Student Story: Double-Majoring at the University of Vermont — College Solutions

College Solutions student Eli is a freshman at the University of Vermont and planning to double-major in Chinese and Computer Science. Our team recently caught up with him to ask him more about the college admissions process and what it was like working with College Solutions.

Are you enjoying your college experience? 

I am loving my college experience. I have met incredible people from all over the country and the world, I am really enjoying my classes and discovering my interests, and I’m getting the opportunity to explore a new part of the country. 

What are you enjoying most at the University of Vermont?

I am most enjoying my classes, friends, and extracurricular activities.

Is your experience pretty much what you expected from college?  

Before coming here, I thought college was a constant cycle of attending class and working on homework and papers, but I was surprised by the amount of free time I get. Coming from high school where I didn’t really enjoy my classes or have the most energetic teachers, I was nervous about how I would like classes in college. I was pleasantly surprised that I have found to enjoy all my classes and my teachers.

Which of your classes are you enjoying the most?

I am most enjoying my python computer science class and my Chinese class. The teachers are engaging and passionate about the material and there is an emphasis on class participation and hands-on work.

Do you know what you might want to major in? 

I am double majoring in Chinese and Computer Science.

Have you gotten involved in any extracurriculars yet? 

I am involved in UVM Hillel and Space Club so far, with plans to join Linguistics and Beekeeping Club.

What did you find most helpful in researching and applying to colleges? 

The most helpful resources in researching and applying to colleges was watching YouTube videos about student experiences at their college, researching schools online like the College Solutions college search function, and talking with students who attend the school.

You had many college choices by the end of the process last spring – what ultimately led you to choosing Vermont? 

Since I came in undeclared, I wasn’t searching for a school with a certain academic program, rather I was looking for a school that would best foster my personal growth and academic exploration. Vermont fit everything I wanted in a college experience: medium undergraduate size, beautiful location and college town, and plenty of academic and research opportunities.

Is it strange living in a different region of the country?

It is exciting living in a new region of the country. There is a huge emphasis on outdoors in Vermont, and I have had the opportunity to go camping and explore different parts of the state with plans to take weekend trips to Montreal, Boston, and New York City. I am a little worried about my first New England winter but I have heard that it is definitely manageable, and I love to ski so really the more cold and snow the better!

I know I haven’t asked everything relevant – is there anything else about your college experience you want to add?

I did a pre-orientation camping trip through the University of Vermont called Trek. My specific program was a week-long gig rowing trip on Lake Champlain. Trek also offers 30 other programs such as backpacking, mountain biking, and service trips. This trip was a fantastic opportunity to bond with a small group of people so I felt that I came into college with a group of friends which definitely helped to minimize the nerves of making friends during the beginning of college. However, I found that most everyone was outgoing and friendly during orientation so it was not difficult to find friends quickly. 

Greek life, while dominating life at other schools, is a very minor part of social life here. There is no pressure to join a fraternity or sorority to take part in social events. There are always plenty of events going on such as concerts, and socials held by clubs.