Worried that you might not adjust well to your new campus? Fret not – we’ve got you covered with some handy tips that will ensure you have loads of fun during the next three years of your tertiary life.
#1 GO TO ORIENTATION
Most freshies tend to skip out on orientation because they don’t see the need to, but it’s a rite of passage that will help you to ease into your second home. Not only will you be able to get a sense of what the campus environment will be like, you’ll get a firsthand glimpse into all the amazing facilities your school offers and even meet some of your future classmates. Be prepared to take part in a ton of icebreaker games and team- building activities during orientation – it’s a great way to bond with your group mates before the first-day jitters set in!
#2 Socialise Aplenty
It’s normal to feel shy on the first day, but you’ll have a hard time making friends if you don’t mingle around with new faces, especially with your classmates. They will be the ones you spend the most time with in school – be it during lunch breaks or grouping up for projects – therefore it’s important to put yourself out there and initiate conversations with others. Joining an extracurricular activity also helps to expand your social circle beyond classroom walls, so do yourself a favour and check out the CCA booths if you’re heading down to the Open Houses!
#3 Develop Self-Discipline
Unlike secondary school, the campus culture here is a lot more open and flexible as students are treated as mature, responsible adults. Don’t expect your lecturers to lead you through all your assignments like how you’re used to – tertiary education is all about taking charge of your own learning and being adept at working independently. Without constant supervision, it may be tempting to skip classes and slack off on your studies, but you’ve got to buck up if you want to maintain that 4.0 GPA. Remember, it’s a cumulative effort throughout all three years and once your grades spiral, it can be hard to get yourself back on track.
#4 Take Initiative
Things can get a little fast-paced during lectures so if you find that you have a hard time keeping up, don’t be afraid to raise questions – it shows that you’re engaged and eager to learn. It’s also important to be consistent in note-taking to ensure that you don’t miss anything out, because chances are they won’t be running through the contents again. In case you have additional doubts you would like to clarify, consider booking a consultation slot with your lecturer to gather feedback about your progress. They’ll appreciate you being proactive and are more than willing to help!
#5 Be Yourself
Call us corny if you will, but the most crucial factor in ensuring a smooth transition from secondary school to a brand new tertiary institution – is to be yourself. Never feel pressured to change yourself in order to fit in. As much as you want to be part of the ‘in’ crowd, giving in to social pressure just because you want to be liked, can result in self-esteem issues and may even affect your grades in the long run. Only when you’re truly comfortable in your own skin will you be able to radiate good vibes, which in turn lets others be comfortable in your presence. Gradually, people will come to accept you for who you are once they know you’re fun to hang out with!
This article was adapted from Teenage Passport To Your Future 2019.
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