How to get through post-secondary education
The change between high school and post-secondary education requires major adjustment. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your new experience!
Choosing a program
Before you worry about how you’ll finish a post-secondary program, you should focus on choosing a program that’s right for you. Don’t choose something that you think will get you a higher salary; pick something you have a passion for! You’ll be far more motivated in your studies and/or training programs if you actually like what you’re doing. Don’t worry if you think you might change your mind about a program you chose. Many people change their mind when they realize that the program they chose in high school isn’t what they enjoy doing and are much happier when they find something they like to do.
There are a few key differences between high school and vocational programs, apprenticeships, colleges and universities that you’re going to have to get used to in a hurry!
- Your instructors will most likely not take attendance in workshops or classes; you’ll have to find your own motivation to show up!
- They’re won’t be as much time for one-on-one with your teachers or trainers during class or a training session. Therefore, it’s important to ask questions when it won’t be disruptive to your instructor’s schedule.
- Make sure your notes are legible and thorough – it’s up to you to include all the necessary information. The notes WON’T be written for you!
- You’ll most likely have a lot less hours of class compared to high school, but that doesn’t mean it’s party time – you’ll be compensated for the lack of class hours with a heavy work load.
- If you’re moving away from home, you’ll have much more freedom, which is great! But the freedom brings A LOT more responsibility: laundry, cleaning and cooking will not get done on its own. Not even during exams!
Money
Post-secondary education is very expensive. After a while you may begin to realize that everything has a price tag and sometimes – well, most of the time – that price tag is much higher than you originally anticipated. A good way to save money is to purchase or rent used textbooks. Also, make sure you go to class to get your money’s worth. For more information on budgeting, check out our How to Have Fun on a Budget and Scholarships factsheets.
Health
To get through post-secondary education, it is essential that health is on your side. Eating properly and exercising regularly will ensure your energy levels stay up. It’s really easy to just swipe your meal card and munch away- just be conscious of what you’re eating. If you don’t have a meal plan, avoid buying junk and fast food. Most post-secondary institutions also include a gym pass for their facilities in the cost of tuition – take advantage of it!
Networking
Acing a program takes more than just brainpower. Meeting new people, which is sometimes referred to as ‘Networking’, can be very helpful in getting through a post-secondary program. Networking can happen when you meet people in classes, at events, while volunteering and more. Networking with instructors and other students can help you greatly in your future. If you have any questions or difficulties while you are studying and/or working, you will have people to talk to within your new network.
Links
How to get through Post-Secondary education
The change between high school and post-secondary education requires major adjustment. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your new experience!
Choosing a Program
Before you worry about how you’ll finish a post-secondary program, you should focus on choosing a program that’s right for you. Don’t choose something that you think will get you a higher salary; pick something you have a passion for! You’ll be far more motivated in your studies and/or training programs if you actually like what you’re doing. Don’t worry if you think you might change your mind about a program you chose. Many people change their mind when they realize that the program they chose in high school isn’t what they enjoy doing and are much happier when they find something they like to do.
There are a few key differences between high school and vocational programs, apprenticeships, colleges and universities that you’re going to have to get used to in a hurry!
· Your instructors will most likely not take attendance in workshops or classes; you’ll have to find your own motivation to show up!
· They’re won’t be as much time for one-on-one with your teachers or trainers during class or a training session. Therefore, it’s important to ask questions when it won’t be disruptive to your instructor’s schedule.
· Make sure your notes are legible and thorough – it’s up to you to include all the necessary information. The notes WON’T be written for you!
· You’ll most likely have a lot less hours of class compared to high school, but that doesn’t mean it’s party time – you’ll be compensated for the lack of class hours with a heavy work load.
· If you’re moving away from home, you’ll have much more freedom, which is great! But the freedom brings A LOT more responsibility: laundry, cleaning and cooking will not get done on its own. Not even during exams!
Money
Post-secondary education is very expensive. After a while you may begin to realize that everything has a price tag and sometimes – well, most of the time – that price tag is much higher than you originally anticipated. A good way to save money is to purchase or rent used textbooks. Also, make sure you go to class to get your money’s worth. For more information on budgeting, check out our How to Have Fun on a Budget and Scholarships factsheets.
Health
To get through post-secondary education, it is essential that health is on your side. Eating properly and exercising regularly will ensure your energy levels stay up. It’s really easy to just swipe your meal card and munch away- just be conscious of what you’re eating. If you don’t have a meal plan, avoid buying junk and fast food. Most post-secondary institutions also include a gym pass for their facilities in the cost of tuition – take advantage of it!
Networking
Acing a program takes more than just brainpower. Meeting new people, which is sometimes referred to as ‘Networking’, can be very helpful in getting through a post-secondary program. Networking can happen when you meet people in classes, at events, while volunteering and more. Networking with instructors and other students can help you greatly in your future. If you have any questions or difficulties while you are studying and/or working, you will have people to talk to within your new network.
Links
CBC News- Student Survival Guide
