Moving Away to University: my personal experience

As you might have already read, I am an undergraduate student at the university of Ottawa and have almost completed my first year in biomedical science. Not only did I start university right after high school, I did so while just having moved almost 6 hours away to a brand new city, not even 18 years old yet. Needless to say, things were moving pretty quickly and I was in for quite a change of pace. I have always been an independant person; always doing my own thing and taking on a leadership role in my life. I chose to go to Ottawa for university not just for the program or school, but for the city itself being the capital of Canada and having a nice mix of big city feel and chill, small town vibes. (Plus, it was quite a far drive away... I was really wanting to take a big leap!) Always being one to dream about the future, I loved reading about and taking to everyone I could about what was next in my life! Once I was accepted to University, I watched hundreds of videos and read thousands of blogs about what to except/bring to University. I was just so excited! I can definitely say that a lot of what I read helped, but I still did/bought some unnecessary things even though I read not to; which I know is easy for all of us to do. Here I am going to list 20 things I wish I knew/listened to before starting University. Of course, these are all from personal experience and everyone will have a different take on it, which is amazing! Plus, every single University/ College is unique!

Nevertheless, Let's get started!

1. Don't Buy your textbooks before class starts

I know how tempting it is to be super prepared, but it is quite common that textbooks are optional or not needed at all. My first year, I bought all of the textbooks for my classes and I ended up needing only one of them. I encourage you to wait until a few classes in to determine if you will really need it.

2. Get a physical Daily/Weekly planner

It is so easy for assignments and tests and homework to start to pile up, especially when you are used to teachers and parents reminding you all of the time. University is when responsibility is really important and you need to keep track of everything! Having a very accessible and organized calendar/planner is so important to hold you accountable and plan your time properly. I suggest also planning out study/homework time and your other activities and appointments too; I am definitely one to forget important events if they aren't all written down in one place (especially when everything starts piling up).

3. Do NOT replace adequate sleep for loads of caffeine

Once you get into the grind, it is so easy to start going to bed an hour late here and then another hour and so on.. then before you know its 2am and you have an 8:30am class in a few hours. Once you do this a few times and just "make up for it" with extra caffeine, it becomes a very unhealthy habit. You will start losing necessary rest to function during the day and your health and performance in school will start to suffer. It's okay to stay up a little late once in a while to finish a paper or study, but try to set a specific time to go to bed that works for you and stick to it. Routines will make your life a whole lot easier!

4. Make time for yourself

With school, activities and hanging with friends, you need to make time for yourself. Whether that means a listening to a podcast and doing a face mask or going for a walk to grab a coffee at your favourite shop, find time to relax and spend time alone to regroup after a long hard week!

5. Don't pack a thousand extra toiletries

When I moved away for university, I moved into a new apartment; i needed everything! From kitchen utensils and appliances, to bathroom accessories and bedroom furniture. I started buying little things I "needed" months and months in advance of moving away. What I realized after just moving out a few weeks ago, I found items I forgot I bought because I never used it! My advice would be: don't start buying everything at Ikea before you even move away. First, spend a week and keep a list of everything you actually use; from the toaster to the toilet paper. Also, I would see what you can take from home so you don't have to re-buy: for example if your mom has two spatulas, I don't think she will mind having only one. Lastly, you don't need 6 back up deodorants and 14 backup toothpastes; just be realistic.

6. Have a realistic talk with your parents about communication

I definitely encourage this; for you and your folks. This is mostly to give your parents piece of mind that you will call them, but also so they know that if you don't call every 4 hours, it's not because you've died. Talk with them about how many days per week you will call them and what times work best for you; depending on your new schedule and theirs as well. Personally, I made it a big deal about my mom calling me all of the time, and I ended up calling her all of the time to talk about my day and how to cook salmon. The most important thing is that you and your families make time to stay connected when it works for all of you.

7. Set boundaries for yourself that you know you will follow

With your new found freedom and urge to meet new people, it is so exciting to go out and attend a bunch of party's, events etc. It is great to get out and have fun; after all, university is an experience! However, it is important to set boundaries with yourself about how much you go out and when; this is where the responsibilities come in. Check in with yourself honestly before making commitments to your friends; do I need to go out when i have an exam in a few days, or should i go out for the third night in a row? Knowing your limits and setting boundaries are important for your grades, mental health and sleep! You don't have to say you will never go out, but make a commitment to yourself to avoid going out after so many consecutive nights, or not a certain amount of time before an exam.

8. Don't forget about your old friends, but don't be afraid to make new ones!

Whether you are going to a university across the country or across the street, you are going to meet so many new people. After all, this is where you meet your friends for life! This is awesome, but don't feel like new friends have to replace old friends. However, don't be afraid to let old friends go if you are just not in the same place anymore. In this new time, especially given a huge new independence, you are really able to find who you are and grow into your own person. If this means that you drift away from old friends, then that is okay! However, it is also okay to keep in touch with old friends too, even if they are far away. Just listen to what your heart is telling you.

9. Treat your syllabus like your best friend

The syllabus is where all of your important dates will be; from every assignment and exam to all of the office hours and emails you will need to know! Keep this information accessible for the entire semester!

10. Get to know all of the short cuts on campus

It took me about 2 months until I started finding and using shortcuts on campus - even if you aren't in a rush - it is so helpful! Going to school when it is freezing cold or blistering hot, you do not want to be travelling the long route when there is a much easier path to take! You might also come across some interesting study spots that you never knew existed!

11. Don't start eating like you're on vacation

This is a big one! When moving out on your own and starting a very stressful routine, healthy meals are not #1 on your mind, I know. However, once I realized a few weeks into the semester that i was not feeling well all of the time and losing my energy and sleep quality, I knew what was up. I had been eating like crap! It was so easy to continuously go for all the quick snacks than filling, healthy meals. Be mindful of your eating habits when starting school; the stress will get to you eventually and you will start making unhealthy choices which will turn into unhealthy habits! Make time for your health and you will not regret it!

12. Take advantage of the services available to you

On every campus, there are so many different services available; from writing help centres, to study groups, tutoring and mental health activities. The school also has advisors if you are feeling unsure about your courses and other upper year students in your program to talk to as well. All of these services are there for YOU, so use them and get their benefit!

13. Don't stop activities you usually do

Once you get to a new school and in most cases a new house; while having to adjust to a new style of learning, it is very overwhelming. You will feel obligated to spend all of your time studying and working, but it is so important to continue doing activities that you love and are good for your mental well being to make up for all of the stress from school work. So if you are used to dancing, playing a sport, an instrument or anything else, do it! Even better, join the club on campus to get involved and meet new people!

14. Get to know the best study spots

This will take a very long time, but it is worth it to keep looking until you find the perfect spot. Personally, it is hard for me to keep studying in one spot all of the time; I start to get distracted - especially if it is in my room. Once you find the perfect place that is both comfortable and inspires productivity, you will be set!

15. Find out what studying style speaks to you

This is also something that takes time and multiple trial runs. Everyone studies differently and focuses in different environments. Whether it's cue cards, textbook questions, study groups... it takes a lot of time to figure out what works for you!

16. Challenge yourself to limit your spending

It is so tempting when you move away, are living on your own and have all of the freedom to go out for coffee all of the time and out to bars every night. However, a few coffees here and some new shoes all start to add up - on top of all of your school expenses (University is super expensive)!

17. Be Honest with yourself before skipping a class

If you are considering skipping a class, ask yourself why you are skipping the class HONESTLY. Ask how you will make up for the missed work/notes etc? How will you learn the information: will you teach yourself? Sometimes there is a good reason to skip a class; you are feeling sick or you have an important appointment. That is okay and you will find a way to catch up, but if you are continuously skipping class because of not getting enough sleep or you just don't "wanna"... be honest with yourself about what this will mean in the long run and how it will possibly hurt your grades.

18. If you don't like a class or even your major, change it!

Don't be afraid if you take a class and hate it, or you decide you hate your program all together. Talk to an advisor on campus about other programs or classes that might interest you! There is always a solution and you are in charge of your own education. After all, that is what you pay for.

19. Pick up meditation or a relaxation technique... you're gonna need it!

Whether you already meditate or are looking to meditate, it is a great way to learn how to manage your stress and anxieties. You can also learn some other relaxation techniques that work for you; deep breathing etc... to handle all of the stress and pressure of school.

20. Don't worry, be happy!

I am a person that likes to be independant and do my own thing, so high school was not for me. University challenges us to be independant and do our own thinking; which is why I LOVE it! Honestly, I was worried about having to motivate myself to do everything and a little confused as to how everything worked at first. In no time, It felt like I had been going there for years and I was able to do everything I had originally worried about.

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