3 answers
Ansley
Student
Chester, South Carolina
1
Question
Updated
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College life?
How can high school students best prepare for the transition to college life? What is the best way to prepare for being a college student and getting involved in college life?
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3 answers
Hamilton Gregg M.Ed, CEP
University and Careers Guidance Counselor
2
Answers
Beijing, China
Updated
Hamilton’s Answer
That is a great question! Aside from what Ms. Posser mentioned, start thinking about what kind of university or college you want to attend. Think about size (student population), location, style of teaching (do you want big lectures or small classes and how best do you learn), what you may want to study and where in the world you want to go to have a rich and vibrant education experience - academically, personally and socially. Right now you have tons of options around the world but as you begin to focus on what you want in these areas, you will begin to discard some and add some schools. The more you research, the better you will find schools that 'fit" what you are looking for, bearing in mind there is no perfect school.
Begin to attend university/college visits to your school, university fairs, etc.. Beginning the research process in Grade 10 is a great way to prepare for college life. Get to know your college counselor, if your school has one. Talk to your teachers and ask them about their university experience. As you narrow your list, begin to add your name to mailing lists (email). This way you are beginning to get tailored email information from those universities that will provide you with more information.
There are also great resources beyond the university/college website (though this is the most important resource. The Fiske Guide is one of my favorites but there are many others.
Remember, applying to university and making good choices is about your future. You are the one going, and the better you know what you want and find those schools that provide the kinds of opportunities you are seeking, the happy you will be when you go.
Good luck and enjoy the process.
Begin to attend university/college visits to your school, university fairs, etc.. Beginning the research process in Grade 10 is a great way to prepare for college life. Get to know your college counselor, if your school has one. Talk to your teachers and ask them about their university experience. As you narrow your list, begin to add your name to mailing lists (email). This way you are beginning to get tailored email information from those universities that will provide you with more information.
There are also great resources beyond the university/college website (though this is the most important resource. The Fiske Guide is one of my favorites but there are many others.
Remember, applying to university and making good choices is about your future. You are the one going, and the better you know what you want and find those schools that provide the kinds of opportunities you are seeking, the happy you will be when you go.
Good luck and enjoy the process.
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
College life is very different from high school because you have more freedom, more responsibility, and many opportunities to grow. One of the best ways to prepare for college is to start building strong study habits now. In college, no one will remind you to finish assignments, attend classes, or prepare for exams, you're completely responsible for managing your own time. That's why it helps to practice these skills early. Begin by planning your week, breaking big tasks into smaller steps, and studying a little each day instead of waiting until the last minute.
Another important step is developing independence. In college, you will make more decisions on your own, like how to spend your money, when to study, or who to spend time with. You can practice independence now by taking responsibility for your schoolwork, managing your schedule, and helping with small tasks at home. Learning basic life skills (such as cooking simple meals, doing laundry, or managing a budget) also prepares you for living on your own.
To prepare for college life, start by getting involved in your high school community. You can join clubs, sports teams, volunteer groups, or any activity that interests you. These experiences help you develop important skills like leadership, teamwork, and communication, which will make it easier to participate in college organizations. Students who engage in activities in high school often find it easier to make friends, feel confident, and adjust to new environments once they reach college.
Building confidence and social skills is also important. College introduces you to new people from different backgrounds. You can prepare by practicing how to communicate clearly, ask questions in class, and meet new people.
Another important step is developing independence. In college, you will make more decisions on your own, like how to spend your money, when to study, or who to spend time with. You can practice independence now by taking responsibility for your schoolwork, managing your schedule, and helping with small tasks at home. Learning basic life skills (such as cooking simple meals, doing laundry, or managing a budget) also prepares you for living on your own.
To prepare for college life, start by getting involved in your high school community. You can join clubs, sports teams, volunteer groups, or any activity that interests you. These experiences help you develop important skills like leadership, teamwork, and communication, which will make it easier to participate in college organizations. Students who engage in activities in high school often find it easier to make friends, feel confident, and adjust to new environments once they reach college.
Building confidence and social skills is also important. College introduces you to new people from different backgrounds. You can prepare by practicing how to communicate clearly, ask questions in class, and meet new people.
I will use this advice as I prepare for my career.
Ansley
That's great to hear! I'm glad the advice was helpful.
Wong Loke Yuen
Tammy Prosser
Educator
54
Answers
Buffalo, New York
Updated
Tammy’s Answer
Before you go, make sure you finish your senior year strong. Keep up your grades and enjoy the time left in high school. Ask your high school counselor for ways to prepare- there are many timelines out there with lots of good information to help you organize yourself. Look out for deadlines from the college as well about acceptance, financial aid, housing, food plans and other things you may need to submit or consider. Think about your finances and talk with your parents about your plans- will you work while in school, do you need money for textbooks and supplies, etc. create a budget! Think about things like a new laptop, dorm supplies or other planning items. If you are going far away, it might help to plan your first trip home before you go (Fall break or after the Fall semester).
Before you go, the college admissions office will have a lot of great information for you about dorm life/where to live and how to get involved once you’re there.
Once you get there- Go to orientation and ask questions. Be on the look out for welcome back or new student events sponsored by the college and be sure to attend. Check bulletin boards around campus for clubs and activities that you can join. There are often tables set up in the student union or food areas during the first few weeks where you can learn about all kinds of activities, events, and resources available to you on campus… Plus, they usually hand out a lot of free stuff!
It’s great to plan but don’t forget to enjoy the journey along the way too!
Visit: https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/plan-for-college?navId=gf-bff-plhm
Before you go, the college admissions office will have a lot of great information for you about dorm life/where to live and how to get involved once you’re there.
Once you get there- Go to orientation and ask questions. Be on the look out for welcome back or new student events sponsored by the college and be sure to attend. Check bulletin boards around campus for clubs and activities that you can join. There are often tables set up in the student union or food areas during the first few weeks where you can learn about all kinds of activities, events, and resources available to you on campus… Plus, they usually hand out a lot of free stuff!
It’s great to plan but don’t forget to enjoy the journey along the way too!
Tammy recommends the following next steps:
Thank you for the advice, Tammy.
Ansley