There’s a unique set of skills university students develop during this time of finding independence, expanding your connections, and furthering your education.
Below is a list of some of these skills to start thinking about or even working on before you arrive on campus to make sure you feel confident and prepared for this new chapter.
Time management and self-direction
Keeping track of all your due dates between attending lectures, labs, and tutorials can seem daunting at first. Waiting until the last minute is never a good idea—it will only cause stress, and work from other courses can pile up if you’re spending an entire day on one task. Everyone has different methods for managing their time but keeping a calendar planner where you plan out tasks each day and have due dates visible works for most.
Studying 25–30 hours per week outside of class time
Yes, this is the average amount of time university students spend studying outside of classes. It works out to be around 1.5–2 hours for every hour you spend in class. Remember, studying doesn’t just mean preparing for a test or exam. You should also use this time to do your readings, finish your assignments, and go over your notes.
Ability to do routine self-care activities
Living on your own means you’re fully in charge of taking care of yourself! This means knowing how to do laundry, keeping your space clean and organized, eating good meals, etc. All of these will help lower your stress when schoolwork gets busy. If you aren’t prepared to cook for yourself yet, a meal plan may be a great option for you.
Good note-taking and review practices
The key to getting the most out of your lectures is taking good notes that you can refer to later. Keeping them as clear and organized as you can will make reviewing easier in the future. In terms of review, it’s also useful to review your notes again before the next class to keep the information fresh. If you need help taking better notes, Dal offers study workshops (NetID login required) including ones on note-taking.
Maintaining good mental and physical health
It’s easy to let stress pile up when things get busy but staying on top of your mental and physical health is crucial. It’s totally normal and OK to ask for help. At Dal, we have people here to support you and your health. Student Health and Wellness can connect you with the right services to help you create a plan to make your health a priority.
Getting help when you need it
At Dal, there are so many free services you have access to—academic, career, spiritual, and more—and you should take advantage of them! It’s OK to ask for support if you need it. Check them all out here.
Managing your finances and making a budget
Adding financial stress on top of everything else that’s going on in your life can really affect your success in university. You should have a financial plan or budget in place before you start classes. Get budgeting tips on dal.ca, and use Dal’s budget calculator to help you plan.
Being open to new experiences and meeting new people
The most successful students are those who get involved on campus, whether that’s being involved in group projects, clubs, societies, or sports teams. Meeting new people means building a support network right on campus, which can help if you're homesick. But don’t underestimate the importance of keeping in contact with your existing support group.
Let’s take a moment to reflect. How did reading through these skills make you feel- confident or overwhelmed? If this sounds like a lot, don’t worry! Take the time now to practice these skills. University is a learning curve for everyone, and no one has it all figured out! You'll learn as you go.