You've been accepted into university ... now what?
Step one is receiving your university acceptance…Now what?
Each year students bound for post-secondary education send off their applications in hopeful anticipation. Once that coveted acceptance letter arrives, preparation for the exciting opportunities ahead begins in earnest.
Get excited and plan ahead now
There are both big and small life changes on the horizon for students and families heading to university in the fall. You may have settled on a program, but have you looked into specific courses? I encourage students to read about the courses ahead that fascinate them. Explore the website of their campus of choice. Take a tour of the school. Look for interesting activities that will connect you to campus.
All of this excitement invigorates your preparation efforts. Now is the time to focus on the big life changes coming up, and the little ones.
Students and their families can identify their strengths and work on areas that may need attention, including social, academic or lifestyle skills. For example, are you confident with your financial management, healthy eating or study skills? There are lots of online resources that include tips for success. Getting it right now, will help to ensure success in a new life of independence.
Please, just ask
The key to alleviating any apprehension is to find answers. Once students receive their acceptance letter, they should continue to watch their inbox for abundant information about their new school.
At our campuses in Durham GTA and Peterborough, Trent University offers many tools devoted to helping incoming students make the transition, including a networking app and online resources that provide carefully-organized information about all aspects of campus life such as student groups, academic and accessibility services, or campus jobs.
Our summer orientation days and Bridge Program also enable students to familiarize themselves with the Trent community and provide a great start to the year ahead. And as students broaden their scope, parents and caregivers are undergoing major changes too. In each summer orientation session, we engage families in orientation activities to help with this relationship and life transition. Parents receive a helpful information and coaching guide.
Especially for those new to post-secondary education, this huge transition requires support. We are here to demystify the process and to support students and their families as much as possible. All you have to do is ask!
It’s time to start now
University is a time to discover fascinating subjects and interests, make strong connections and develop valuable work and life skills. It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn, including a great deal about yourself.
I hope that your post-secondary experience is all that you imagine it to be. Be sure to get in touch so we can help. Visit trentu.ca/currentstudents/new-trent, send us an email at studentaffairs@trentu.ca or call us anytime 705-748-1011 ext. 7754
Dr. Nona Robinson is Associate Vice-President of Students at Trent University, overseeing student support services and partnering with student associations. This article originally appeared in Metroland.
Posted on February 18, 2020