You have to recognize that high school and university is different from each other. For example:
| High School | University |
| Everyone attends class at the same time on weekdays | Your own schedule. You may have evening classes – occasionally Saturdays or online too – or days off. |
| Classes are all around 35 people. | Classes may be 10-450 people. |
| Light readings – that you can often skip – from textbooks. | Heavy required reading from textbooks, journal articles, websites, and various other sources. |
| Frequent tests and assignments, each worth a small percent of your grade. | In many classes, only a few tests or assignments, each worth a large percentage. |
| Attendance is taken. | Attendance is usually not taken. |
| Homework is checked. | Homework is usually not checked. |
| Teachers check on you to make sure you are keeping up. | It is your own responsibility to make sure you are keeping up. |
In general, in university you need to be more self-directed than in high school, and take responsibility for your own self-management.
You will need to pay attention to:
- Your sleep
- Attending classes
- Prioritising schoolwork (don’t procrastinate because it will disadvantage you later on)
- Study effectively(do what works for you but make sure you are helping yourself as much as you can)
The transition will show you many new things you are not used to. This step is a step towards your future and this means:
- Acknowledging the Emotional Rollercoaster
- Embracing Independence and Self-Reliance
- Effectively Managing Time and Priorities
- Actively Seeking Support and Resources
- Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone
- Embracing the Learning Curve
- Maintaining a Healthy Balance
- Celebrating Small Victories
Tips
1. Balance your finances (make a budget)
This will help you organize your money and prevent stress and difficulties later on. Make a list of everything you spend money on and using your income split the money accordingly, but don’t forget you also want to save some for emergencies or for something else later on
2. Manage your schedule
Be prepared for everything that is happening and will happen around you. Know when your classes are, and your tests and other important dates
3. Prepare for change
The transition from school or university is a big one and there might be some changes along the way. Your marks might drop, you might be lonely t first, you are going to have to hold yourself accountable for your actions and you are going to have to learn who you are.
4. Know your surroundings on campus
In short know the university. Walk around and find out where everything is in your own time. Universities are quite big, and you don’t want to get lost or stressed when you don’t know where something is so orientated yourself.
5. Adapt to your accommodation
Your accommodation is going to be your new home, so you are going to need to know it well. You want to feel comfortable and relaxed in your accommodation. Personalize it and familiarize yourself.
6. Make friends
University is a new environment so you are starting from scratch, so go find people you can connect with. Make new friends that can help support you are making you feel at ease. Talk to people in and near your accommodation, go to class, study on campus, join a society, arrange a study group, there are endless ways to make friends you just need to take the first step.
7. Use the resources you have
Use the university library, talks and seminars, student discounts, academic resources, career days, and mental health services. All these things are put into place to help you so you should use them.
8. Develop healthy coping mechanisms
University is a stressful place where lots happen and things can change at any moment, that is why you need a coping mechanism to help you deal with whatever comes your way. No one can tell you what mechanism to use, you just need to find something that helps you relax and recenter yourself.
