From high school to university

High school was a highly structured learning environment. In university, selfdiscipline is paramount. No one will remind you to do your homework or go to class. It’s on you.

— AINSLEY CARRY

From professor horror stories to the time when the only spot available for a class you need is at 8 a.m., university can seem like a scary place. Luckily, your friends at The Ubyssey have some tips on how to ensure that your transition from high school to UBC is as seamless as possible.

YOU DON’T HAVE TO GO TO CLASS A big difference between high school and university is that you don’t have to go to class. Though attendance is mandatory for some classes (read the syllabus people!), if a lecturer isn’t helpful or you and your friends are planning to get a headstart on the weekend, more often than not, you can (*ahem*) skip class.

But, you may miss out on important information about exams, essays and assignments if you skip class. The thousands of dollars you’re spending on tuition will be wasted if you don’t go to at least some of your classes. A prof may be boring or the content might be dull, but getting that education is worth it.

CONTROL OVER EVERYTHING When they say that the world is your oyster, they really mean it! At university, you have complete control over the classes you take, the professors you want to be around and even the times of your classes.

This control can provide tons of freedom to explore what interests you! Whether that’s wine science, anthropology of the supernatural or even a biophysical chemistry class, UBC has everything.

Studying material that you’re interested in will result in higher marks than material you’re just taking for the sake of it.

PROFESSORS ARE PEOPLE TOO Professors are people first. You’ll have classes cancelled because of things profs have going on in their lives.

Especially coming from over a year of online learning, professors will want to connect with students more than ever. So ask those questions and go to those office hours! If you have a question, more likely than not, other people in your class do too. Not only will you be getting clarification but you’ll be able to create connections with professors. Those connections can always help when you want to get into undergraduate research or even just need an extension on your next paper.

THE BOTTOM LINE The biggest difference between high school and university is that you’re in charge. University is what you make of it.

Don’t want to go to class? Ok.

Don’t want to wake up until 2 p.m.? Ok.

Want to write for The Ubyssey? Do it!

Classes will always be difficult, but by going to class, catering your schedule to your interests and taking advantage of your professors’ resources, you’ll be set up for academic success. U