A first year’s guide to the start of a new term

Starting university can be both exciting and overwhelming. It feels like just yesterday that I was setting foot on this campus for the first time, lost and confused in the busy university environment. As a first-year student, you might be wondering how to navigate this new chapter in your life successfully. If I could go back in time and talk to my younger newbie self, here’s what I would say. This guide is here to help you with practical tips and strategies to ensure you make the most of your first term.

Start before it starts

One way to be ahead in school is to begin ahead of time. Start getting into school mode at least a week before your first day of class. If your sleep schedule is upside down as it usually is during summer vacation, use this week to get that sorted out. Look into the courses you’re taking and get your textbooks. Many professors make their course available on VIULearn a few days before the lectures start, so you can start by reading course outlines and getting an idea of what to expect. It is also good to show up to the first day of class prepared and ready to ask your professor about the course, which brings me to my next point.

Ask lots of questions

You have probably already heard this and will hear it again, but don’t hesitate to ask questions. University can be intimidating, with classmates from diverse backgrounds and varying levels of experience. It’s easy to feel out of your depth, thinking everyone else has it all figured out. But no one expects you to know everything from the start. People will only know you need help if you ask for it. Asking questions not only clarifies your understanding and ensures your work meets the required standards, it also shows your professors that you are engaged and attentive. Remember, there is no such thing as a dumb question. Chances are, if you have a question, others are wondering the same thing too.

Sometimes when I was too nervous to ask questions in front of the whole class, I’d note them down during the lecture and go up to the professor during the break or after class to clear my doubts. Asking questions via email is another introvert’s tip for getting answers and showing interest.

Practical preparation

Navigating course enrolment can be challenging, especially with waitlists and deadlines to manage. Start by getting a student ID and familiarizing yourself with the resources available to you. For example, the Writing Centre in the library is a really useful resource that offers assistance with writing research papers, understanding assignments, and addressing other academic-related questions. Attending orientation is a great way to learn about these resources. 

Be proactive about important dates, such as fee deadlines and course drop dates. Set reminders on your phone to keep track of these crucial timelines and make it a habit to regularly check your emails for updates. If you have any questions or uncertainties, don’t hesitate to reach out to educational counsellors for your degree program. They are there to help guide you through the process.

In my first couple of months, I made an appointment every week to ask questions, sometimes as simple as “What is a course credit?” as the system here was so unfamiliar to me in the beginning.

Connect with profs

Get to know your professors well and build relationships with them. One of the defining characteristics of VIU is its small class sizes. This allows professors to get to know their students more closely. Make full use of their office hours and don't hesitate to email them or talk to them after class. Whether you have questions about assignments, need feedback, want to understand a concept better, or simply want to discuss your performance in a course or your field of study, your professors are there to help. This approach is especially useful for students who are not yet comfortable speaking out loud in class but still want to offer input and engage with the material. Pro tip: Learn the basics of professional netiquette such as addressing your professors respectfully, writing clear and concise emails, and always including your name and course number.

Connect with classmates

Having friends in your classes can significantly improve your university experience. Friends can motivate you to attend lectures even when you might not feel like it. Additionally, connecting with seniors is useful as they can give you advice about what’s coming up in your academic journey, as they’ve already been through it. On the first day of class, introduce yourself to the people around you. These are the classmates you’ll collaborate with on group projects, so building rapport early on is beneficial. Knowing a few familiar faces will also make it easier to participate in class discussions, which can contribute to your grades in many courses. These connections will make your time at university more engaging and enjoyable.

Plan and prepare

Effective planning and preparation are crucial for a smooth start to the term. Begin by organizing your commute and familiarizing yourself with the locations of your classes. Arrive to class on time, or even a bit early, as being late can be disruptive. Bring everything you need, whether it’s coffee to stay awake, or snacks and water to keep you energized. Actively participate in class – pay attention, answer questions and take notes. Staying engaged not only helps you retain information but also keeps you awake and involved in the learning process. Create a detailed timetable that includes all assignment due dates. Ensure you allocate sufficient time for sleep and hobbies to maintain a balanced lifestyle. Plan your meals for long days at the university and consider meal prepping to save time.

Don't be afraid to make mistakes and learn from them – that’s all part of the university experience. Every term is a new beginning, an opportunity to grow and improve. Embrace the journey, stay curious – and remember that you’re not alone. With the right preparation, mindset and circle around you, you'll find your footing and make your first term a memorable and successful one.