The keys to success at the UI

The keys to success at the UI

Class of 2006 graduates at the University of Illinois offer their advice to first-year students:

"Work hard. Go to class. Have fun. Make the best of everything."

Matthew Reinert, 20, Aurora

"Don't transfer out of here."

Stephen Sanford, 22, St. Charles, Mo.

"Just stay calm. Don't get too stressed out. Enjoy the four years. They go by faster than you would ever think they can."

Kamil Tamimie, 21, Urbana

"Get involved with Alumni Ambassadors. You do so much on campus and meet so many people. I met all of my best friends."

Jennifer Pearson, 22, Bloomington-Normal

"Study hard. That's important. Enjoy."

Ben Huang, 22, Taiwan

"Don't party too hard. Get some sleep. They always give you too much homework; don't do the busy work. It doesn't help."

Heather Mastrianno, 21, Arlington Heights

"Get involved in as many extracurricular activities as possible. Meet a lot of new friends. It makes the university smaller."

Luke LiManni, 22, Chicago

"This university has the greatest library. Use the library. Think about the Chief (Illinois symbol) before you take either one of the sides (pro or con)."

Rini Mehta, 37, India

"Study hard and do enjoy some time going out to the bars."

Staci Abron, 21, Galesburg