“I think the biggest challenge for me was the differences between college and university, especially with timetables, course options, and generally how the degree system works. I would’ve benefited from talking to someone.” - Megan
No two schools are alike, but there are some common differences between Colleges and Universities in Ontario, including the size of the institution and the classes, and reading, writing and time management expectations. Check out the below video to learn about the three key differences between learning at university versus college.
Differences Between College and University
Choosing and registering for classes
Unlike in most college programs, students must select and register for their classes, and there are often many options from which you can choose. Registration for the fall and winter semesters opens in June each year and registering as early as possible gives you the most choices. Check out the Plan & Register for Classes page for more details.
Responsibility for meeting degree requirements
Students are responsible for reviewing, understanding, and meeting program and degree requirements. Without careful planning you may not be eligible to graduate when you want, or maintain the course load you want. Check out this page for tips.
Terminology
Are you curious or confused about some of the new terms you are reading or hearing about?
Review this page to better understand terms like Seminar, Syllabus, and the Academic Calendar:
University 101: A Glossary of Terms
The Registrar's Office breaks down Course Codes, Acronyms like LAB, LEC, SEM, and building abbreviations:
Length of program, & difference between General & Honours
A General Degree requires 15 credits, a minimum cumulative average of 60%, and usually takes 3 years to complete as a full-time student.
An Honours Degree requires 20 credits, a minimum cumulative average of 65%, and usually takes 4 years to complete as a full-time student.
Both are valid degrees, however not all programs at Trent offer General Degrees. An Honours Degree may be a requirement for certain jobs and graduate or professional school admissions.
Transition Tips for Transfer Students
Curious about how to set yourself up for academic success? This resource from Academic Skills has you covered! The resource covers time management, key learning skills, academic integrity and much more.
College Transfer Credits and Bachelor of Education Requirements
Each university Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) program will have its unique admissions requirements, so it is important that students interested in pursuing a B.Ed. after completing their undergraduate degree review admissions requirements for schools they intend to apply to.
Some universities will not allow college or other types of transfer credits to be used towards teaching subject requirements. For example, Trent's Bachelor of Education Admissions handbook (2025-2026) states: "Transfer credits received for college, International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement, CEGEP and graduate-level university courses cannot be used towards teaching subjects."
If you have questions or concerns about this, you can discuss your options with an Academic Advisor or Admissions department at the university you intend to apply to for the B.Ed.
A class that can help you bridge the gap
“I cannot stress enough how helpful the Bridge program was. It prepared me for University work and introduced me to all of the resources available.”
- Sarah
Consider taking Univ 2001H: Making the Leap: Foundations of University Success (College Transfer Stream) the summer before your first year at Trent. You can earn a half-credit towards your degree.
The College Transfer stream is designed to ease the transition for student coming to Trent with credits from a college program. It also allows college transfer students to get a head start on their degree by earning a 2000-level, half-credit in a compressed summer term!
Students in the College Transfer Stream will be expected to be available from 9 am to 11 am on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays for online activities including synchronous class time and workshops. Wednesdays are designated as study days and students will not be expected to attend sessions on these days. The college transfer stream runs in August. More details here.