4 reasons why college and university are so different from high school

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4 reasons why college and university are so different from high school

Posted by Rob on June 3, 2013

I am a graduate of both college and university. Both are incredibly different learning environments, but they do have one major thing in common: they’re nothing like high school.

Before writing this blog, I spoke with the two students I currently work with. When I asked about possible blog topics, both of them urged me to write about the challenges you face when it comes to moving on to college or university. They both offered some valuable tips and ideas. I narrowed it down to my four favourite!

I have much to say, so here goes:

Don’t be fooled by the free space in your schedule

In high school, you become accustomed to a regimented day. You arrive at school at the same time, lunch is at the same time, breaks are scheduled at the same time and you catch the bus home at the same time. It’s dependable, reliable and consistent. In college or university this all changes. Sometimes you’ll have only a class or two per day, coupled with a tutorial or discussion group. Your schedule seems incredibly open, but don’t be fooled! The expectation is that during that free time you’re doing homework and studying. On the plus side, sometimes you get days where you have no classes! I once had Fridays and Mondays off all year. Sweet!!

Academic demands as a student

One of the biggest differences between college or university and high school is the homework. In addition to showing up for class, you’re expected to do significant amounts of reading that are used for testing purposes, but not always discussed in class. Sometimes students think that only what’s talked about in class is “testable,” but in my experience, everything under the syllabus is grounds for testing. College and university require a lot of discipline, but it’s designed to make you think critically. It’s a challenge, but you have the opportunity to learn and grow so much. It’s worth it!

A new kind of teacher

In high school you generally see the same teachers day in and day out. You’re a small class of about 30 and you have a lot of time to get to know your teacher’s quirks and habits and vice versa. In university and college, you could be in a class with a hundred or more students. You may see the teacher only once or twice a week! This is where that whole “you’re just a number” myth comes along. It’s not true. You’re only a number if you want to be. I’ve forged incredible friendships and mentorships with professors because I participated in class and took the time to visit them during their office hours. They knew me by name and some even wrote amazing references for me.

More opportunity to get involved

There are plenty of ways to get involved in high school. That doesn’t change in college or university. The only difference is that your involvement can be on a much grander scale. You can be a leader in a student association, start associations that are involved at the community level, or even join political groups that work on campaigns. The stakes are much higher, but the return on your time investment is that much better and more rewarding. When I was in college, I was the president of our student union. I grew and learned so much as a person, and it still remains one of my most favourite life experiences to date. The bonus – a lot of this experience can go on your résumé!

What has your experience been, transitioning from high school to post-secondary? Or if you’re making the transition, what are you most excited about?

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