Transitioning from High School to University: Some Advice for Students
For many first-year students, the process of change can be quite challenging and daunting. We refer to moving from one level to another one when we talk about transitions. When a student first starts college, the learning dynamic is difficult.
First-year students must adjust to a new learning environment and teaching style since, as we all know, change is difficult.
Tips for transitioning / dealing with change:
- Change is inevitable and we need to embrace it
- Find helpful coping mechanisms to deal with change to avoid feeling stressed and anxious
- Take it one day at a time
- Have a positive mind-set and outlook
- Speak to close friends and relatives on how you are adapting to change
Being able to fit in in a new setting is one of the most frequent problems that first-year students face. “The cycle of entering the university moves through 3 distinct stages, namely; separation, transition, and incorporation,” said Tinto Van Gennep.
Separation: During this phase, a lot of students leave their homes to live on university. They learn how to be actual adults by taking charge of their lives and adjusting to university life at this point.
Transition: After settling in, pupils start socializing and making connections with other students. Some students may experience anxiety and overwhelm throughout the first and second stages when they venture into uncharted territory.
First-year students are exposed to a range of personalities and cultural diversity. Students must interact with various staff members to establish a social and academic relationship in order to master this stage. Students can do this to blend in and create their own identities.
Given everything discussed above, making the move from high school to university is a process. Because everyone’s experience with change is unique, try not to be too hard on yourself. Try to find a means to avoid changing to new approaches, methods, and ways of learning.
