Taking this next step in your life can be stressful. To help ease the transition, we’ve compiled some helpful tips and tricks to help you prepare for this exciting next chapter in your life.
Start getting yourself into a routine
Coming off from the summer break can be a struggle. By now, you might be used to late nights and even later mornings. To help adjust your sleep schedule, try staying off your phone a few hours before bed and get a good night’s sleep. Make an effort to wake up earlier in the morning to help you better adjust for your future morning classes. Don’t forget to start your day off with a nutritious breakfast.
Prepare the essentials
Be prepared as you enter school on the first day. When purchasing school supplies, consider your learning style. If writing things down helps you learn better, pack notebooks, pencils, pens, and highlighters. A great way to stay organized is to have a binder or notebook dedicated to each of your classes. If typing your notes is easier for you, bring your laptop to class. Try using a calendar or planner to keep track of assignments and exams. SGEI has a free student handbook with a weekly and monthly calendar for all of our students.
For post-secondary students, your instructor or coordinator will let you know what textbooks you’ll need before the semester. SGEI’s Librarian will be available on orientation day to help with this!
Familiarize yourself with your schedule
Before your first class, consider going over your class schedule, so you’re prepared when you get there. If your coordinator or instructor has sent you a class schedule, try making it your phone background for easy access until it is memorized!
Know essential locations on campus
Research where rooms are located at your school and see if you can find your classrooms before your first day. Knowing where you are supposed to go on your first day will relieve a lot of first-day anxiety. No one likes to be late because they got lost on their first day. Finding quiet study spaces within the school will come in handy when you have spare time to study or do homework. Another thing you can do is research what amenities are located near the school, so you know what is available to you.
Your first day of class
Sitting up front and center in class can be intimidating but can significantly improve your learning experience. Consider introducing yourself to your new teachers and classmates. Read your syllabus and write down any critical assignments and dates to stay organized. Make sure you are on time. Lastly, remember that it is okay to be nervous! Everything will get easier as the days go on.
Make the most of your experience
Take some time to think about what you’d like your high school or college experience to look like. What goals can you set for yourself? Maybe it is making new friends, joining a club, participating in what your school has to offer, or stepping out of your comfort zone. There are so many new experiences secondary and post-secondary education has to offer, so make the most of it!
Welcome to SGEI!
For any new students attending SGEI this September, keep an eye on our events page to see when your orientation will be. If you are thinking about completing your high school diploma or moving onto post-secondary, SGEI offers programs for everyone interested in furthering their education. Check out our post-secondary programs to see if there is something for you!