Earlier in the week we shared a post that stated 35% of Voices Unite student members found the transition into post-school education either very or incredibly difficult. The transition from high school to post-school education is a daunting change. From being a big fish in a small pond to becoming a small fish in a large pond is naturally overwhelming.

You’re probably wondering if there’s an easier way to experience this transition, and to be frank, there is no right or wrong way to transition to college. Everyone is built differently and everyone will adapt in their own space and time but we decided to share some tips that can help you make your transition a bit easier.

1. Embrace the nervousness

This is completely natural and most if not all have experienced the nervousness on their first day of ‘big school’. Some of the friends you had in high school may not be there with you in university and it will suck for a while but that’s something you will need to get used to. You will need to step out of your comfort zone and this does not need to be a huge step – start a conversation with a few individuals in your lecture venue or join a campus club or organisation. This is the best time to find your tribe.

2. Ask for help

Never be afraid to ask for help. If you’re lost on campus or in the lecture room, it’s best to ask for help and iron out all your worries instead of stressing yourself later. Many students feel like asking for help means you’re not smart but that is completely false. By asking for help you’re not only saving yourself but also others that are too afraid to ask for themselves. Think of it as becoming someone’s hero!

3. Learn about balance

Your transition may have been difficult because you’re unsure of what to focus on. It’s extremely important to create a balance when you enter post-school education. You need to be able to balance your academic life as well as your social life.

4. Take care of yourself

An important skill to develop is learning to give yourself a time-out every once in a while. Post-school education brings on a lot of stress and emotions, and there’s just a lot more going on that sometimes you need a chance to breathe and recuperate. You don’t have to always attend a social event, you don’t always have to study – as mentioned above, you need to find a balance. You need to invest in self-care on days when campus life feels a bit too much.

We hope these tips help!