RESOURCES
2024-03-13
How to Prepare For University
Discover essential tips on preparing for university: choosing the right course, managing finances, and adjusting to campus life.
Published by Tilting Futures
Are you ready to take the next big step in your educational journey? Preparing for university is more than just filling out applications and packing your bags. It’s about laying a solid foundation for success, both academically and personally. Academic readiness, financial planning, social transitions…there’s a lot to consider! Here are some basics on how to prepare for university to help you start on the right foot.
Take the Right High School Classes to Prepare for College
Great preparation for higher education starts with your high school education. These classes should not only meet graduation requirements but also prepare you for future courses. Here are some quick tips:
- Challenge Yourself: Opt for Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) classes when you can. These can give you a taste of college-level work and potentially earn you college credits.
- Core Subjects First: Prioritize essential subjects like math, science, English, and social studies. Excelling in these areas builds a strong academic foundation.
- Explore Your Interests: Take electives that align with your potential major or spark your interest. For example, if you’re eyeing engineering, advanced math and physics courses will be beneficial.
- Seek Guidance: You don’t have to figure all of this out on your own—there are counselors at your school who are trained to help you with this very task. Regularly consult with them to stay on track and adjust your academic plan as needed.
Choosing the Right Course and University
Picking the right course and university feels like a huge decision, but it’s also an exciting opportunity to shape your future. So what can you do to make this decision less stressful? First, do your homework—research different courses and universities. Find programs that match your interests, strengths, and career goals, and remember: this really is a time about you and your wants.
You can also consider factors like location, campus vibe, course content, and available resources. These can make a big difference in your overall experience. You can find a balance between meeting your personal needs and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone.
One way to get a better sense of these things is to actually attend open days and virtual tours. They offer a great opportunity to see if the university feels right for you and to chat with current students and faculty. Taking the time to explore your options will help you choose a course and university that suit your goals and aspirations.
Financial Preparation
Money can be another stressor, but getting your finances in order before heading to university can set a positive tone. Here’s how to prepare:
- Understand Costs: Know what you’ll be paying for tuition fees, books, and living expenses.
- Explore Funding Options: Look into scholarships, grants, and student loans. Many opportunities can help reduce the financial burden.
- Create a Budget: Learn how to manage your money by creating a budget. Track your spending and find ways to save—this is really just about being intentional with your finances, a great habit to start building right now.
- Start Saving: Every little bit helps! Open a savings account and start putting money aside for future expenses.
Academic Readiness
Being academically prepared for university involves more than just good grades; it’s about mastering the skills you’ll need to thrive.
Start by brushing up on your study techniques. Effective note-taking, solid test preparation, and top-notch research skills are at the core of student success. Don’t forget about time management—balancing classes, social activities, and personal time can be tricky. Using planners or apps to keep track of your schedule can make a huge difference.
Remember, resources like tutoring centers and study groups are there to help, so take advantage of them whenever you need support. By honing these skills, you’ll be well-equipped to handle the demands of university life.
Social and Emotional Preparation
Starting university means embracing a whole new lifestyle. Independence can be both thrilling and daunting. Building a support network is key—connect with new friends, join clubs, and seek out mentors who can offer guidance.
It’s natural to feel homesick or stressed, so find healthy coping mechanisms, like staying in touch with family and practicing self-care. Before day one, learn about your campus’ student health services, too—many have mental wellness resources, including counselors, which can help if you find yourself struggling more than normal. By preparing for these social and emotional changes, you’ll be ready to enjoy and make the most of your university experience.
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Practical Considerations
Sorting out practical details can make your transition to university smoother:
- Housing Options: Decide between dorms for convenience and community or off-campus living for more independence.
- Packing Essentials: Prepare a list with items like bedding, kitchen supplies, and study materials. There are tons of lists you can find online from students who have already done this.
- Set Up Services: Arrange for important services such as banking, healthcare, and insurance. This can really help you feel prepared for anything, including emergencies.
Some of these seemingly small responsibilities can sneak up on you, so do yourself a favor and don’t put them off!
Making the Most of University Life
Your classes are important and need to be a priority, but being well-rounded and balanced in life is just as important. To make the most of your time in school, remember that you can:
- Get Involved: Join clubs, societies, and extracurricular activities to meet new people and pursue interests. You never know the networking opportunities that will come about from this.
- Seek Internships: Look for internships and part-time jobs to gain practical experience and enhance your resume.
- Embrace Diversity: Take the opportunity to learn from different cultures and perspectives—you can help create an inclusive environment.
Alternatives to College
Going for a 4-year degree is an incredible opportunity and often really rewarding. But, if you aren’t one hundred percent sure it’s what you want to do, there are other options in the meantime.
Gap Years
Taking a gap year can be a fantastic opportunity for personal growth, travel, and gaining work experience. It allows you to explore different cultures and volunteer, which serves you for the rest of your life.
Planning for a gap year can help you develop valuable life skills, clarify your career goals, and enrich your perspective before diving into further education or a professional path. Tilting Futures offers resources and guidance to help you make the most of your gap year—programs are designed to align with your personal and professional goals.
Take Action Lab is Tilting Futures’ learning program, meant to help you make real change in the world while developing yourself and your purpose in life. One student, Natasha, said about her experience:
“I’m more confident in myself and in what I want to pursue for my career. This global community has taught me so much about how to see things from different lenses.”
Learn more about what students have to say about their time with Take Action Lab here.
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships offer a practical and rewarding alternative to traditional college education. They provide hands-on experience in various trades and professions, allowing you to earn while you learn. This pathway not only equips you with valuable skills and professional development but also often leads directly to employment opportunities in your chosen field.
Tilting Futures can assist you in finding and securing the right apprenticeship! We pair you with a program, mentors, and other students that match your ambitions.
Your Path to University Success
Being well-prepared enriches your university experience and helps you embrace the challenges ahead. University life is full of opportunities for growth and learning—and everyone’s path looks a little different.
As you take your next steps, consider opportunities like gap years and apprenticeships with Tilting Futures, too. Apply today to see what else is in store for students like you!
