Should I ask students what surprised them after enrollment?
Yes. Asking current students what differed from their expectations after enrollment can help you understand aspects that official information may not fully convey, such as the pace of classes, amount of coursework, commuting, and student activities. However, experiences vary by faculty, year, and individual, so ask several students for specific examples and confirm rules and current details in official materials.
Key points
- Ask not only what surprised students, but also about specific areas such as classes, assignments, and how they use their time.
- Do not rely on one person’s view; speak with several students from different years or academic backgrounds when possible.
- Compare students’ experiences with the university’s official information on programs, rules, and curricula.
Things to check
- Personal experiences can differ substantially and may change by faculty, academic year, or intake year.
- Check the latest official information for current rules, curricula, and other formal details.