“By following these strategies, mature students can navigate their first year more effectively, build a strong support network and create a fulfilling academic experience.”
Meshanda Phillips.
Embarking on a post-secondary journey marks a significant transition in your life. For the next one, two or four years – depending on the program you are in – you’ll be exposed to a range of academic subjects and people who will play a major role in your future endeavours.
The first year of post-secondary education, though, can turn out to be very challenging for many students. The tasks are very different and assignment and group project deadlines are shorter, which can take a toll on your life. A study conducted by the American College Health Association in 2023 found that 51 per cent of the students surveyed reported worsened mental health during college.
Whether you’re a first-year coming straight from high school or a mature student – check out Humber College’s definition of a mature student – there is advice you can follow to make this transition a smooth one.
From setting expectations to managing stress and well-being, this list will help you handle academic expectations in your first year of post-secondary education.
Understand academic rigour
As a third-year college student myself, I can personally speak to the number of students who were top of their classes in high school but saw their GPA drop in higher education. I have many friends who were grade-A students in my high school and now find themselves with a lower average.
As you embark on the post-secondary world, one crucial shift to understand is the increased amount of workload and difficulty level. In your first year, it might be hard to adjust to the expectations and accept that you may not have the best grades in your class anymore.
Higher-education courses demand more independent study and critical thinking to succeed. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not suggesting that you’ll fail all your courses; quite the opposite. It just means the academic requirements are higher, so setting realistic goals is key.
Setting realistic goals like connecting with your professors, expanding your network and involvement on campus are perfect initial objectives for your first year.
So, as you gear up for your first year, understand that this won’t be a straightforward journey and be sure to brace yourself for some turbulence.
Develop effective study habits
You got it, there will be a shift in academic workload and requirements. So, you must develop effective study habits to keep up with your academic demands.
To avoid staying up late the night before your assignment is due, organize yourself right from the bat. Adopt essential study habits such as planning in advance, finding your learning style and consistently reviewing the topics you’re studying.
Another vital skill for managing academic expectations in post-secondary education is time management. Prioritize tasks and establish a study routine so you don’t get caught in a snowball of deadlines and assignments haunting your dreams.
Additionally, make use of the resources available on campus to support your academic path. Humber Student Learning Services offers a wide variety of services to help you navigate this transition wisely. Peer Tutoring provides help based on your course code, while the Math and Writing Centre can assist everyone from engineering students to those in the creative writing program.
Developing an effective study habit is a must for getting through your first year.
Navigate course selection wisely
Planning your course registration is a big part of your post-secondary life, especially when it comes to choosing general electives and specific theory classes within your program. However, at first, you can get lost in the sea of different elective options.
Start by going over the list of available courses. Select electives that align with your interests, career goals and curiosity. Different elective courses can help you in unexpected ways. For example, as a bachelor of journalism student, I took an elective on conspiracy theories in my first year. No, I’m not a conspiracy theorist, but the class provided me with philosophical theories that enhanced my critical thinking.
Seek advice from students who are further along in their programs. They can offer valuable insights into course selection. You might also consider doing informational interviews with faculty members to get an inside scoop on what’s taught in specific courses.
Focus on your well-being
Your mental health and well-being play a major role in meeting your academic expectations. In fact, struggling with mental health issues in post-secondary education can negatively impact your concentration, optimism and even be associated with lower averages.
That’s why, in addition to developing study habits and setting goals, prioritizing your well-being is key. Engaging in mindful activities such as yoga and gardening can have a positive impact on your post-secondary life. It can contribute to stress reduction and enhanced academic performance.
Getting enough sleep is also essential for managing academic expectations. If you find yourself feeling exhausted during the day, take advantage of the IGNITE Sleep Lounge for a refreshing mid-day power nap.
Meshanda Phillips, the project coordinator of student life experiences at Humber, shares her personal experiences as a mature student. She understands the feelings of intimidation and being out of place.
“Pushing myself out of my comfort zone by engaging with professors, connecting with peers and participating in campus activities transformed my college journey,” Phillips said. “Remember that support is accessible, but you must ask for it. Be attuned to your body’s signals, avoid overexertion and seek help instead of suffering in silence.”
Phillips emphasizes the importance of utilizing all available campus resources. She encourages mature learners to reach out to her.
Whether you’re coming straight from high school or a mature student, we understand that embarking on the post-secondary environment can be initially intimidating. But with these tips and the resources available for you on campus, you can thrive in the academic world.
If you have any questions about IGNITE and how we can support your academic journey, hit us up @shareignite.
Feature image courtesy of Matt Ragland via Unsplash.
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