As the winter semester ends, Humber News asked students and faculty to share their experiences and advice for future college students entering their first year.
Shaheen Ameen, a first-year Interior Decorating student, said staying organized is key.
“Just make sure you have notebooks and a copy of your schedule,” she said. “Whether on your phone or even on paper, write everything down so you know when and what is due.”
Using learning tools like Blackboard Ultra is “like having an online support system,” she said, referring to the college’s learning management system, where students can message their professors and classmates, find links to other student support services and stay on top of coursework.
As well, school activities keep students company during long breaks, said Ameen.
“Every day, there is something new and unexpected around here,” she said, adding she once stumbled upon a live performance while at the Starbucks in the Learning Resource Commons building at the North campus which houses student services and areas for studying and socializing.
“I just sat there and watched it for a bit,” she said.
Ameen said she has switched colleges and programs while working to discover her true passion. Today, she said she is enjoying her time at Humber.
“Even coming back to school from online has been helpful,” she said. “It’s making me motivated to complete the program.”
Each year, the college receives 110,000 program applications. Among those enrolled are 6,500 international students from more than 130 countries.
Those students include Namandeep Kaur, a first-year international student from the Cosmetic Management program.
Adjusting can be challenging at first, she said.
“Explore around,” she said. “If you have any questions, just go to the LRC.”
Namandeep Kaur, an international student in her first semester of the Cosmetic Management program, told Humber News she enjoys meeting new people from different countries. Photo credit: Annicca Albano
The International Centre on the fourth floor of the Learning Resource Commons is where international students like Kaur can get help with study permit concerns, join campus tours and attend events with fellow newcomers.
“It’s really nice to be in this new environment, learning about different things,” Kaur said.
Atwin Henry, a first-year Sport Management student, said college sports fans should visit the Athletic Centre.
“If you want to work with the team, it’ll probably be hard,” he said. “But you should always try. You never know.”
“My favourite moment is watching the varsity basketball team play the games — the home games,” he added.
From basketball and soccer to curling and badminton, Humber recruits some of the finest student-athletes across various sports to compete nationally and provincially, according to the Humber Hawks website.
In the winter season alone, Hawks brought home 15 medals with 11 golds, two silvers, and two bronzes.
When asked for advice on how first-year students can participate in extracurricular activities while adapting to life in college, Henry said there is no hurry.
“Just take your time. Everything will flow,” he said.
Genelle Levy, a Journalism professor, said she would “try to pursue more passions outside of class” if she could redo her college experience.
Genelle Levy, a Faculty of Media and Creative Arts professor, told Humber News that personal blogging and content creation could help journalism students increase their chances of landing great jobs after college. Photo credit: Annicca Albano
Levy said she has been enjoying her first semester of teaching at Humber. She said the college’s emphasis on applied learning aligns with her philosophy as a teacher.
“I’m constantly trying to think outside of the box and get students prepared for what’s outside of the classroom,” she said.
Levy advised students to get to know their professors, who are working professionals and could create opportunities for them.
“The best and most important relationships you will have at Humber are with the people sitting beside you,” she said. “If you are curious, you’ll go really, really far.”
A college education is not just sitting and taking notes in class, Levy said.
“It’s also learning how to balance assignments, manage your time, make time to take care of yourself, and do the things you enjoy.”
Humber’s First Year Experience was created for this reason. Exclusively for first-year students, FYE is a support and peer mentoring program to help them successfully transition academically and socially.
“Drink more water and get some sleep,” Levy added. “I know it’s hard, but you can only perform well if you do those things first.”
Humber College North Campus also offers fitness, health, counselling and accessible learning services through the Student Wellness and Accessibility Centre in LRC.
It is open from Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. All Humber and Guelph-Humber students are welcome.