Current Humber students and staff gave their advice on what incoming first year students need to do both socially and educationally to succeed in college.
Fourth year justice studies student William Rogerson said new students shouldn’t be afraid to try new things and meet new people.
He said it’s important to get out there and meet new people as quickly as possible.
“I came here in first year, I stayed in residence,” Rogerson said. “I’m fairly introverted, but I made a point to go out and kind of make myself okay with being uncomfortable and talking to whoever I can.”
It’s also important to hand in all of your work, even if it’s a day late, he said.
Rogerson said that there are some times where taking the five per cent deduction can be an option and not something to stress over too much.
“You have to remember that there are gonna be times when you can’t hand every assignment in on time,” the student said. “It’s not the end of the world if you have to hand something in a day late,” he said, adding that “as long as you’re getting things done, it’s ok.”
First year Recreation and Leisure studies student Jackie Kam said it’s important to be yourself.
Students should make sure they are comfortable and not to do anything that they are uncomfortable doing, he said.
“You can’t really hide yourself here,” Kam said. “Only you know what’s best for you.”
First year justice studies student Vivienne Close said finding a good place to study is important for managing schoolwork.
“Find a good place to study,” she said. “Walk around campus or residence and just find a good, quiet place that you can focus and do your work.”
It’s also important to find a group of people that you enjoy hanging out with, Close said.
“It might take some time, but you will find someone,” she said.
Humber professor Anne Zbitnew said it’s important to go to every class and stay on top of your work to help relieve stress.
She said it’s a bad idea to prioritize some classes over others because it can lead to falling behind in some classes.
“I think that if you can come to all your classes, hand your stuff in, do the best you can, don’t worry about grades and try to learn as much as you can, it’ll really help,” Zbitnew said.
There are lots of resources for support and counseling at Humber for students that are struggling, Zbitnew said.
Talking to teachers at the start of the year is another way to meet new people, since they can help introduce you to others in the class, she said.