The best part about Winona State University is the small campus (and very beautiful) along with the small classroom sizes. As a Mass Communications major, the majority of my classes are discussion based. When the classes are smaller ranging from 10-25 students, it really gives everyone a great opportunity to get to know their peers and the other students who are interested in the same thing you are! It allows you to get outside of the box and meet some truly fascinating people! Plus, knowing your colleagues makes it so much easier to learn, participate and truly enjoy learning.
The professors at Winona State have been truly incredible and some of the most helpful and dedicated people I've met. After building strong relationships with some professors, I've been able to learn so much more about the future and was able to get all of the help I needed without feeling embarrassed or uncomfortable. My advisor and professor has opened so many doors for me and not only encouraged me to do my best, but inspired me to do even better. They are one of the best characteristics of Winona State!
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
The town is wonderful and although there isn't much to do, simply being outside is plentiful. The beautiful bluffs give a breath of fresh air every day I look outside my window, and biking around the lakes will always remain one of my favorite pass times here. If you're not one for nature, going to WalMart in the middle of the night is always interesting and fun! There aren't too many distractions around so it's great to be able to focus on what's really important, and frankly the whole reason you're here--school! I have met some incredible people and made some amazing friends, and the best part is that I continue to do so as I grow! Everyone is really friendly and it's not a rare occurrence to walk by a stranger and hear a friendly greeting.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
Winona State can be very affordable if you live off of campus. While I wouldn't change my freshman year for the world, I spent a lot of money living on west campus in a single dorm paying for a daily meal plan. Watch where you stay and make your own food as much as possible! I know campus food is convenient, but it certainly adds up!
As a junior, I now live in my very own house with four other girls and pay my own rent, heat, electricity and cable. While this may seem like a lot, but sharing these expenses with roommates and paying as you go is certainly cheaper in the long run! If you stick to this strategy and simply pay for classes, Winona State University is definitely worth your buck!
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Be yourself! Everyone else will be shy upon moving in, but everything will work itself out. As long as you're open, outgoing and most importantly willing to get to know people that are different from you, you will undoubtably meet some of the most incredible people.
You don't need a roommate! I didn't have one and still met some great friends. I never had a problem meeting people and in fact, loved my space and time to myself. If you'd rather have one, go for it! In most cases it works out just fine, and if you find that you and your roommate clash-that's perfectly fine! This will be a growing experience and you won't regret it.
Go to class! I know that it seems pretty awesome that you can skip whenever you want, but trust me, more professors want you in class than not. If you skip, you may be setting yourself up for failure by missing notes, assignments and participation. As most of my classes are discussion based, the professor notice if you're there or not and take this into account when grading. Go to class and get noticed! Talk and interact and participate. This will do you much more good than harm.
Be safe! This will be the first time for many (including myself) to go off to parties and experiment with drinking and drugs. While this is inevitable and whether or not you participate, you need to watch your back! You will be considered guilty by association even if you stay sober. So be safe! If you choose to drink and party (and there's nothing wrong with this), use your head! Stay with a loyal friend who will watch your back. Watch the time and make sure your priorities are straight. Don't overdo it and learn your limits. If you do this, you'll make some incredible memories.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
If you're someone who loves nature, learning, being outside, meeting great people and wanting to be your best, Winona State University is the right school for you. If you get distracted easily, it's great to not have all of those fast food places and stores were you can easily waste your time and money (I know I would!). If you love small classroom sizes and an easy campus to navigate around with some of the friendliest people you'll ever meet, you are sure to love Winona State and be happy as a clam here. Schedule a tour today!
The best part about Winona State University is the small campus (and very beautiful) along with the small classroom sizes. As a Mass Communications major, the majority of my classes are discussion based. When the classes are smaller ranging from 10-25 students, it really gives everyone a great opportunity to get to know their peers and the other students who are interested in the same thing you are! It allows you to get outside of the box and meet some truly fascinating people! Plus, knowing your colleagues makes it so much easier to learn, participate and truly enjoy learning. The professors at Winona State have been truly incredible and some of the most helpful and dedicated people I've met. After building strong relationships with some professors, I've been able to learn so much more about the future and was able to get all of the help I needed without feeling embarrassed or uncomfortable. My advisor and professor has opened so many doors for me and not only encouraged me to do my best, but inspired me to do even better. They are one of the best characteristics of Winona State!
The town is wonderful and although there isn't much to do, simply being outside is plentiful. The beautiful bluffs give a breath of fresh air every day I look outside my window, and biking around the lakes will always remain one of my favorite pass times here. If you're not one for nature, going to WalMart in the middle of the night is always interesting and fun! There aren't too many distractions around so it's great to be able to focus on what's really important, and frankly the whole reason you're here--school! I have met some incredible people and made some amazing friends, and the best part is that I continue to do so as I grow! Everyone is really friendly and it's not a rare occurrence to walk by a stranger and hear a friendly greeting.
Winona State can be very affordable if you live off of campus. While I wouldn't change my freshman year for the world, I spent a lot of money living on west campus in a single dorm paying for a daily meal plan. Watch where you stay and make your own food as much as possible! I know campus food is convenient, but it certainly adds up! As a junior, I now live in my very own house with four other girls and pay my own rent, heat, electricity and cable. While this may seem like a lot, but sharing these expenses with roommates and paying as you go is certainly cheaper in the long run! If you stick to this strategy and simply pay for classes, Winona State University is definitely worth your buck!
Be yourself! Everyone else will be shy upon moving in, but everything will work itself out. As long as you're open, outgoing and most importantly willing to get to know people that are different from you, you will undoubtably meet some of the most incredible people. You don't need a roommate! I didn't have one and still met some great friends. I never had a problem meeting people and in fact, loved my space and time to myself. If you'd rather have one, go for it! In most cases it works out just fine, and if you find that you and your roommate clash-that's perfectly fine! This will be a growing experience and you won't regret it. Go to class! I know that it seems pretty awesome that you can skip whenever you want, but trust me, more professors want you in class than not. If you skip, you may be setting yourself up for failure by missing notes, assignments and participation. As most of my classes are discussion based, the professor notice if you're there or not and take this into account when grading. Go to class and get noticed! Talk and interact and participate. This will do you much more good than harm. Be safe! This will be the first time for many (including myself) to go off to parties and experiment with drinking and drugs. While this is inevitable and whether or not you participate, you need to watch your back! You will be considered guilty by association even if you stay sober. So be safe! If you choose to drink and party (and there's nothing wrong with this), use your head! Stay with a loyal friend who will watch your back. Watch the time and make sure your priorities are straight. Don't overdo it and learn your limits. If you do this, you'll make some incredible memories.
If you're someone who loves nature, learning, being outside, meeting great people and wanting to be your best, Winona State University is the right school for you. If you get distracted easily, it's great to not have all of those fast food places and stores were you can easily waste your time and money (I know I would!). If you love small classroom sizes and an easy campus to navigate around with some of the friendliest people you'll ever meet, you are sure to love Winona State and be happy as a clam here. Schedule a tour today!