When the acceptance letters go out and the bags get packed, every incoming student gets a variation of the same sentiment from the supporters in their life: “University is going to be so different.” But how different can it really be?
To give you a real scoop, recent graduates share the advice they wish they’d had on day one.
Manage your time and stay consistent
The biggest realization in first year is that your schedule isn’t a rigid, structured block anymore. You are entirely responsible for your own time. Get yourself in order early: make a schedule, use a planner, be on time to class and be punctual with your submissions. Most importantly, do your homework and readings consistently instead of trying to cram everything into the night before a deadline. It honestly helps you absorb the material so much more.
Review, preview and de-cram
Don’t let procrastination dictate your essay writing. Review the material you covered in class later the same day while it’s still fresh. It also doesn’t hurt to preview upcoming material before a lecture starts, so you can map out questions for your instructor. When the workload gets heavy, approach readings with genuine curiosity and don’t be afraid to gently push the boundaries of your writing.
Talk to tutors and use office hours
Chatting through an essay idea with one of King’s tutors beforehand can feel intimidating, but it is always worth it. Remember that office hours are there entirely for you—you aren’t “bothering” your professors by showing up.
Beyond the classroom, intentionally build connections across the whole campus. Get to know your peers, upper-years, professors and the lovely Prince Hall employees. If you need a hand, someone is always close by and happy to help or share advice.
Take courses with friends
If you’ve got some flexibility and are looking for a fun elective, make plans with friends to take the same class. It makes the experience more enjoyable, having folks go through it with you!
Leave room to evolve
There is intense pressure to have your entire academic plan, major and career goals fully figured out by 18. Take a breath; it is completely normal not to have everything mapped out on the first day. Give yourself permission to discover things the high school version of you didn’t even know you’d be interested in. Take chances and explore your identity during the Foundation Year Program (FYP) and into your upper years. Eventually, you figure out where your classes are, what you’re passionate about and where you belong.
Go all-in on campus opportunities
Classes are important, but a great university experience requires getting involved beyond the books. Take advantage of our vibrant community through unique pathways like student employment or the experiential learning program—milestones that look great on a resume. Whether you want to broadcast a game, try out for a sports team, go on a student trip or join an intramural group, just go for it. Trying new activities makes the whole degree fun and connects you with similar people.
Seek out the common spaces
To beat the first-year loneliness, try to put yourself out there. Go to campus events, student societies, formal meals and the residence common rooms. If your specific floor doesn’t have a common space, go to somebody else’s—you’ll see just how excited people are to make friends. Stop by the Galley, hang out in the Quad or ask an upper-year student what their favourite courses were. Stepping into these spaces makes it easy to build a community of people who love learning as much as you do.
Give yourself space to breathe
It is easy to overwork yourself and academic burnout is very real. While you need to study hard, you must balance it by blocking off time in your week to just chill and practice self-care. Take a break from campus completely to grab a bite at Tart & Soul or discover why the library archives are Halifax’s best-kept secret. Your mind and body will thank you when midterms and finals arrive, swear.
Get off the Quad and explore
Get out, go on adventures and explore the city! There are so many hidden gems in Halifax. Take the time to see what the broader community has to offer while you’re here. Everything being new and a little bit scary at first is just part of the process. Four years fly by, and there truly is no place quite like King’s!
Want to hear these tips straight from the grads themselves? Watch the video to get inspired for your own journey!
