5 Strategies for a Smooth Transition from High School to University

Starting university is a transformational point in our lives as young adults. As we leave our high school days behind and step into this whole experience, it is natural to feel a blend of emotions–both exciting and overwhelming!

No matter the concerns that may be bubbling up, from new academic challenges to moving out of our hometown into an independent era, this transition is an incredible chance to discover who we truly are.

Read on as we cover all the bases of this journey - whether it's navigating dorm life, making new friends, or finding ways to prioritize our mental health. With these strategies and expert insights, you'll be ready to tackle the challenges ahead, bringing relief and inspiring confidence every step of the way.

1. Preparing Before You Arrive

Before stepping foot on campus, it can be helpful to ease your mind by getting acquainted with your new surroundings and people.

Getting to Know the Area

Take time to research the layout, including the location of your dorm and the distance you'll need to travel to get to campus. Find out where your classes are, where the gym or library are, and identify nearby dining options for a quick grab-and-go meal.

If your university is in a new town, province, or country, consider options for nearby grocery stores, pharmacies, and entertainment options. It is also helpful to familiarize yourself with available resourcing on your campus like academic advising and even counselling services to help provide support along the way.

Connect with Future Classmates

Another great way to prepare for university before arriving on campus is to connect with your future classmates or dorm mates. Using social media groups, online forums, or messaging apps where incoming students can connect is a great way to learn who is in your classes and start building friendships early.

Not only can this ease some of the stress and social anxiety from entering a brand new environment, but it can be a great opportunity to remove some of the pressure from meeting new people in person.

2. Settling into Residence Life

Whether you’re moving directly onto campus or sharing a home nearby with roommates, the transition to residence life can be made smoothly with a few tips.

Make your Space Feel Like Home

For starters, the best way to feel at home is to personalize your dorm in a way that reflects your individual style and makes the space feel more cozy and comfortable.

Consider these tips:

• Frame personal mementos of family and friends, create a gallery wall of your artwork, or add inspirational quotes and posters that resonate with you
• Choose cozy bedding that matches your aesthetic, provides comfort, and promotes optimal sleep hygiene
• Personalize the lighting in your room that provides a cozy space for studying, while also being warm and inviting
• Add a few small plants or succulents that can bring a touch of nature into your space to improve the atmosphere
• Make storage a priority by getting a mix of bins, baskets, or shelving that provides functionality and organization to your space

Even small details can transform your room into a cozy sanctuary where you feel safe, can recharge, and find peace and quiet for studying and sleeping.

Navigating Shared Spaces

Living with roommates is a common experience that most college or university students will face. While it does come with plenty of laughs and quality time, it is normal to encounter a few issues along the way.

Whether you are a type A perfectionist dealing with a messy roommate or someone who prioritizes quality sleep while sharing a room with a late-night noise maker, navigating these living situations can be challenging, to say the least.

Strong communication and healthy boundaries will be the key to ensuring a harmonious living situation. This involves:

• Be calm, clear, and concise about your expectations (i.e. cleaning, noise levels, shared responsibilities, etc.)
• Make regular check-ins the norm with your roommate to effectively address concerns or changes in your living arrangements
• Respect personal space by establishing boundaries regarding personal belongings and alone time
• Address disagreements calmly and respectfully, aiming to compromise rather than confront
• Set quiet hours to accommodate sleep and study needs
• Express feelings and needs using “I” statements, to avoid blaming or accusing (i.e. “I feel frustrated when…”)

While not all living situations will be perfect, aim for compromise as the ultimate goal.

3. Building a Supportive Social Network When in Transition from High School to University

Let’s be honest, making new friends can be a stressful experience. Even the most social people can get a little nervous at the thought of meeting new faces and fitting into unfamiliar social circles.

This 2023 study notes that peer relationships can impact young adults’ social identity and psychological well-being. Even though it is tough for many of us, there is significant value in building friendships through this chapter.

Here are some simple ways to make your first impression on campus:

• Engaging in orientation events: Attend campus tours, welcome sessions, or social mixers
• Joining on-campus clubs: Find groups that align with your interests (i.e. art, sports, or debate teams) to connect with like-minded peers
• Participating in campus activities: Take part in workshops, cheer for your sports teams, or volunteer on campus to broaden your social circle 
• Introducing yourself to a classmate: Make the first move by forming connections with your classmates, joining or forming study groups, or simply striking up a conversation before or after class

Remember that the first few weeks, even months, can feel exhausting—especially for introverts. It’s helpful to stay connected with old friends through FaceTime or by planning a road trip (if possible) to keep a sense of familiarity and support as you adjust to your new environment.

This is especially important for those in a committed long-distance relationship.

4. Academic Success Strategies

The transition from high school to university can be an eye-opening experience.

Unlike the structured nature of high school that many of us have become accustomed to, university demands a shift towards more independent learning.

You can expect many of the following academic experiences in university:

• Self-directed learning: University requires students to be proactive in seeking resources and managing study time appropriately
• Varied teaching styles: Not all professors will teach in the style you're used to, so be flexible and open to adapting your learning strategies
• Increased coursework: You’ll likely encounter more coursework, including research papers, group projects, presentations, and quizzes or exams that demand effective time management and organization
• Active participation: Some professors require more in-class engagement in discussions
• Class structure: You might find that some classes meet less frequently but for longer periods, including a possible laboratory component
• Greater student-to-teacher ratio: With larger class sizes and more students per instructor, personalized attention may be limited, making it crucial to seek support through teaching assistants or academic resources for additional help

Above all else, it is important to remain proactive during this transition by staying up to date and organized with your school work (to-do lists and schedulers are a must!), asking for help when you need it, and utilizing campus resources (i.e. mentorship, tutors, advisors, study groups, etc.) to support your journey.

5. Managing Stress and Well-Being

Juggling your studies, social life, and personal well-being can be a bit of a balancing act. If at times you feel overwhelmed by the demands, it’s important to pause and prioritize self-care.

A recent study exploring the link between academic performance and self-care found that students who regularly engaged in wellness activities, such as going for a run or writing in a gratitude journal, had a higher GPA and better overall academic success.

Other healthy habits that embody a self-care mindset include maintaining a well-rounded diet, staying hydrated, getting sufficient sleep, and managing stress through relaxation techniques.

Therapy for Students

Another important aspect of our well-being is our mental health. Therapy can be a vital resource, particularly for university students as a way to help manage the stress of this new transition.

Benefits of therapy for undergraduate (and graduate) students include:

• Helping you navigate emotional challenges that come with academic pressures and life changes
• Providing space to discuss and work through feelings of anxiety, low self-worth, depression, loneliness, and more
• Teaching the foundations for developing coping strategies to enhance mental resilience and overall well-being
• Supporting better focus, organization, and motivation to help improve academic performance
• Offering guidance on balancing academic academic responsibilities with personal life, reducing feelings of overwhelm
• Providing tools for resolving conflicts with peers, professors, and family members
• Encouraging self-discovery and personal development

It is never too late to invest in yourself. Get started on your journey by scheduling a free online consultation with a mental health professional today!

The Bottom Line

Starting university is a little like setting sail on your own boat. While you may have all the equipment for your journey, it’s natural to feel a generous mix of excitement and unease about the unknown waters ahead.

When it comes to being successful in the weeks leading up to and entering university, it's all about setting yourself up for smooth sailing. This includes staying organized and doing a bit of background research about your campus, making new connections, taking care of your mental and physical well-being, and, most importantly, being able to embrace this new chapter with a flexible mindset.

For help along the way, consider reaching out for support! Connect with a therapist here.

Written by Julie Stevenson, MSW, RSW