DCA: College Advice from Current U-M Students

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Make sure you visit the campus first. See if the people there seem like the kind of people you want to spend four years with. See if the town is a place you'd want to spend a lot of time in.
---Rebecca Parks, '04, Detroit, Mich.

Think about your learning style---if you prefer smaller, more personal learning experiences you might want a smaller school. However, don't discount larger universities completely, because they often offer things such as specialized residential programs and smaller discussion sections that make a large school seem much smaller and more personal.
---Deepa Kamath, '01, MPH'03, Bloomfield Hills, Mich.

Make sure that you talk to someone not being paid by the university. Speak with someone who attends about what things are like there. Look at what the college offers in terms of extracurricular activities, too.
---Sara Sweat, '02, Ida, Mich.

If you want to attend an out-of-state university, look into public universities. Although they are still more expensive [than in-state schools], they are not as expensive as private institutions.
---Anna Skinner, '05, Dearborn Heights, Mich.

Look for universities that require the professors to teach the undergraduate classes. It is a lot more beneficial to have classes taught by the professor---who writes the exams---than by graduate students.
---Autumn Wenglikowski, '02, Hailey, Idaho

Entering college and trying to decide what to do with the rest of your life is a huge decision; you're bound to change your mind three times before you settle on a career! Make sure your school has a lot of terrific options. And a good reputation doesn't hurt!
---Jessica (no last name given), '04, Clinton Township, Mich.

Look at the students on the campus. Can you imagine having a conversation or sitting down for dinner with them? Students on college campuses make the college experience what it is, so getting a feel for how you'd fit in with the student body is very important.
---Pamela Baskies, '04, Cherry Hill, NJ

One of the most important things you can do to help yourself have an enjoyable college experience is to actually go see what college is like for yourself before you get here. One of the biggest mistakes people make is to simply make a choice based upon academic rankings and reputations.
---Charles Grumbine, '04, Grand Rapids, Mich.

Look for a place at which you really see yourself feeling comfortable. It's your decision where you go to school---don't let anyone influence you in any ways you don't want.
---Gretchen Hilburger, '03, Niantic, Conn.

If you already know what you're interested in, look for specific programs. If you are undecided, look for someplace with lots of options or with all of your interests ... usually somewhere big.
---Katie Rehrauer, '03, Kalamazoo, Mich.

Go with what your heart says. Make campus visits if you can, and try to be objective. All colleges and universities will persuade you that their school is best; you'll know when you've found the right place.
---Emily Swan, '04, Royal Oak, Mich.

Investigate what the college's strengths are, which departments are particularly good, and try to find a college that is strong in the areas of your interests.
---Laura Platt, '04, Chicago, Ill.

Visit the campuses, look for the one that "speaks" to you; if you feel at home while visiting the campus, you'll probably feel at home while attending the college.
---Jennifer Gallinat, '02, Flint, Mich.

Consider the college atmosphere along with merits of the college. Think about class sizes. Do you prefer one-on-one attention or blending into a crowd?
---Kristina Thomas, '04, Midland, Mich.

Think about the level of comfort that the school offers you. Be sure to consider the size of the school, faculty-student ratio, city vs. rural atmosphere, etc.
---Holly Burton, '00, Brighton, Mich.

2. What advice would you give new freshmen when they first arrive to campus?

Try to get to know the people on your hall right away; you have to spend a whole year with them, so you should at least be friendly.
---Rebecca Parks, '04, Detroit, Mich.

Try to achieve some measure of balance between studying and socializing. The tendency is to do all of one or the other, and you'll either quickly burn out from working too hard or suddenly realize that you've spent the whole semester partying. Also, try to get involved with at least one extracurricular activity, not necessarily something to build up your resume, but something you truly enjoy. It could end up being something that you love and that you could take a leadership position in.
---Deepa Kamath, '01, MPH'03, Bloomfield Hills, Mich.

When you first move into the dorms, leave your door open when you are hanging out in your room. People will be more inclined to stop in to say hello and introduce themselves. Decorate your rooms with pictures from home, and meaningful things to you. This will make your room feel more like home and it will ease some of the homesickness that you might feel.
---Sara Sweat, '02, Ida, Mich.

Get to know some older students. They can give you so much info; it's like having an older sibling around to show you the ropes.
---Elise Freimuth, '04, Frankenmuth, Mich.

I thought I had all of the confidence in the world, but somehow in those first few months of school I felt like I lost all of it. Don't let the same happen to you! Introduce yourself to everyone. Shake hands. Smile. Knock on the doors in the hall around you. Feel good about sitting with strangers at lunch. Look into activities you might be interested in.
---Anna Skinner, '05, Dearborn Heights, Mich.

Make friends with the people in your dorm. You will be amazed how often you will run into them throughout the next four years. Some of the best friends that I have are from my freshman year in the dorms.
---Autumn Wenglikowski, '02, Hailey, Idaho

Take risks, and make sure to join clubs that appeal to your interest. It's a great way to meet people like you, and you also get to do something you love. Find where your classes are as well. It's good to know where all of the buildings are ahead of time; you don't want to be late on the first day.
---Jessica, '04, Clinton Township, Mich.

Don't order food at 3 a.m. every night. The weight will catch up with you sooner than you think!
---Pamela Baskies, '04, Cherry Hill, NJ

One of the biggest mistakes people make is waiting to get involved in anything, because they want to see how their first semester in such a new lifestyle will go. Don't wait; it will only make it that much harder for you to start later. I think most people find that being involved in something actually helps them to do better in school, because they have a release---something to take their mind off of school. You need that in college ... trust me.
---Charles Grumbine, '04, Grand Rapids, Mich.

Meet people. See what the campus and your new town have to offer. Don't be anti-social in your room ... the first week or so is when you meet most people.
---Katie Rehrauer, '03, Kalamazoo, Mich.

Don't be intimidated! I was very scared when I first came to college. Take the opportunity to meet new people and try new things.
---Emily Swan, '04, Royal Oak, Mich.

People are the most friendly and outgoing at the very beginning of school before classes start.
---Laura Platt, '04, Chicago, Ill.

Don't get stuck in the mental safety net you had in high school; get out and explore new clubs, new classes, new ideas. Don't go crazy with the new freedom; use it wisely. Introduce yourself to your hall mates, classmates, that guy with glasses in the cafeteria. Leave your door open when you're in your room. Go exploring.
---Jennifer Gallinat, '02, Flint, Mich.

Walk around; don't be afraid of getting lost. The best way to get to know the campus is to walk around and don't be shy. Everyone is in the same boat as you.
---Kristina Thomas, '04, Midland, Mich.

Be open to new people and situations. Try to mingle with people from all races and ethnicities. They will each bring with them different perspectives and ways of life that will ultimately enhance your experience.
---Holly Burton, '00, Brighton, Mich.

When you meet your roommate, let him/her know what irritates you. Trust me, if you find out each other's pet peeves and avoid them from the outset, you'll save yourself a lot of annoyance. Febreeze is a great thing, especially for those musty chairs you can pick up at garage sales. Organize yourself; even if you didn't do homework in high school, you'll need to now.
---Carmen Filip, '03, Grosse Ile, Mich.

3. What advice would you give to a parent sending a child to college?

Don't be too overbearing. Don't try to check up on every little thing your child does. Chances are they're probably doing at least a few things you don't want to know about anyway. Send cookies. And money, lots of money.
---Rebecca Parks, '04, Detroit, Mich.

You have to walk a fine line between avoiding undue interference and over-involvement and being supportive and helpful. Setting up a time to call once every one or two weeks would be a great way to check in without checking up. Care packages are always nice, too. And make sure to talk to your kids about drinking and partying. Tell them what you expect from them, what they can expect to encounter and how to be responsible. Parents of girls should discuss campus safety measures, and parents of boys should discuss what constitutes appropriate behavior (e.g., no means no).
---Deepa Kamath, '01, MPH'02, Bloomfield Hills, Mich.

Your kids will really find themselves and become their own people during their first year. Some kids may change their appearances or lifestyles drastically to fit into how they now perceive themselves. My advice is to be very accepting of these changes and let your kids know that you love them and support them no matter what. Also, let them learn to make their own decisions and only offer advice if it is asked for. Realize that your kids are becoming adults, that they should be treated accordingly, and that your love and support is very important in this transition period.
---Sara Sweat, '02, Ida, Mich.

Support your child completely. Try to accommodate their college choice, even if you think it is the wrong one. If you dislike their decision, don't yell. Discuss it as a friend. You will find your child will become more of a friend in the next year if you treat them with respect and don't scold them for their bad decisions, but provide support. Be prepared for tearful phone conversations.
---Anna Skinner, '05, Dearborn Heights, Mich.

Send things in the mail often. Email is nice to keep in touch, but it is really nice to go to your mailbox and have something other than just bills and credit card promotions. It doesn't have to be packages all the time; just a little note can really make anyone's day.
---Autumn Wenglikowski, '02, Hailey, Idaho

Do not try and live your life through your children; they need to find their own path and make their own career decisions.
---Jessica, '04, Clinton Township, Mich.

Just because your child is away from home, that does not mean you need to keep things from them. If something is wrong (e.g., someone is sick in the family), more than likely your child has a support system at school, so make sure you keep the communication lines open.
---Pamela Baskies, '04, Cherry Hill, NJ

Just be supportive. Your child is going through one of the roughest transitions of his or her life. They may not say it, but they need your help.
---Charles Grumbine, '04, Grand Rapids, Mich.

Let them go. Don't try to hold on. They will come back to you when the time is right for them. But for now, they need to experience life on their own.
---Gretchen Hilburger, '03, Niantic, Conn.

Don't ask them to come home every weekend. They will really miss out on a lot. Instead, visit them at school. Let them show you what they've been up to, places they like to go.
---Katie Rehrauer, '03, Kalamazoo, Mich.

Let your child know that you are there for them whenever they need you. Send your child mail at the dorm; they will appreciate it even if they forget to tell you so. Send them cards or care packages. If you have a pet at home, send them a card "from the dog." Realize that you won't have control over your child; they will have much more freedom at school. And when your child comes home for holidays and summers, realize that things may have changed. You may not be able or may not need to enforce that midnight curfew anymore.
---Emily Swan, '04, Royal Oak, Mich.

Realize that your relationship with your child is going to change, and they are going to want to become more independent. Realize that this will cause some conflict.
---Laura Platt, '04, Chicago, Ill.

Children are just as excited and nervous about starting college as you are about sending them to college; they're just showing it in a different way. So don't be hurt when they want to show off their new independence, when they tell you to leave after you've moved them in. In two weeks when they're calling you crying about their first lecture when the professor called on them and they didn't know the answer, or to tell you about their newest crush, you'll know that this, too, is part of growing up.
---Jennifer Gallinat, '02, Flint, Mich.

Be supportive. Understand that it is a big transition from high school to college, and that grades are not the most important thing.
---Kristina Thomas, '04, Midland, Mich.

Be patient with your kids and allow them to explore new avenues and learn from their own mistakes. You cannot always be there to protect them from harm. Be there for your children when they need you, but allow them their independence as well.
---Holly Burton, '00, Brighton, Mich.

Work on developing the right distance so that you're there for your child, but are giving them space to grow.
---Mark Hodges, '04, Kalamazoo, Mich.

It's rough being apart from your kids for the first time, but college students need their independence. Let them figure out how to buy books on their own, set up their dorm room, find out where buildings are, etc. Also, don't ever, ever call anytime before 10 a.m. during the week and noon on the weekend, or stop by for a visit unannounced.
---Carmen Filip, '03, Grosse Ile, Mich.