Transitioning to post-secondary can be a head spinning experience. The different environment and expectations can be an overwhelming change for many students. In this guide, we will go over some of those expectations, as well as provide links to other essential student 101 skills and resources.
Unlike high school, your instructors will not chase after you to make sure that you complete your assignments. Not handing something in reflects on you, not your instructor. You are expected to be more accountable in post-secondary than high school.
At NWP you get to make choices, for better or worse. With the freedom of choosing all your classes, comes the responsibility of managing your time. You can party all weekend, play online games until 4 am, or skip class to play disc golf, but you'll have to live with the consequences.
You are responsible for how much time you spend studying, revising notes, reading, writing, and attending class. Choose appropriately! Your time is no longer managed by an outside source (e.g., teachers). Having only three hours of class time doesn't mean that the rest of the day is "do whatever you want" time. Well, it is up to you what you do outside of class, but your grades and nerves will thank you for taking the afternoon to study for the chemistry text next week or starting your draft for the 10 page English paper due at the end of the month. A full-time course load is like having a full-time job!
For tips on how to manage your time, check out our time management guide for tips to use your time wisely (and include some down time without stress).
In post-secondary, you are expected to spend time learning outside the classroom. Lectures are meant to supplement or guide your own learning and reading and instructors are not required to address every piece of testable content in class. You are expected to have, or to develop, independent learning skills and direct your own learning.
Our biggest tips? Do your readings! Take notes, ask questions, and research topics thoroughly. A lot of the work you do outside of class will not be graded, but this work is essential for your academic success.
For more tips, check out our reading and note-taking guide!
During your time in post-secondary, you will be required to communicate with your instructors, whether that is asking questions after class or during office hours, or sending emails. Always be professional and respectful, and remember that your instructors are not your enemy. There is nothing to be ashamed of if you are struggling to understand a concept; you are a STUDENT. You're not expected to know everything (if you did, you would be the one teaching, right?).
For more tips on emailing instructors, check out our Technology 101 page.
Problem solving independently is an important skill in post-secondary and adult life. This doesn't mean you are thrown to the wolves and expected to do absolutely everything on your own, but it does mean that you won't have instructors holding your hand and finding solutions for you every step of the way. Ask for help. Look up resources and services offered at NWP. Don't stop and give up because you're stuck. One aspect of problem solving is knowing when and where to seek support, and there is a lot of support available to you at NWP!
Four months can pass by so much more quickly than you expect. Giving each month of the semester a particular focus can help you stay on track. Below are our top tips to help you stay focused.
Check out the video (UNLV, 2019) below for thoughts from students about the transition from high school to college.
Check out this video (Kahn, 2024) for some tips on what every student should do to help them succeed.
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