I would give to you is to get into study groups.  By that I don´t mean to just look for people in your class you want to be friends with and have a little get together.  (You can do that, but don´t pretend you are getting together to "study".) I mean look for people in your class who seem to be answering most of the teacher´s questions (correctly).  Study with those people.  They will probably be able to help you improve your study habits and see things more clearly.

The biggest temptation in a big university is to have too much fun.  It is the perfect environment for fun!  College towns provide everything a student would want -- restaurants, movie theaters, clubs, sports centers, parks, etc.  You are surrounded by young good-looking people.  There is always a party somewhere.  Education, the reason the university is there, could very easily be shifted to someplace low on the priority list.  Keep it #1.  Universities are really expensive.

Besides, as cool as you may be, you will look d**n pathetic 6 years later still trying to finish your degree after most of those other people you met at the parties are already gone and making money now.

Answer 3

You sound like me when I first went to college. Your classes will be spread out so you can make it to all of your classes on time. Before you start school you should go find all of your classes. The first week the professors are really cool because kids end up in the wrong class and dont know where to go and they drop and add new classes so dont worry. By the first week you will have your classes down.

the next thing is learning the campus. In you free time just walk around. Find land marks so you know where you are. In no time you will learn the campus and you'll be like "I cant believe I was worrying about getting lost, this is so easy!!"

I am a very anxious and worry some person. I hate to be late, I hate to not know where I am, and I hate not knowing any one. All I can say is all of these things will make you grow. You will learn so much.

The dorm is another story... I hated it, but I need my own space and my roommate wasn't the most pleasant person. But I lived and glad I went through the experience, you will gain a lot from doing it.

But there are also a lot of pluses. After you figure out your way around and find your classe, you will meet people in class and become friends, you will go to football and basketball games, and the dorm really is a great way to meet people too! thats how i met my boyfriend =) Lastly, in high school I never partied or went out or did anything like that and I'm not saying you should, but the frat parties are so much fun and the people are so fun and crazy. You dont have to drink, its just fun to be in the "party" atmosphere with loud music.

You will find what you do and dont like!! No worries and goodluck!

Answer 4

Depends on how large of a school it is. At the largest ones you might be in for quite a surprise. Chances are the class sizes are going to be gigantic. The professor will rarely make an appearance, you will instead deal with students he/or she has chosen to teach the class. Also don't know how the dorms will be set up at whatever school you're going to but the school my Cousin goes to has the worst dorms imaginable. Its the size of a closet, not kidding. Two kids in a room. The entire floor shares the same bathroom, which as you can imagine is the worst part. I hate dorm living. I wish you the best of luck. I really don't think large universities are the way to go, but others enjoy being a number rather than a name. In short expect the worst but hope for the best.  

Answer 5

That sounds really cool. Just know  your potential. How much you can give and so on. If  you know you can do it, then don't be scared. It is a big change but there you will learn how to deal with it. People i know who are in those universities say that it is really cool too. You know that it doesn't matter the university you go, you still need to do your job, and I'm sure it is more exciting being in a big university than in a community college. That should be enough for me :)

^_^ Good Luck!