Chapter 1: A New Scene
4
The transition into postsecondary education is a big one and a lot is going to change.
Videos: High School versus Postsecondary – How do they compare? 7 things I wish I’d known before starting university.
Here are two videos that could be helpful:
- “High School vs Postsecondary – How do they compare?” [1:19]
- 7 things I wish I’d known before starting university [13:48]
High School vs Postsecondary- How Do They Compare?
Read through the Canadian Immigration Law Firm’s 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 a postsecondary. Being prepared 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 postsecondary courses or programs, or have spent considerable time in the workforce. There will be new expectations and changes for these students too. Check out Emerald Publishing’s article on the unique challenges for mature students and strategies for overcoming them.
What if I grew up in a different country and attending
postsecondary will be my first time living in Ontario?
There are many students from all over the world who pursue their postsecondary education in Ontario. There will be unique changes and transitions that these students will have to undergo as well. Check out the Ontario government’s website for more information about attending an Ontario postsecondary 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 when they start their postsecondary education. Check out these resources about navigating postsecondary with different types of developmental differences:
Pace
If you are coming from high school, you may be used to seeing your teachers
everyday 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. Postsecondary courses in Ontario will have varying structures and not all classes are the same. Some courses are scheduled to meet one to three times a week. Some have lectures but also require you to attend labs. Some 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 everyday, 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 OK! 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.
Workload
Those who have not been in a postsecondary institution 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 practise new material during the class. This is not typical in a postsecondary classroom. As mentioned above, class time is typically only one to four hours per week, so professors use that time to deliver material and answer questions.
This means 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 postsecondary can be challenging, it also provides countless new and exciting experiences that can help you develop as a person.
