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Tips for a Smooth Transition to Campus Life  SAVTI 10 tips for keeping academics, and your personal and social life on track ACADEMIC 1- The most important advice is to show up, attend all classes, pay attention and take notes or ask for help if you need it. 2- Time management is key. You will be 100% in charge of your own schedule. Don’t forget important dates and deadlines. Use your smartphone, calendar, apps to keep track of your schedule. 3- Don’t be deceived by your free time! You will discover that “extra” time will be taken by reading, writing papers, preparing assignment, exams, studying not to mention, work, extra-curricular activities, volunteering, friends, family etc. 4- Establish a distraction free study space that will work for you. Keep up with your readings and review your notes regularly. 5- Become familiar with the library- attend workshops on how to do research. 6- Join study groups for the academic and social benefits. 7- Take a mix of courses and don’t forget that it’s OK to change courses or programs. 8- Ask questions and don’t be afraid to speak up in class 9- Meet with your professors to clarify course content, discuss difficulties. 10- Be aware of resources to help you: counselling and accessibily services, academic advising, residence dons, professors, teaching assistants, workshops etc. PERSONAL 1- If you are living at home, you may have to negotiate both your responsibilities and privileges. 2- Work out a realistic budget and try your best to stick to it. 3- If this is your first time living away from home, it will be exciting to truly be on your own but not unusual to feel homesick. 4- Share some of your new experiences with your family. 5- Recognize that your parents are just as nervous, anxious as you may be. 6- Keep in touch with old friends but be open to meeting new ones. 7- Adopting a healthy lifestyle in your fist year is really important for success. Try to maintain balance in your day to day life:
SOCIAL 1- Join campus clubs. 2- Apply for a part time on campus job. 3- Volunteer at the Women’s centre or elsewhere. 4- Work out at the campus gym. 5- Try out for an athletic team. 6- Attend workshops at the counselling centre, accessibility services, library… 7- Form study groups. 8- Take an active role in residence life, in your new student life. 9- Write for the student newspaper, work for the campus radio station, join the musical ensemble, audition for plays or work behind the scenes for theatrical productions. 10- Attend movie nights, pub nights, off campus social outings. |
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