Newswise — Starting college or university is an exciting new chapter in your life, but it can also leave you feeling a little nervous. Ryerson’s Orientation Crew is here to offer some helpful advice, based on their first-hand experience, to make your first year a good one:
1. Do Your Research! Start by visiting your school’s website to learn more about the place you’ll be going. The website is a great place to learn about the school’s community, find answers to your questions, and check for important dates. Before starting classes, go on a campus tour to get orientated; you won’t feel so lost on the first day! If you’re moving out, use the summer to brush up on your cooking, cleaning, laundry and other household skills so doing those things doesn’t feel as overwhelming once you’ve moved out.
2. Be Resourceful! Your school will have a lot of people and places on campus that want to help you save money, strive academically, and grow personally. Student Unions often offer discounts to students on various products and services. Visit your Academic Advisor to talk more about your courses. Talk to a mentor or tutor if you need help academically. Register with access programs to help accommodate for any special educational needs. Keep in contact with your Orientation leader and/or your Residence Advisor; knowing students in upper years is always helpful.
3. Keep An Open Mind! You’ve worked hard for this and you probably have a lot of expectations about what university life is going to be like, but don’t be bound by your expectations. It is best to start with an open mind because lots of unexpected and awesome things are going to happen! It will be a whole new lifestyle; you’ll meet new people, and go lots of new places. Be open to every opportunity!
4. Be Confident In Who You Are! Just be yourself! Everyone you meet is in the same boat - this is a new experience for them too! If they’re here that means they have similar goals and passions so you’re sure to be good friends!
5. Be Involved And Stay Involved! The first way to get involved is to attend your school’s Orientation or Frosh Week; there will be plenty of activities to help you learn about campus, make new friends, but most of all, have fun! When the first week is over find clubs that suit your interests, join a sports team, or even get a job on campus. Being involved on campus will help you meet all sorts of new and interesting people as well as make school more enjoyable - it’s not only about classes and homework!
6. Stay In Control! It can be difficult to find the right balance between the work and play of university life. It’s a lot of fun, but it’s also a lot of work! You may be overwhelmed by the amount of readings or the independence. If you’re having any problems that are distracting from your learning, talk it out! Meet with your friends, professors, Residence Advisor, or speak to a Counsellor at your school. You can also start or join study groups to help you understand the course material.
7. Stay Organized! Use an agenda or a calendar to help remember important dates. (Your student union probably offers one for free). Nothing is worse than showing up to class and forgetting there’s a test! Check your email and your online portal page often so you get all the important information from your professors, even if it’s something as small as a room change.
8. Introduce Yourself! Make it your personal goal to introduce yourself to the people you sit near in class - they can help you study and give you notes if you have to miss a lecture. If you’re shy, challenge yourself by setting a specific goal: today I will introduce myself to X number of people. You’ll probably find that they’re relieved to have someone to talk to! Don’t be afraid to approach your professor as well and connect with him or her during office hours; s/he is there to help you!
9. Ask Questions! It’s advice you’ve heard before - but it’s good advice! Chances are, someone has the same question as you and by asking questions you’ll learn more! Once you know it, you can pass on the information. This advice applies both in and out of the classroom. There’s no such thing as a bad question!
10. Imagine The Possibilities! Think of how far you’ve come and how hard you’ve worked for this moment; this is only the beginning! “Imagination will take you everywhere.” - Albert Einstein
Experts available for interviews:Manpreet ChanaOrientation Human Resources ManagerContact Suelan Toye (details below) to speak with Manpreet
Carly ChalmersOrientation Online ManagerContact Suelan Toye (details below) to speak with Carly
If you require this in another format, please contact Ryerson University Public Affairs at 416-979-5000 ext. 5304.
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