You’ve done it! First year is over. But as you said tearful goodbyes to your friends and walked through the Quad fantasizing about being able to shower without shoes on, you may have been left feeling adrift. What comes after? Where do you go from here?
You aren’t alone in asking these questions; nearly every first-year student before you has felt this way. From one King’s student to another, here are my tips for making sure your second year is even better than the first.
1. Get to know your new department
While we know you’ll always look back on your FYP or first-year tutorials with fondness (and maybe a touch of dread), it’s time to move into the next stage of your education. Your chosen department (or departments, if you’re going for a double major), is your new home in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences or the Faculty of Science. Many departments have libraries, lounges and even dedicated student societies for anyone thinking of getting a degree in their field. Even if you haven’t picked your major yet, try attending a department meeting or mixer at the start of the year; you might even get some free pizza!
2. Get involved on campus (and at Dal)
By now, you probably know at least a couple of student societies on King’s campus; maybe you’ve even gotten involved as a general member or a first-year rep. And while you’re encouraged to stay in King’s societies, second year is a great time to take a look at what Dal has to offer and try to branch out. From volunteering and sports to creative hobbies, there is a student society for everyone.
3. Stay organized
For many students coming out of FYP, you’ve experienced tons of reading due every day, a tutorial after every lecture and a paper due every other week. It’s a major achievement to finish such a rigorous program. For others, you may already be used to juggling several classes, but the second year still brings a different level of independence and expectations.
With competing deadlines, a more irregular class schedule and tons of new classmates and professors, it can be difficult to stay on top of everything. It’s a good idea to develop an organizational system that works for you to balance your new responsibilities while still having a social life.
4. Make use of campus resources
Those fees you see in your student accounts bill don’t just go into a void; they fund all the amazing resources on King’s/Dal campus. From the KSU to the student health and wellness team to the accessibility centre, there are so many staff and students ready to answer any questions you may have. These student services (and many more) are available to you while you’re a student, so be sure to take advantage!
5. Keep in touch
With many moving off campus for second year, we encourage you to stay as connected as possible! Sit in the Quad and do your new readings, grab a coffee at The Galley and reminisce with your friends about the good (and sometimes bad) days. King’s is still your campus even if you don’t have class in Alumni Hall anymore.
Whether you came through FYP or another first-year path, your time at university is just getting started. Take it slow, try something new and enjoy the many milestones to come!
