Find friends and manage your time were among the advice for students going into first year of postsecondary studies.
Raidyn Brodhagen, a first-year student in Radio Broadcasting at Humber, said making friends helped him significantly.
“It’s going to help you socially but it’s also going to be beneficial for your entire career in college. You’re going to have people to help you with assignments, jobs, and you’re also going to open up your social circle.” Brodhagen said.
He also said he has met more people to whom he can relate since coming to college.
“I know more people who feel like me, we have the same interests.” he said.
Since returning to in-person classes, he said it is much easier to socialize.
“There’s way more small talk in in-person classes. We got breaks in between lessons, which was a great opportunity to meet people and talk about things I wouldn’t talk about with my professor,” Brodhagen said.
Brodhagen said his time management skills have improved since coming to college.
Students should be prepared for the time management skills they need to be successful in their program, said Cathy Bidini, the Program Coordinator of Media Communications at Humber College.
“Deadlines are really important. Students should learn those skills before coming to post-secondary, or at least be willing to learn them when they get here,” Bidini said.
Many students are trying to catch up with in-person classes they have missed by going online.
“They should not be assuming that they can get caught up online if it is an in-person class. We’re seeing students who have been through COVID, and now we’re transitioning back to in-person, and they think can remain online,” Bidni said.
Theo Bulani, a University of Guelph-Humber student of Psychology and also receiving a diploma in General Arts & Science from Humber, said that he expected the workload to be the same as high school.
“That was not good,” Bulani said. “We’re doing the same stuff as high school, just more of it. Make sure you don’t just read the material once. Read the slides twice a day with a ten minute break in between.”
Cathy Tran, a former Humber student of Cosmetic Management, said not to focus on the unimportant things.
“Throw away high school drama. Focus on your work and school. Obviously, it’s okay to make friends but you’re here for a reason and spending money on your education.” Tran said.
Humber College also has many resources made to help students struggling with workload and mental health issues.
“There are counselling services to assist students with some other challenges that need to be addressed. There is the Accessible Learning Services office where students can get academic accommodations if they need further support.” Cathy Bidni said.
There are also student support advisors to whom students can reach out for assistance.
Dan Rowe, the Program Coordinator for Humber’s Bachelor of Journalism program, said the supports are excellent.
“The counsellors are fantastic, they work closely with the students. They can benefit students both in terms of managing workload and the stress that can come with school and also personal issues as well.” Rowe said.
He said seeking out those supports sooner rather than later is important.