Helping high school students transition to university

High school graduation day fills the graduates with a triumphant sense of achievement and for most, an eagerness to experience a whole new world of opportunity and freedom. Unfortunately, their confidence and optimism are soon to be deeply challenged and shaken.

Far from the safety of the high school bubble, students may quickly find themselves at risk for succumbing to new pressures presented at university, such as:

• Assimilating to a new world that is unfamiliar and often intimidating
• Being alone and for the first time solely accountable and self-directed
• Choosing their own classes versus the predetermined schedules they’ve always known
• Stricter timetables and deadlines, with harsher consequences for falling behind
• Tough professors, who demand more, and often have less time for individual guidance.

What can YOU do to help them prepare?
It could be as simple as listening to their fears, sharing some of your own experience, and reassuring them with some practical advice to consider:

1. You don’t have to choose your career path on the first day! Most freshman who have already chosen a major end up changing it, at least once. Tell your students it’s OKAY; If they take their time and follow their passion, they WILL find their path.
2. Adopt time management and study habits that work for YOU. Doesn’t matter if your system is different, but just HAVE a system, and follow it! Discuss what kind of learner they are, and help them brainstorm potential systems that will fit with their personality. Remember: a good time management system is only good — if it is FOLLOWED.
3. Prioritizing strategies are crucial to college survival, and success! A great example is understanding the difference between one-credit and three-credit courses in terms of GPA calculation. Thinking strategically about how to allocate your time/effort for each course, can save both your sanity and your GPA! Assure students that “asking for help” when they feel they need it is an excellent prioritizing strategy.
4. Work hard, and play hard. One bad grade is not the end of the world. Revisit #2 and #3 above to get back on track! Recognize that it’s actually necessary to take a break from the academic pressure zone to recharge your batteries! University life offers so many new experiences, new friendships, and new discoveries about yourself. It’s ok to enjoy the ride, which can make the work even more worthwhile.