Transitioning from College to University

The challenge of making the switch

I’ve got a confession to make: I’ve been in postsecondary since 2008. Three schools, seven programs but only one university. That’s longer then Van Wilder, or Chris Farley in Black Sheep. Luckily, I’ve gained some credentials and learned a lot about postsecondary life along the way.

Since we are being honest here, I never went to Nippising University, I went to Canadore College. They are attached, but not the same, and I don’t even know what concurrent education implies. Instead of learning the ways of Uta Hagen in theatre school, I was using my poor acting to pose as a university student. The sheer fact that I felt the need to play university student speaks volumes as to which system is better. Plus people can be uppity when it comes to college versus university standing.

After one year at Candadore, and a self-realization trip across the country, I started a six-year stint at Conestoga College. In my time there, I was involved with as much as I could be and made great friends. The end came quickly though. When both the Dean of the School of Media and the College President himself gave me a nudge, I felt it was time to go.

Being in university (for real this time) has created a stark comparison. Everything from student services to the quality of educators has improved. Nowhere is perfect though – for example, why the jail-like dormitories? At least in community college you get your own bedroom and can fry an egg in a semi-kitchen.

At the University of Guelph, you can get something to eat in half the buildings. At Conestoga, you have to wait in line for a half-hour to get a cup of coffee. At the University of Guelph people actually do things. In college, you have to bribe students with shiny objects or co-curricular record status. Let’s also confirm the ruling that states community college is mostly dudes and university is the opposite – totally true. The anecdotal ratio theory actually adds up, at least on the surface. The fact that there is an imbalance of men who go to postsecondary – and even fewer who go to university – is concerning. Being surrounded by one sex in college and another in university is a dynamic change. Through my eyes, I see more social awareness at the University of Guelph than I did at Canadore or Conestoga.

School spirit is alive, regardless of the many doubters on-campus. In the summer, The Cannon gets a new coat daily, and our clubs are alive. If you went from university to college looking for booming spirit and student life, you would be sorely upset. Many colleges, like Conestoga, are commuter schools and people just want to do their time and leave. It doesn’t help when the infrastructure just isn’t there to help build a student social scene. Imagine a Guelph without student-run media or their own bar!

I feel like people just care so much more and drink so much less. Not just academically, but also culturally and about their own personal interests and interest of their communities. The University of Guelph gamers club games harder, the sports teams play fiercer, and the debate teams bring the fury all the way to Jeff Winger-status.

I would never disregard all the friendships I made at College, but Gryphons eat Condors for breakfast. Fact.