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Isabelle
Student
Charleston, South Carolina
1
Question
Asked
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How To Spend My First Year At FSU?
Is the first year abroad program a good idea for out-of-state students going to Florida State University? Or should I try to spend my first year on campus? #Spring26
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2 answers
Megan Ferguson
Cybersecurity research and analysis
5
Answers
Arlington, Virginia
Updated
Megan’s Answer
Hi Isabelle!
I think it's a really smart thing to think about and a great question to ask. I'm hoping you get more answers here so you have a variety of opinions to think about. After you read our answers I think you'll know better which choice might be the right one for you.
The first year of college is a huge adjustment and I think either studying on campus or studying abroad could be amazing,
I've studied abroad and on campus (at another FSU, Frostburg State University) and knowing what I know now, if I was talking to myself as a senior in high school, my advice would be in favor of doing the first year on campus.
There were tons of adjustments my first year that I had no way of anticipating, from money and living situations (roommates can be tricky and it's a little weird eating in a dining hall all the time) to classwork/homework (my class load was a little different than high school) and a new, busy social life and I'm glad I got to get used to all those things my first year (on campus).
I did my study abroad in my junior year and I'm glad I waited, especially because I didn't want to come back home when my study abroad was done and as a freshman I might not have had the experience I needed to make the right choice for myself. (I DID come home, graduated university, worked a few years, then moved abroad to do my Masters and PhD).
By the time I went on my study abroad I had friends who went on the program the year before me and could tell me what to expect, I had some good friendships at school that were still there when I got back, and I was more independent when I went than I would have been if I had gone as a freshman (I did things with my student group, but I also made a lot of friends locally and got to do things with them and really see the country as it is, not just the tourist spots).
No matter which one you choose, I know you will have an incredible first year of college and I wish you every success!
I think it's a really smart thing to think about and a great question to ask. I'm hoping you get more answers here so you have a variety of opinions to think about. After you read our answers I think you'll know better which choice might be the right one for you.
The first year of college is a huge adjustment and I think either studying on campus or studying abroad could be amazing,
I've studied abroad and on campus (at another FSU, Frostburg State University) and knowing what I know now, if I was talking to myself as a senior in high school, my advice would be in favor of doing the first year on campus.
There were tons of adjustments my first year that I had no way of anticipating, from money and living situations (roommates can be tricky and it's a little weird eating in a dining hall all the time) to classwork/homework (my class load was a little different than high school) and a new, busy social life and I'm glad I got to get used to all those things my first year (on campus).
I did my study abroad in my junior year and I'm glad I waited, especially because I didn't want to come back home when my study abroad was done and as a freshman I might not have had the experience I needed to make the right choice for myself. (I DID come home, graduated university, worked a few years, then moved abroad to do my Masters and PhD).
By the time I went on my study abroad I had friends who went on the program the year before me and could tell me what to expect, I had some good friendships at school that were still there when I got back, and I was more independent when I went than I would have been if I had gone as a freshman (I did things with my student group, but I also made a lot of friends locally and got to do things with them and really see the country as it is, not just the tourist spots).
No matter which one you choose, I know you will have an incredible first year of college and I wish you every success!
Zach Owen
Customer Success Manager
5
Answers
Snohomish, Washington
Updated
Zach’s Answer
Hi Isabelle,
I suggest you do what feels right for you. Consider looking into study abroad programs to see if they suit you. Also, try getting involved in campus activities and clubs to decide if staying on campus might be better. Remember, everyone has different opinions and advice, but choose what you think is best after considering all your options.
Studying abroad can be exciting. I studied in Australia and New Zealand when I was in college, but I focused a lot on academics during my first year to get into my major. Studying abroad later in college with friends you've made in your first year could be even more enjoyable.
Good luck!
I suggest you do what feels right for you. Consider looking into study abroad programs to see if they suit you. Also, try getting involved in campus activities and clubs to decide if staying on campus might be better. Remember, everyone has different opinions and advice, but choose what you think is best after considering all your options.
Studying abroad can be exciting. I studied in Australia and New Zealand when I was in college, but I focused a lot on academics during my first year to get into my major. Studying abroad later in college with friends you've made in your first year could be even more enjoyable.
Good luck!