Dear first-year students,

Congratulations as you enter this next chapter! September is quickly approaching. Are you feeling ready to start, or are you dreading it like me? I know university is an exciting yet nerve-wracking journey. Yes, it was daunting at first, but I learned so much, gained amazing mentors, got to be part of meaningful initiatives and made lifelong friends!

As someone entering my final year, I'm confident that the lessons I've learned here will be useful to you. At least when I started my first-year, I wish I had heard these tips before I got to campus!

Prioritize your academics early on

It is incredibly important that you put effort into your academics. A higher GPA opens opportunities, allowing you to move closer to your goals. Especially if you're interested in graduate or professional school, a strong GPA, along with other factors, can increase your chances. 

This also means you need to make the effort to attend your classes and build good study habits. It is essential to develop a good study routine right from the beginning. Learn how you best learn! This will be useful for when you're studying for any exams and completing assignments.

It is easy to fall behind in university, but catching up without sacrificing your well-being can be difficult. So really focus on building a solid study routine ASAP! I did want to preface by saying that it is okay if you don't initially perform at your best. University can be hard, but with the right support and resources, I am confident that it will get better. 

Build professional connections 

Your academics aren't the only thing you should focus on. Focus on building those strong connections within campus! Attend your professor's office hours and learn about their academic background. Ask thoughtful questions to show interest and to find out whether they have any open research opportunities. Join campus groups and get to know the staff who run them. 

These are the individuals who can strengthen your professional network. Strong relationships lead to great references, valuable mentors and leadership roles. Building a social support system makes your university experience much more worthwhile. 

Get involved in campus life

Getting involved on campus opened up so many opportunities for me. It was the reason I got to take on higher leadership positions, and even the reason I got a campus job! I strongly encourage you to step out of your comfort zone. Go to Orientation, sign up for student-led clubs and attend campus activities to meet people. Introduce yourself to people in your class, too. 

Ask for help and prioritize your well-being 

I cannot emphasize this enough: please do not hesitate to ask for help when you need it! When you're struggling in school, whether that's with your academics or your mental health, take advantage of our university's resources. Our Student Learning Support department offers a variety of course work help. Also, go to your professors' or Teaching Assistants office hours; they're here to help! Please don't wait until the last minute; getting help earlier will greatly benefit you in the long run. 

It takes time! 

Adjusting to university took time for me. I remember constantly doubting myself. I wasn't ready for the change, and it took time to adjust to my environment. Despite my initial fear, university became the most pivotal period of my life. It genuinely helped me grow academically and strengthened my character. 

University taught me the importance of being independent and knowing when to ask for help. It broadened my perspective, taught me to approach learning with compassion, and most importantly, to be kind to myself. Grades are important, but at the end of the day, my health will come first. When things are tough, I always make sure to take a break. 

You will go through a lot. You may over-stress about your academics, question if you're in the right program, and begin to wonder what your future career will be. Remember to be gentle with yourself. This is a new experience, and you're bound to face challenges, but you will be okay! 

Welcome to Ontario Tech!

Once again, congratulations and welcome to Ontario Tech University! Trust me, the next four years will fly by, so work hard, get involved and cherish your time here!

Sincerely, 

Your final year student, Sinthura :)