Some thoughts and tips on how to survive your first-year of post-secondary school.

Welcome to UVic!

Every September, a few thousand new students begin classes at the University of Victoria. This year, many students in both first and second-year will set foot on campus for the first time after a year of Covid restrictions pushed learning online. But now, we’re back to collaborating in the classroom, grabbing coffee at the Munchie Bar, late-night study sessions at the library. The weeks just before classes start up are filled with excitement and anticipation, leaving many students trying to picture what exactly their experience will look like over the next year.

The Learning Assistance Program provides one-on-one tutoring and learning strategy for students at UVic. We spoke to a few of our tutors and strategists to ask them what advice they would give their first-year selves if they could go back in time. Read what they had to say!

Take Time, Make Time

Michelle is an LAP learning strategist. She emphasizes the importance of planning.

Michelle is studying for her masters degree in Education and Psychology; Learning and Development studies. She is a learning strategist at the LAP, and often works with students to help manage their time. She talks about the importance of planning.

“Take time to plan things out, break things down into smaller, manageable steps. What I’ve found is that at university we have less external regulations. For example, there’s a bigger gap between deadlines so at the very end of your semester you can find yourself with an unmanageable amount of work. So breaking things down and planning things out is a good way to start off. ”

Don’t Stress

Math tutor and LAP coordinator Jacob wants students to know that one failing grade is not the end of the world. “I think the biggest advice I have would be to not stress out so much about getting some bad grades here and there.,” he says. “Almost always, even if you have a problem with a grade or have to retake the course, that’s not cutting off any options for you. I failed some courses in my very first semester and my very last semester, and I’m still doing okay and still very happy with where I’m at now.”

On the flipside, he goes on to say that he would also tell his first-year self to put more effort into engagement. “I would put a bigger emphasis on connecting with the material and other people, and in gaining a better understanding of content rather than fixating on what my grades are.” By focusing on a deeper comprehension of the content rather than just the letter grade, students can ensure longer-term success in their studies.

Connect with the Pros

Both a chemistry tutor and a student in the education program, Stewart talks about reaching out to profs as a way to understand the course material and make lifelong connections. “Interact with the instructor, go to office hours,” he says. “There’s an intimidation factor, but they are there to help, they want to help, they want you to come to office hours. You can get confirmation of what is being taught, brush up on some concepts, but also get an idea of what the exam will be like, how to study for it.” He goes on to say that getting to know your professors in your field or your major can be beneficial for connections and references which may help you later on in your academic career.

Ask Questions

Chi is a math and stats tutor at the UVic LAP, and has also worked as a TA and as in instructor in UVic classrooms. His advice aligns with Stewart’s in many ways. “Don’t be afraid to ask questions, especially during class,” he urges. “This is a very common fear—I meet students during tutoring, they say something isn’t clear and I ask them why they didn’t ask about it during class. And the answer is always that they’re afraid to interrupt the flow. I know this is not easy, just based on my own experience. I didn’t really ask those questions when I was in my first, second—even third year. The reason why you want to ask questions in class is not because you’re interrupting class, but because that’s going to be helpful for you and for your fellow students.”

He also gives us a perspective from the lecturer’s point of view as to why this is helpful. “During my teaching, I make mistakes too. And I didn’t realize it until after the fact. So sometimes I wish students would correct me. ” Nobody is infallible, and that includes professors. They should be there to help students learn and encourage questions.

Be Kind to Yourself

As a writing tutor and a learning strategist who often works with students to develop a healthy school-life balance, Tiff’s advice goes out to anyone at any point in their post-secondary journey. She wants students to remember that everyone’s life is different and that we’re all doing our best.

“Our best today may look different from our best last year or last week, and it may not be the best that there is—but it’s the best you can do today,” she says. “So be kind and be compassionate to yourself, trust your body knowing that the world’s wellness is tied to your own and you are enough exactly as you are right now.”

On a slightly different note, she also encourages students to put the books down once in a while. “Go outside! Do something everyday that brings you joy,” and finally, she adds, “Call your mom!!”

Seek Support

“I’m going to give advice to my third-year self, which was the year I experienced a lot of challenges that people have in university,” says Grace, another writing tutor and learning strategist. Her message goes out to any student who is feeling overwhelmed or lost during their time in or out of school. “I would say, ‘The challenges you’re going through are not your fault, and it is okay to ask for help.’” She emphasizes that you don’t need to push through hard times all on your own. “When you get help, it will get better because you don’t need to figure this all by yourself.”

For all brand-new, incoming first-year students, students returning after a summer-semester off, or years of being out of school, the start of the semester holds plenty of excitement for everyone. It’s a good time to explore the many resources UVic has to offer in terms of academic and social-emotional support. The LAP wishes all students the best of luck with the upcoming semester!