[Written By External Partner]
Being a high school student is one thing. Moving to college is quite another. The transition between the two environments can be a significant shock. If you’re going to grow and thrive in higher education, you’ll want to make sure that you can hit the ground running – and that means preparing yourself.
But what, exactly, should your preparations consist of? Let’s take a look.
Master the Academic Transition
The culture in a university environment is quite different from that of a school. You’re not a child anymore, and you’ll be treated accordingly. That means, among other things, that you’ll be expected to manage your own time. No one will phone your parents if you don’t turn up to a lecture, and no one will hold your hand if you fail to prepare for the curriculum.
This extra freedom can be liberating, but if you’re not self-disciplined, it can cause you to fall behind quickly. Make sure that you know the reading list, and that you’re proactive. Get your work done early; that way, you’ll be able to refine it later on.
While the social aspect of campus life can be hugely fulfilling, it’s important that it doesn’t become your sole focus. In other words: put your studies first.
Build a Solid Financial Plan
Another aspect of your newfound independence will be your ability to spend money on your own personal priorities. You’ll need to cover your costs, which can vary depending on the nature of your accommodation. Living expenses, like gas and electricity, will need to be accounted for.
The best way to deal with this is with the help of a spreadsheet. Get your various outgoings and income down, and you’ll understand how much you have available to cover things like entertainment and clubbing. If you’re getting a student loan in a large lump sum, make sure that you can spread it over the entire academic year.
Harness Technology for Success
While it’s possible to get through college without a laptop (depending on the course you’re taking), they’re cheap enough to be considered essential. Buy one that’s appropriate to your needs. If you’re studying computer science, then a used model from a reputable brand might be enough to get you through. If you need to crunch big numbers or perform graphically intensive tasks, then spending more might be necessary.
Your university might have digital learning environments, and online portals, into which you can submit your work, and from which you can extract resources and information. There are also cloud storage resources which might be very helpful.
There are also apps, like Obsidian, which facilitate note-taking. Some of them come with a learning curve. There’s a lot of evidence to suggest, however, that pen and paper might be the best options for many.
Cultivate Your Social and Support Network
Social life on campus is important. Pick the societies and clubs that represent your values and interests. Through them, you’ll be able to meet people who share those values and interests. There might also be support services available, which are worth looking into. It might be that you’ll need them later on.
Getting Started Checklist
When you’re starting out, it’s often a good idea to compose a checklist. This might include a number of items, some of which are quite common. Get your finances in order. Make sure that you’ve read up on the course and lecturers. Do your shopping and packing, investigate the clubs and societies available, and look into the wider city or town.
