Students and faculty at Humber College are reflecting as the school year comes to an end by offering advice to future first-year students.
Starting college is intimidating but Humber students and faculty have some advice to ease the burden.
“Some advice I would give to first-year students is to make friends in the program because it’s always good to have someone to ask questions to and work alongside,” said Julia Gismondi, a student in second year in the early childhood education program.
“I would also say to keep an agenda or calendar to keep track of due dates,” she said.
Keeping track of deadlines can help students figure out the best way to manage their time so they avoid procrastinating or having to ask for extensions.
And, students said, this doesn’t mean that students should shy away from asking for extensions or asking for help when they need it.
“My advice for first year students is if you are struggling with time management, keep an open line of communication between you and your profs,” said Alyson Fortowsky, a WRIT prof who teaches professional writing skills to many first year students.
“I feel like when people enter college they think they have to figure everything out on their own but you need to reach out when you’re struggling, otherwise we won’t know,” she said.
As important as it is to get schoolwork done, students shouldn’t forget to take breaks every once in a while.
Ben Garvie had some advice to offer to future first-year students that find themselves struggling with finding balance.
“I would tell first year students not to take classes too serious]y, have fun with it, put the work in to succeed in your classes,” said Garvie, a third year student in the justice studies program.
“But don’t work to the extent that makes your classes and your program less enjoyable,” he said.
Life tends to get a bit chaotic during the first year of college because everyone is trying to adjust to being in a new learning environment. This means that students might be required to reassess what their priorities are and how they align with their education.
Marcell Pieniazen, a fourth year student in the Bachelor of design program had some advice to share with upcoming first-year students that may find themselves in this position.
“As dark as it may sound, my advice for future first year students would be for them to assess what you want in life and figure out what things you have to sacrifice or are willing to sacrifice,” said Pieniazen.