When it comes to picking out a school, perhaps the best place to start is its website. The Humboldt State University page is fairly straight forward and easy to navigate. So in a sense, these questions are somewhat intended to ask yourself. Your tour guide can only point you in the right direction, but the final decision is all up to you.
1.) What are the pros and cons to living on campus?
Ask what kinds of amenities are exclusive to dorm living, or any others that are easily available to students. Is there anything the dorms can offer that living in town can’t?Or, what are some cost comparisons between campus housing and local living? While the school makes it clear that living in the dorms will be a great way to make new friends, the con is that you’ll most likely lose a lot of privacy, and perhaps feel a little cramped.
Attending school will be super convenient, but on the same token, there are many restrictions that could make you feel uncomfortable. Make sure to ask questions about your personal lifestyle, and whether or not it’s allowable on college property.
2.) What programs and majors are the most competitive?
Chances are, you’ve thought about what your major should be. Your school should accommodate that. If you know that you’re studying marine biology, forestry, or any kind of environmental science, HSU is a safe bet. If you haven’t decided yet, ask about the availability of classes and space for other areas of interest.
If you switch majors, you want to be able to have a solid staff support to meet your educational standards. Something to keep in mind is that smaller schools often allocate their funds to specific programs in order attract quality staff and ambitious students, while maintaining a certain reputation in a given field.
3.) Where is the best place for new students to meet people?
What kind of events does the school hold in order for freshmen to meet each other, and get better acquainted? I know what it’s like to feel a little socially awkward, and afraid to reach out.
But I also know from experience that introverts shouldn’t fret about finding a social niche; Humboldt seems to attract people of that nature. If you’re a bit of a social butterfly, HSU might not be the best option. Some people have said they found the “scene” to be a little hampered.
4.) What extra curricular organizations are popular?
Make sure to ask what kinds of activities are available to students, and more importantly, popular. You want to make sure that a school follows interests that meet yours.
For instance, HSU football games are always fun and definitely crowd pleasing, but in no way is HSU a football oriented school. It seems like students there often prefer the arts rather than the sports.
5.) What will HSU offer you over any other school?
Even if there’s a twinge of doubt over whether or not to go to school in Humboldt, you should reconsider. Humboldt State is one of many state schools in California and the application process is exactly the same; so getting into one state school over the other isn’t difficult.
HSU should offer you something that no other school possibly could. For me, what sealed the deal was the seclusion of the forest, and wonderful people that have chosen to call that magical place home.
Dean Sorrgen graduated from HSU in late 2013 with a BA in English. He now spends the majority of his time writing and exploring the world around him.