Tips for a healthy transition to university or college life

Starting your first year of university or college is certainly an exciting time in your life. The benefits are clear: greater independence and freedom, intellectual growth, and a full social life (no more parental-induced curfews or chores). This period, however, can also be challenging for new students facing an unprecedented number of choices in how they live, eat, study and manage their time.

We reached out to Susan Lawson, an educational consultant who guides students through the college and university application process in Canada, U.S., and the U.K. Each year, she offers a workshop to help new students smoothly transition to life as a university or college student. She offers these useful tips:

• Engage in the orientation programs being offered. This will help familiarize you with the campus and make new friends.

• Seek out resources before you need them. This includes help related to academic advising, health, counselling and fitness.

•Refrain from engaging in social media in the early days. Do not compare your experience to others. Remember that this is your experience. Regardless of what others post online, the truth is that you do not know what they are doing the other 23 hours and 59 minutes of the day.

• Get out of your room. Don’t be afraid to get involved and meet people by joining activities. What interests you? The options are numerous: sports, clubs, arts, community, volunteering, faith groups. Don’t be afraid to try something new – you’ll never have so many opportunities at your fingertips again.

• Get to know your professors. This means taking the time to meet them during office hours. Later in the course, if you are confused, it’ll be easier to ask for help; if you’re not happy with test or assignment results, ask how to improve.

•Attend class. You’ve have never had this level of freedom before so being disciplined is essential. If you miss a few classes, get right back on track.

• Schedule time for schoolwork. Find a place that is conducive to you being productive and aim to to study three hours per day, five days per week.

• Don’t be alarmed if you feel homesick. It’s normal to feel this way and to feel overwhelmed at times. You are undergoing a big transition. Everyone needs help from time to time so reach out if you need it.

•Try to maintain good eating and sleep habits. Remember how mom made you eat your vegetables? Nutrition remains important, so don’t give up on it.

•Try to refrain from going home too frequently. The best way to start to feel comfortable somewhere is to spend your weekends there. Make plans to engage, such as attending events (i.e. football games, concerts) so that you feel a sense of belonging.

• Have fun and learn all you can about the school, your academics, your peers and yourself.

For more information about Susan Lawson, visit www.susanlawsonconsulting.com