University and high school are similar in a variety of ways. You get your education there, you meet a lot of cool people, and a lot of your time is spent in these institutions. But there are also a lot of key differences that you should know about before you start university. I had no idea what to expect- I thought it would be the same as high school, just with more freedom. But initially, there was a lot I didn't know!
Navigating campus
The first thing you will realize is that the size of the campus is larger than what you may be typically used to. With so many buildings, it can sometimes be tricky to find your way around here!
Using York’s campus maps can be a great help. I was late to a few of my first classes because I got lost. My advice: walk around campus ahead of time to get familiar with the space. You can even check out all your lecture halls the week before school starts.
Pro tip: Attend one of our campus tours to learn more about York and the resources you can find here.
Understanding your courses
The structure and size of your classes are often different in university than in high school. We have lectures and tutorials or labs. A lecture is sometimes held in a large auditorium, and your professor or instructor covers the main bulk of the content for the week. Then, you can also have tutorials or labs for some of your courses that require more one-on-one information. Your TA (teaching assistant) is often the person who grades your assignments and can help you with more individual support when it comes to your course.
Pro tip: Attend your instructor or teaching assistant’s office hours. This is a time when you can ask them for help.
Student life and meeting friends
Friendships often form naturally in high school through shared classes and daily interactions. However, with a larger campus and more flexible schedules, making friends can sometimes require more effort in university. Joining extracurricular clubs and attending on-campus events helps with this. My favourite on-campus event is the YFS CultureFest, where every cultural club presents and showcases their culture. It highlights the best part of being in such a diverse space.
Pro tip: Did you know that York has more than 350 student clubs and organizations? Check out the YFS and SCLD websites for the list of extracurricular clubs you could join!
Staying organized
In university, everything is in your control which is great, but unlike high school, where teachers provide frequent reminders about assignments and homework, university students learn to independently balance it all. Your professors and York’s campus services are always there to help, but it is more of something that you will take the initiative on.
Plan your time according to what assignments are due and when. The amount of free time I had initially was exciting, but I soon realized some of it was there so I could do my readings or meet with my classmates. Prioritize and organize your time and use your new freedom as a superpower!
Pro tip: If you feel overwhelmed, there are many services available to support you.
There are multiple differences between university and high school, but big changes mean big adventures, and with time, you'll come to enjoy it all. It might seem complex but you don’t have to do it alone. There are so many resources to help you succeed!