Life Beyond HGHS - Pursuing Tertiary Education

You’re in your last year of high school! 

Universities are coming in to talk about what they offer, the Careers Department is urging you to come and discuss your future plans with them, leading you to settle on the idea of pursuing tertiary education.
But what you don’t know is just how vastly different university life is to high school and for many, transitioning into university suddenly becomes extremely daunting.

With the plethora of emotions that comes with this adjustment from high school to university, also comes great change - change which can be good or bad. An adjustment that most consider desirable is the liberty that university students are given. Unlike high school, attendance is not mandatory. Some classes will take attendance as part of a participation mark, however it is ultimately your decision as to whether or not you will be present. This is where discipline becomes a crucial characteristic we must possess, as there will also be a multitude of new responsibilities that are given to us. As high school students, we are always reminded by teachers when assignments are due and when tests will be held. Although at university, it is our responsibility to remain in control of our workload at all times - it all depends on you. Additionally, there is no set time for classes in university. In high school, it was the same start and finish time, 8:45AM-3:15PM, every weekday (with the exception of Tuesdays). However, in university, class times will be unique to every student. Another difference between the two institutions is that universities have greater diversity. Thousands of people will come from a variety of countries allowing you to interact with a multitude of unique backgrounds and enrich your knowledge of other cultures.

The transition from high school to university involves a major change in every aspect of a student's life - their daily routines, study habits, and class freedom. Yet, a student’s mental health is an area that is significantly affected but rarely discussed. To most, being at university means being more independent, moving out, and the commencement of ‘adult life’, all whilst managing studies and constantly bearing the accumulative pressure of academics. Too often these things come at the expense of a student's mental health and social development.

It is known that the stage of life when mental illness is most prevalent is between the ages of 18 and 24, the age where a lot of young adults enter into tertiary education. During the first year, societal pressure, work demands, and academic demands may divert students' attention, leaving little time for them to engage in activities they enjoy or to reflect on their personal lives; affecting them in a way that can lead to feeling anxious, lonely and sometimes even depressed. Considering this situation, a question that arises is what can students themselves and the people around them do about the whole ordeal?

We may believe that finding a solution will take a lot of work, but it can be as easy as having someone who is close to the students periodically check in on them, such as parents, professors, guardians, or even friends. Universities provide counselling services and a welcoming environment so that everyone may voice their thoughts and feel heard. It’s also a good idea for students to make a schedule and set aside time for themselves, whether it's to meditate, go for a run, or chat with a loved one. These minor adjustments can make a big difference in a student's life and prevent despair, dropping out, thus making a life changing transition a lot easier.

Hopefully you have a better understanding now of how different university life is to your customary high school routine.
Take care of yourself, study effectively and make the best of these years!