University Life: the Real Challenge

There are a lot in-stored to neophytes getting started!

College and university life is another environment for learning. Embracing diversity in college and learning about other people who are decidedly different from you will often teach you how alike we really are. At the same time, when you prepare for college by embracing such diversity, you are giving yourself a distinct advantage in life. As the world becomes smaller, matters of business, health, education, religion, and more take on a greater immediate importance.

At school, you will have the opportunity to meet a diverse assortment of people of different characters, cultures, and religions. You will meet people with different relationship preferences. Prepare for a wide array of diversity at college and the benefits of getting to know people from all walks of life. Embracing diversity also allows you to gain a greater perspective on the world we all share. For neophytes, learn what are in-stored for you on campus. Read on…

College life

The move to college can be a major adjustment. In addition to tougher coursework, a foreign environment, and a dramatic new level of independence, some of the biggest obstacles a new college freshman will face have practical solutions. As with any new challenge, the old boy scout credo of "be prepared" holds true once again.

From fighting homesickness, to being prepared for a medical situation, to getting to know and learn from people whom are different than you, college gives you a chance to really shine. Indeed, no one said the transition to adulthood would be easy, but when you learn how to prepare for college, you also learn how to prepare for life as an adult.

Away from home

For most freshman, going to college will mark the first time they will be spending a considerable amount of time away from the comfortable confines of home and loved ones. It helps to know that your family is also going through the same situation. While you prepare for boarding life and are making plans for your new home, your parents are likely making plans to turn your old room into "guest room" where they will only "occasionally" charge rent to boarders who would like to "stay" there.

All joking aside, your relationships with friends and family are special, but those relationships didn't build themselves. You had a lot to do with that. An essential way to prepare for college is to start by giving yourself some credit; you are an interesting and unique person who will be surrounded by thousands of other interesting and unique people. And just because you've left home doesn't mean you can't still stay in touch. Your parents will enjoy hearing from you – with technological communication – exchanging text messages and telephone calls. And even visit them sometimes.

Getting in campus

Getting used to a new environment can be challenging when you are trying to get to classes that are located all over the institution, especially if you have classes spread to different colleges and/or transferring from one building to another. To help you find your way around campus, just remember to tour the university and if you do get lost, ask help from the authorities concerned or your peer. From now on, start getting use to it – from taking steps to long stairs to not-that-lengthy ways!

Also, getting used to a new city can be a bit daunting, even for the most adventurous people. To help you find your way around town, wander town with a native.

Study problems

Working towards a degree is challenging - after all, anything worth having is worth working for! However, we do know that adjusting to the academic demands can be tricky and we are here to help - don't be afraid to ask!

Like, talking to mentors about any problem encountered on lectures or the subject - they will have lots of good advice to help you cope with your studies. Often they will advertise times when any student can pop into their offices. And even consulting to new friends in campus.

It's not all work!

When things get tough try to remember why you chose to return to study in the first place. Sometimes it's easy to forget this in the whirlwind of the first few weeks. And don't forget - being mature doesn't mean you can't get involved in activities or the students' association. There is more to university life than just your course!

For some students, the biggest hurdle to overcome is finding the balance between their studies and the huge number of opportunities outside of class to meet new people, join clubs and societies, and try new and exciting activities.

If you don't attend classes, or leave enough time for self study or revision, your grades could suffer and you could have difficulties around exam time. At the same time, if you don't find time to make new friends, try out some new activities and generally relax, you will be missing out on a huge and very important aspect of university life.

Another way to help prepare for college is to know that you should, and will likely want to, get out and meet people. Just about every college or university has a many different student organizations and extracurricular and co-curricular activities comprised of people with common interests such as: student publication, religious affiliations, student government, sports associations and many more. Every semester these organization welcome new members just like you!

Students who have had a break from study sometimes find it difficult to readjust. Problems do crop up from time to time, whether personal or academic. However, there are lots of support you can access – your coursemates, new friends, Student Affairs Office, and Counseling Assessment Resource Enhancement center to name only a few. Don't be afraid to ask - it's better to ask when you first realize you may be having difficulty rather than waiting until the problem has become even bigger and is getting on top of you.

Making the adjustment to university can be a real challenge. Students are expected to take more responsibility for their own learning and have to adapt to the fast pace of study at university. While, university provides a great opportunity to mix with a wide range of people of all ages, cultures and backgrounds. Sometimes however, you may find that you just want to be with people who share your age and life experiences! Lots of luck to university life!