Ways to make the switch as smooth as possible
Moving from High School to University can be a daunting task. With such an enormous change in environment, it is easy to get overwhelmed by the differences between high school and university. Experiences previously had in high school vary from person to person. While there are many positive aspects of high school, there are many differences that arise when making the switch to university.
One of the biggest differences between high school and university is the amount of freedom students have. In high school, you are often on a tight schedule when your classes and your time are already designated for you. For the most part, the time every student spends in high school is generally the same, with classes from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.. Perhaps one of the most liberating aspects of university is the ability to shape and manoeuvre your schedule to best fit your needs. While there are limits to this, your schedule becomes something you can control and have influence over. This freedom allows you to plan your time around your habits (if you are a night owl morning classes may not be the right choice) in order to be the best student you can be. In between classes, you have the ability to get lunch, head to the gym, find a quiet place to study, or even just sit at Johnston Green to pass the time. Having these options of how to spend your time is crucial to the university experience. How you spend your time defines you, while in high school schedules are not nearly as flexible.
From an academic point of view, the switch from high school to university yields a lot of positive benefits to your growth as a student. In a high school English class for example, writing an essay involves following a rubric and often a rigid structure for students to follow. While many students may find this method helpful, university classes will push you that extra step and will give you more freedom to structure your essay your own way. That being said, your ability to communicate ideas from the course is viewed with more importance than the physical structure of your essay. It is important to realize that the freedom of pursuing your own ideas for assignments can also harm your grade if not executed properly. Professors give you the opportunity to establish your own voice as a writer and as a person. For some, the ability to become invested in your work on a personal level motivates a greater level of effort in their academic studies.
Another crucial part of having a smooth transition is knowing what is expected of you. Professors and TA’s in university each have different course structures, and in turn their expectations differ from course to course and discipline to discipline. Fortunately, Professors are very open about their office hours and even encourage students to come visit. Discussing previous assignments or course material with Professors can greatly help with your academics. Not only will you be more engaged with course material and lecture, but visiting office hours can also help you establish connections that could last through your entire university stay.
Being active in your education is the key to successfully making this transition. In university, a lot of decisions about your future will be yours to make – having this freedom to become your own person is empowering. In being aware of your surroundings and participating in your education, the differences between high school and university life is a matter of personal motivation and action.