Advertisement 1

Freshman 15: Tips on getting through your first year of school

So, you’ve gotten into university or college. Now what? The Herald’s Erika Stark has compiled 15 tips from students and experts on how to thrive in your first year.

Article content

So, you’ve gotten into university or college. Now what?

The Herald’s Erika Stark has compiled 15 tips from students and experts on how to thrive in your first year.

1. Don’t be nervous

Starting post-secondary can be incredibly stressful and even frightening for some, says Zoe Slusar, vice-president of student life for Mount Royal’s Students’ Association. But it gets better, she says.

Article content
Advertisement 2
Story continues below
Article content

“If you can push through these first two months, which are the hardest, you’ll be fine,” says Slusar.

2. Start now

Don’t wait until your midterms are upon you before you decide to open your textbook, suggests Jennifer Quin, senior director of student services at the University of Calgary. Look at your class schedules in advance, familiarize yourself with the expectations for each course, and learn where to get help if you need it.

3. Think ahead

It’s easy for university students to just think about what might be due the next day, Slusar says. She suggests taking a broader approach and being aware of everything that’s coming up in the next three to four weeks so that a midterm or paper deadline doesn’t sneak up on you.

4. Get help

Each university and college in Calgary has a variety of academic support services that can help you learn to research or citing papers, teach you to study, or help you manage your time. Seek them out, even if you don’t need them right now.

5. Learn to study

When you’re saddled with long lectures and even longer reading lists, it’s important to get the most out of what you’re studying. Advisers at the University of Calgary’s Student Success Centre recommend making notes in your own words when completing readings, and sitting at the front of the lecture hall in order to stay more engaged.

Article content
Advertisement 3
Story continues below
Article content

6. Set achievable goals

Instead of sitting down the night before a paper is due and having to write 1,000 words, break up the work into manageable chunks. For example, you could devote two evenings to researching and compiling notes and a third to actually writing the paper. That way, the task ahead of you becomes much less overwhelming.

7. Focus

When it’s crunch time, put yourself in the best position to be successful. Minimize distractions when you’re reading or writing, and keep your phone tucked in your bag during lectures — Facebook can’t help you during a final!

8. Find a balance

There’s more to life than school, says Quin, though striking a balance between studying, relaxing and working or participating in extracurricular activities can be difficult. It’s important to ensure you have adequate time in your week to relax and unwind, otherwise you’ll risk burning out, she explains.

9. Talk to people

Volunteer, join an intramural team, or get to know the people staying in the same residence building as you.

“It can be really rewarding when you’re new and trying to make those interactions,” Slusar says. “Get involved and find ways to be engaged with things you’re interested in.

Advertisement 4
Story continues below
Article content

10. Take care of your mental health

Students and staff are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of mental health and self care in post-secondary, says Slusar.

“It’s now being recognized as you can’t just come and power through everything or you’ll burn out,” she says.

Take advantage of on-campus counselling or other stress-relieving options, such as Mount Royal’s nap room or the “puppy room” sometimes provided by the University of Calgary.

11. Stay active

Getting in 30 minutes of physical activity a day will drastically improve your ability to manage stress. Plus, you’ll probably find that you have more energy and more focus for your studies.

12. Budget

Don’t think about money in terms of how much you’ll have to spend at the campus bar on Friday night, Slusar suggested. Rather, approach your finances from the perspective of what you’ll need to get through the entire semester.

“Everyone needs to learn about limits,” she says.

13. Don’t throw it away

Your notes, that is. You may be tempted to throw out your notes in celebration of finishing a course or semester, but Slusar recommends hanging onto them.

“I’ve gone back to my first and second year notes countless times,” she says.

14. Step out of your comfort zone

Slusar suggests joining two clubs or groups on campus — one that’s related to something you’re interested in, and another one that’s perhaps a bit further outside the box. That way you’ll be exposed to new things, meet different people and build your confidence.

15. Relax!

Though starting university or college is a hectic, stressful and often overwhelming experience, it’s also an immensely rewarding one. Enjoy your time on campus.

Article content
Comments
You must be logged in to join the discussion or read more comments.
Join the Conversation

Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information.

Latest National Stories
    This Week in Flyers