The Class of 2009’s Freshmen 15
Alex Mitchell (Arizona State University) answers your questions about college -
What is your major?
Interior design, but I will be applying for double major in sustainability (BA) after the fall semester
How would you describe your favorite class?
I don’t really have a favorite class right now, I like most of them. I’m taking two classes online, one of which is super easy and the other of which is super hard. Out of my other four classes, they are all interesting in different ways.
What did you have for dinner last night & where did you eat?
Usually I will either go out with friends to a local restaurant (there’s a ton of reasonably priced ones to pick from) or will make something for myself at my apartment.
Fill in the blank: If I am not in class, I am most likely
a) working
b) at home/doing homework
c) out at dinner/movies/something fun
What most surprised you about your school when you arrived?
How helpful my advisors are. Because it’s a big school, I was expecting to have to do a lot on my own, which I did at first, but as soon as I went and set up an appointment with my advisor, she went over and beyond to help me pick classes, know what clubs to sign up for, and even recommend certain teachers.
What is your residence hall like?
I’m living off campus in an apartment complex, although incoming freshmen have to live on campus for at least one year. I live further away from campus because it’s cheaper, but there are still students living in my complex and the facilities are very nice.
What kind of student would be happy at your school?
Any self-motivated, resourceful student. It is large with many different majors, the ones I’m in are rated highly and I have had a lot of help from advisors, but I came in as a transfer student so I had a different experience than an incoming freshman would. In general, though, it seems like the school is well-organized with lots of events, you just have to take the initiative to make sure you are going to things and getting what you need to get done, done.
What is the city like?
It’s really huge, there are 6 million people in Phoenix and the surrounding areas. There are lots of stores, jobs, and things to do. The weather is great during the fall/winter but super hot during the spring and summer.
What’s missing there?
Nothing for me, I’m really happy with everything, although prereqs, traffic, and speed cams kind of suck.
What is your favorite place on campus?
Memorial Union is like the student center where most of the food is. If I’m meeting up with people that’s usually were we go and then we can grab food or Starbucks.
What is something about your school you could do without?
The cost of parking is extreme (like $600+ for a year) and undoubtedly the parking lot you are able to afford will be very far away from your classes. Even if you live in the dorms, most of them are far away from the academic buildings including the library and main food areas, so plan on getting a lot of exercise and maybe investing in a bike or skateboard. Also, the fact that I can’t establish residency because I’m not “financially independent” kind of sucks and a majority of students aren’t independent because their parents are paying for tuition. FYI out of state tuition is twice that of what residents pay.