7 Top Tips for Preparing for College or University from a former College Counsellor and University Tutor.
- Be prepared to ride the rapids of emotions
In this major life transition, leaving home, leaving your folks, friends and all that is familiar, you will be faced with a myriad of emotions!
Excitement at the new possibilities and finally being free of parental interference! Or so you think! Remember Mom and Dad may still be your personal bankers. They too will be going on an emotional rollercoaster as they send you on your way!
For you, this can be coupled with some anxiety at the prospect of being able to cope independently with many new demands. You may well experience homesickness, and your expectations of your degree, environment, university, may not be what you expected. What you will be feeling will be akin to what your peers are going through too, you are not alone, and what you are experiencing is normal.
Top tip: Talk to someone about how you are feeling, you will find good company with others also needing to talk.
- Be organised – but not over the top!
Listening to some college bound students in recent weeks, and hearing about their preparations in terms of what they plan to take to university, it is worth a reminder, there are shops in other parts of the world! Anything you need such as bedding, kitchenware, warm clothing, it is best to buy when you get there, not only will it be cheaper, but it will also likely be more suitable for the environment you will be living in. It’s always frustrating when you go to your student kitchen and see that everyone bought a kettle!
Top tip: Simplify and Share and save your suitcase to take sentimental, essential items that remind you of home or will help you ease into University life by surrounding yourself with ‘home comforts.’
- Prioritise your health
What you eat, what you drink, how much movement/exercise and sleep you get, and indeed how many people you kiss, in the first few weeks of college will impact your physical health. It is not uncommon for many students to have ‘freshers flu’ by October, which can wipe you out from your studies and social life. If you are moving to a colder, darker climate, take Vitamin D and C, to strengthen your immunity.
Top Tip: Pace yourself, aim for balance not excess. This is a real test of your adolescent brain to exercise some self-control, but your body does need your protection!
- Focus on building your ‘tribe’
At University and College, this is a time to create and build a family of friends. You may experience many ‘firsts’ together. Living together can be a major bonding experience. It can help to form some ‘group norms’ together to reduce the risk of conflict and build a solid understanding of what you all need to live well together. Celebrate each other’s birthdays, support each other through exam seasons and break ups and health challenges. Accept each other’s differences and engage in new challenges and opportunities. If you have not climbed a mountain yet, maybe it’s time to join the mountaineering club. There are so many clubs and societies to join, you can be a beginner, you do not need to be an expert or mastered a skill. Just have a go!
Top tip: Be open: to new people and activities, have a go!
- Your academic life
We are on point 5, so I probably should mention something about why you are there! To study and learn, and to find a path to your career beyond College. Gosh I have so many pointers to share with you in this area, but I will hold back, as you may not read on. My biggest advice here is to READ, I know this is hard as you have become used to scrolling and many students now do not read books. At College and University, you will be expected to read independently. You will not be spoon fed. You need to figure out the library PDQ, take out the books on the recommended reading list – these can be in demand! Read your course descriptions and assessment information, and the small print. This will help you complete the first year successfully, it is not a given you will pass, and although your first-year assessments may not count to your overall grade classification, it does help to build your study skills. If you only spent 2 hrs a day in the library in term one, aim for 3 hrs a day in term 2 (I may even be being optimistic with the 2 hrs a day!). But DO Set yourself academic stamina challenges!)
Another tip I would like to share is try hard to connect with your personal tutor, they may seem intimidating, as they have a title Professor and they have discovered the rarest fungi bacteria in the Amazonian rainforest, but they are just a human, like you. They do want you to be successful, often have an open door, make sure you go through it at least once a term, so you become known! They will be writing a reference for you at the end of your degree. You are not just a number, but a person, with dreams, and goals, reach out and let them guide you.
Top tip: Read and Connect with your Personal and/or Academic Tutor
- Keep connected to your roots!
Life at College can be very busy balancing your social, academic, personal interests, and even some of you may have to work to support your living. Keeping connected to home and your family is important. Not only will your parents be missing you and curious about your life at university, but it is also a way you stay connected to life at home and it can be a vital source of support and reassurance. If you also feel that parents require ‘too much’ contact, just let them know you are ok, parents worry too.
Top tip: Set a regular zoom with your folks and share a contact of a close friend at university as an emergency contact with your parents and vice versa, in the event of any emergency.
- I know, you have heard this before…. ASK FOR HELP
There are so many people at Uni/College to help you, your personal/academic tutor, the wellbeing service, the Dr, your peers, your family. They want to help you and are used to supporting students. Pick up the contacts when you arrive, and pin them on your noticeboard, just in case you need a trusted adult to talk to. We often feel a great sense of relief once we have our support network in place.
Top Tip: People want to help, you just need to ASK or let people in if they inquire about your wellbeing.
Bon voyage, and good luck!
Jackie Greenwood
Director of Education and Wellbeing, DHA Counsellor, Vivamus.
Former University student (Eons ago!). University Lecturer ( more recent past!)
Call us (04 4403844) or drop us an email (hello@vivamus.me) if you’d like to make an appointment to see Jackie Greenwood to discuss your transition to university and/or some challenges you might be having along the way.