As the school year comes to a close, students are reflecting on everything that has happened this past academic year, offering advice to new students as a heads-up for what they are about to experience.
“Making friends in my program was the best thing I could have ever done,” said Jordon Schaffer a third-year HVAC student at Humber.
“Having people to study with and who you can ask questions about assignments, made things so much easier,”
Schaffer said the most important advice he’d give to first-year students is to get to know those around them. The people you sit next to on that first day of class could be people you sit near for the next several years and you should make the effort to get acquainted.
Entrance to the LRC building at Humber College's north campus. Photo credit: Jess Munday
“I also recommend living in residence your first year- at least if you’re from out of town,” Schaffer said. “It helped me make a lot of good friends during my year away from home.”
For some students, their first year at college is often their first time living away from home and that can be scary.
In a world that expects you to enter post-secondary education right after high school, many students come to their first year of college or university completely unprepared for what is to come.
Emily Milic an Associate Director at Humber College, shared how she made the most of her experience at university in the early 2000s, “Before starting university, I made a vow to myself to get involved. I figured that if I tried different extracurriculars, clubs and activities I would be able to find my place.”
Milic made it her mission to find her place on campus, to get involved and make the effort to enjoy her time at university.
LRC building at Humber College's north campus. Photo credit: Jess Munday
“When I attended university, it was my first time living away from home and anticipated forming life-long friendships with the people I would live and study with. I was fortunate to have that be the case.” she said.
Meeting new people and sometimes having to have a roommate(s) for the first time is a common hurdle for many attending college or university, however, finding the right people makes things easier.
“My advice to first-year students is to explore the opportunities that your post-secondary institution provides for you,” said Milic.
“Feeling connected to your college and feeling like you can reach out for help when you need it is so important. Don’t forget to explore the supports and resources that are offered as well.”
Other students stress the point of making sure you attend your classes. No longer are the days when the school would call home to tell your parents you skipped third period.
“Go to class and ask questions,” said Logan Fargo, a third-year sustainable energy student at Humber. “Participate. Your instructor will get to know you and you will learn more if you just raise your hand and ask questions.”
Study area in the hall of gratitude at Humber college's north campus. Photo credit: Jess Munday
Fargo expressed the importance of getting to know your professors and other staff in your program so that if you need help you know who to turn to. Instructors and professors are there to help you throughout your academic career.
“We pay a lot to be here. Might as well get our moneys worth,” Fargo said.
Post-secondary education is a privilege many spend years saving for, so go to class.
Each and every student is going to have a different first-year experience, no matter the program or specialty, uni or college, there will be struggles but making the most of it sure helps the process.