Chapter 1: A New Scene
4 Navigating Expectations
The transition into college is a big one and a lot is going to change!
Videos: High School vs College- How Do They Compare? 7 Things I Wish I’d Knew Before Starting University.
Watch a resource that matches your experience and situation between the two videos:
- “High School vs College- How Do They Compare?” [1:19]
- 7 Things I Wish I’d Known Before Starting University [13:48]
High School vs College – How Do They Compare?
If you are an international student, read through the web resource guide on how to successfully study in Canada as an international student.
It’s clear that no matter what walk of life you are coming from, there are changes to expect in your first term at college. Being prepared for these changes is your first step to being successful.
Common Changes FAQ:
What if I’m not coming directly from high school?
There are many students that have taken time off since leaving high school, completed other college or university courses or programs, or have spent considerable time in the workforce. There will be new expectations and changes for these students too! Check out this article about unique challenges for mature students and strategies for overcoming them!
What if I grew up in a different country and attending college will be my first time living in Ontario?
There are many students from all over the world who pursue their college education in Ontario. There will be unique changes and transitions that these students will have to undergo as well! Check out this page for more information about attending an Ontario college as a student.
What if I require additional supports and accommodations physically, mentally, and/or intellectually?
There are many students with physical, mental and/or intellectual developmental differences that may seek certain supports to successfully navigate academic life. These students will also encounter notable changes upon beginning post-secondary! Check out these resources about navigating post-secondary with different types of developmental differences:
Pace
If you are coming from high school, you may be used to seeing your teachers every day or every other day. If you completed some schooling in another country, you may be used to the pacing and time commitment that is typical there. If you haven’t been in school for a while, you may not have any expectations of how frequently classes occur. College courses in Ontario will have varying structures and not all classes are the same. Some courses are scheduled to meet 1-3 times a week. Some courses have lectures but also require you to attend labs. Some courses are taught solely online and it is up to you to go through the class modules on your own. As you can see, your schedule won’t be the same every day which may be different from what you are used to. Since there is less time spent in class, lectures can be fast-paced and cover a lot of material in a short amount of time. If you start to feel overwhelmed with the pace, that’s okay! Many students feel this way during the first few weeks of class. Below are some strategies to help you adjust to the pace of college.
Strategies to Help you Adjust: PACE In college
-
Stay on track with readings & take class notes
-
Visit your instructors during their office hours or set up an appointment
-
Schedule time for catching up & working on future tasks
-
Sit at the front of the class to help reduce distraction
- Reduce your course load to help ease the pace of your academic experience (you should always speak to your coordinator before reducing your course load)
Those who have not been in post-secondary previously, may not be prepared for the workload. For those coming from high school, you may have been given time to work on assignments, study, or practice new material during the class. This is not typical in a college classroom. As mentioned above, class time is typically only 1-4 hours per week, so professors use that time to deliver material and answer questions.
This means that you will have to study any new material you learn outside of class on your own time. Depending on your class schedule, the number of courses you take, your participation in extracurriculars, and whether you are working, you could struggle to manage your workload. You will need to create your own schedule in order to prioritize your commitments, which includes taking the time to study and complete assignments. In Chapter 4, we will discuss time management strategies.
Things are going to change, but continue to remember your “why”. While the first year of college can be challenging, it also provides countless new and exciting experiences that can help you develop as a person.
