Explore the campus, find everything they have to offer and use it. Hartford has a lot of hidden treasures like the awesome career services office.

Build connections and friendships with everyone including professors. A lot of them are powerful voices in their field, like one of my professors who basically got me an internship. All because he knew me beyond the class.

Before packing your bags to depart to school, make sure you pack an alarm clock because it's going to be hard to wake up from all the fun you're going to have. Always have a student planner with you so you can manage your time and know where you're heading next. Make sure you put the books down sometimes and enjoy your college life.

Apply yourself in every area. The school does not force you to learn, you can breeze through or you can make something of your education. Many students slack and fail to graduate on time.

Apply early! The Hartt School's music theatre program is relatively difficult to get into. We only select about 24 students out of the country. Have a lot of confidence at the audition!

Don't get sucked in to peer pressure! Find the right friends who are fun, but don't force you to do things you don't feel comfortable with. You are your own person and college is the place where you find yourself and grow into the adult you; don't spoil this great opportunity on people who don't truly care about you. College is where you can either create lifelong friendships or waste four years with knuckle-heads.

Come prepared for any and everything

As with any other school, if you live on-campus, leave your door open. You're guaranteed to become acquainted with at least some people, and even if you don't particularly like them, you'll probably meet someone through them that you do like.

Also, try to get to know your prospective roommates as best you can before deciding to move in with them.

APPLY TO LIVE IN HAWK HALL FOR YOUR FRESHMAN YEAR! I lived in both the complexes and Hawk Hall. Hawk Hall could pass as a 5 star hotel, and its brand new! The essay you have to write is literally only a paragraph or two...and well worth the time.

You get out of college what you put into it. Hartford may not be the most prestigious institution, but if you work hard and get involved you will walk away with a great degree and a large network of people to rely on.

Come to the school with a positive attitude and things will go well. You will meet people here that you will end up knowing for a lifetime and you will also enjoy your classes. It's the best of both worlds.

Make sure it is your decision to come to school and also be open to new things and people.

Don't go to a school because of your friends, family, or for one specific reason. I came to this school because it offered not only a good education, but they offered my major. The alumni that have come out this institute are successful. The career opportunities and internships are endless. I didn't know anyone when I came here, but I made friends. I had no idea of the weather. I'm from Georgia and its colder here. Bring a big coat for the southerners and lots of clothes. Go into a school undecided is very risky. You will take a lot of unnecessary courses if you don't choose a major. Choosing major will help you get what you need out the way