1. Get
Organized.
Set yourself up for success. Get a planner. Get a calendar.
Highlighters. Pens. Notebooks. Do you know where your classes are? A little
time spent preparing yourself will make that first month a little less
stressful.
2. Settle Into Your
Living Situation.
Have roommates? Discuss boundaries/expectations. For example:
What can I do to make living together more comfortable for you? Make your space your own. If you are living at home still, maybe
this is the time to add a study
space and create an area where you can focus.
3. Find The
Resources.
Look into all the services that are available to you on campus
and utilize them. Meet the TA's, figure out how the library works, join a study
group. Universities have an abundance of support - but they won't find you, you
need to be proactive and reach out to them.
4. Make School Your
1st Priority.
It is your choice to be here. It is a big financial decision and
it will be your life for the next 4 years. University is your full-time job, so
balance your social decisions with your
primary goal. In considering balance, although school is priority number
one, it doesn't mean you can't have a little fun. Be present in the experience
and really make it a goal to enjoy this time in your life. The late night
studying, the cafeteria food, those
special prof's - will all be wonderful memories one day.
5. Get a Part-Time
Job, Join a Social Club or Volunteer.
This is a great way to meet people and have a little fun but
make sure to set limits on the time spent on these social activities. Having a
weekly commitment will help you stay
organized, bolster your resume and enhance your connection with your
community.
6. Watch The
Partying.
Be mindful of the dangers of binge-drinking. Safety should
always be a priority. Be sure to do a check-in
with yourself after a late night. Did you really feel more confident and social while drinking? Is being
tired and hung-over worth it? Plan activities where alcohol isn't the
main focus. Check out this Wiki-How for great tips on preventing binge-drinking
http://www.wikihow.com/Stop-Binge-Drinking
7. Make Healthy
Choices.
Sleeping, Healthy Eating and Exercise are the foundations of feeling well. Use your gym membership,
work on making a few health food choices throughout the day and get a sleep
routine in order. Taking care of your self will make writing papers and taking
tests a little less draining.
8. Know Your
Program.
Do the research on what your program will look like in 2nd, 3rd
and 4th year. Are you inspired and excited? First year is typically an
introduction period and specialized courses come in the final years. You should
be looking ahead and understand what that will look like for you. Meet with
your Academic Advisor to clarify what your journey will be like. If it's your
major - be excited about it or for the opportunities it will create for
you.
9. Reflect on Your
Expectations.
A self-directed learning environment takes a bit to get use to.
It will not be easy in the beginning, but you will find your way. A great
way to gauge your success is not based on your high-school grades but on the
class average of that course. If you don't understand, you need to ask
questions. The best advice: attend lectures, take notes. Read the
assigned chapters, take notes. Take notes of your notes. You're preparing for
the exam the whole way through, not just the week before.
10. If Your
Struggling, Overwhelmed or Unsure - Get Help.
University is a stressful time, full of changes and challenges.
Don't struggle in silence. Reach out and ask for help - there are so many
caring and supportive people on and off campus - ready and willing to help you.
Depression, anxiety and thoughts of suicide are common on campus - don't let the stigma of mental health
challenges be a barrier, once you are connected to the appropriate resources,
these stressors can become
manageable.
Here are two Helpful Links:
Ontario Suicide Prevention Network: http://ospn.ca/
Mental Health HelpLine (Anonomyous & Free Resources): http://www.mentalhealthhelpline.ca/
This Blog brought to you by Bliss Specialist Jenna
Bliss Individual and
Relationship Counselling offer a Student Discount (services may be covered
under your extended or school benefits plan). Call us at 226-247-4123 or email us at info@bliss-therapy.org to set up an appointment or complimentary consultation.