Being a first-year student can be both intimidating and thrilling at the same time. It’s a whole new ballpark and you learn very quickly that university is nothing like high school. I can recall feeling very confused, wondering if I picked the right major and panicking over assignments that were only worth less than five per cent of the class. While no first-year experience is the same, here is some advice straight from University of Saskatchewan students when asked the question, “What would you tell your first-year self?”

Fahad Khan. Age: 23. The College of Arts & Science, Second year.

“First year was good; people are friendly here. The best advice I can give international students is right away meet the international student [advisors], so if you don’t know anything, it’s the best place to get your answers from.”

Nora Joyea. Age: 33. Edwards School of Business, fourth year.

“Do the readings. Don’t think you can just not read the chapter and go to class. My one professor did a pop quiz on us and I just skimmed the powerpoint real quick before I went, but I didn’t read the chapter. I think that would be it — do your readings.”

Dalton Van der Nest. Age: 19. The College of Arts and Science, second year.

“Don’t put off your English essays until the last night.”

Naomi Maina. Age: 30. PhD student in the school of Environment and Sustainability.

“Balance it out. Have fun in college, especially if it’s your first year undergrad. So have fun, make friends — make good friends — and also don’t procrastinate. Just do a little bit at a time. I waited until the last minute and if I had done it a little, bit by bit, my term papers would have been great and it would have been less stressful.”

Muath Helal. Age: 31. PhD student in the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition.

“Am I on the right track? Should I have taken something else?’ That’s the first thing I would ask myself. But I would say now, ‘You made the right choice”

Kristin Bianchini. Age: 28. PhD student at the Toxicology Centre.

“It’s about balance — you have to study and have fun — but you have to balance both of them because otherwise you’re not going to do well in school and you’re not going to make any friends.”

Mangaliso Mohammed. Age: 27. Graduate student in the College of Agriculture and Bioresources.

“Well it’s good to have fun, but also don’t lose track of why you’re here. It’s very sad when some students have to drop out because they don’t keep up with their academic work. But also they should have fun. It’s your only experience of university.”

Left to right: Celine Ward. Age: 25. The Western College of Veterinary Medicine, third year. Karinn Carter. Age: 25. The Western College of Veterinary Medicine, third year.

“Don’t stress about all the little things.” -Celine Ward

“Go to class.” -Karinn Carter 

The running theme in students’ answers seems to be about finding a balance between academics and your social life. A few too many nights out will cause your studies to take a hit, but attending university doesn’t mean putting your friends and hobbies on hold for the year. While it’s about balance, it’s also about finding out what balance means to you. So take a breath, enjoy the ride and before you know it, you’ll be the one dishing out the advice.

—

Naomi Zurevinski / Editor-in-Chief

Photos: Caitlin Taylor / Photo Editor