Start Online - Centre for New Students

Information for Parents and Families Guide to University Learning
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Countdown to the launch of STARTonline.ca: 2012-06-01 08:00:00 GMT-04:00

 

Ellis Hayman
Posted: Fri, 08 Jul 2011 09:13

You got that right! University is definitely not like high school. I think that new students realize this difference pretty instantaneously, as Orientation Week sends you on a whirlwind adventure packed with cool events and barbeques. This immediate change in friends, activities, and diets tells us that university is bound to be unlike high school, one of the biggest alterations lies within the learning environment.

My high school experience was pretty darn structured in that time management was basically done for me. Aside from a weekend assignment here and there, I did most of my school work in school! University requires a little more thought, as you are given way more freedom, and it’s not hard to choose movie night in the common room over making a dent in your history textbook. That being said, it is really important to plan out your activities- social, academic, and self-care. Take advantage of your free agenda that is provided to you in O-Week, or use the calendar component of your GryphMail e-mail account. By structuring your time, you will get the benefits of both worlds: successful grades AND a fun time. You’ll also find more time to get involved in other campus activities, which is the best aspect of all.

University is great, especially if a key word is PLAN.


Ellis Hayman Student Life student@uoguelph.ca