5 Tips for a Successful New School Year

Whether you’re about to start your first year of post-secondary education or you’re beginning a graduate certificate, following our five tips for academic success can make your academic (and extracurricular!) year a little bit easier.

1. Go to Orientation

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Don’t miss out on the treasure trove of information and resources at orientation. Maybe you’ve been to the campus before and know your way around, but orientation is about much more than getting from one classroom to another–though we can help with that if you need it! Orientation gives you the tools needed for success in your program and beyond.

Program Orientation

Attend your program orientation to learn more about what to expect from your program. Get answers to basic questions, like, “Where are my labs located?” but also more complex ones like, “What happens in each of my labs? How are labs graded?” And more.

Student Services & Support

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Included in your College tuition and fees for full-time students, you get access to a number of student services.  Any of these services could be the key to your success! Explore the Student Services Fair at orientation. 

Check out the different kinds of academic support, such as the Library Learning Commons, academic advisors and peer tutoring, all of which deliver academic support to help you excel in your program. Co-op and career services are here to help you with things like finding the right co-op for you and preparing for your job search. Accessibility services and personal counselling offer support like academic accommodations and someone to talk to when you need support. Full-time Fanshawe students studying on campus can take advantage of the Student Wellness Centre, including the gym and Fowler Kennedy Medical Clinic. Part-time Ontario College Credential students have access to most of these services, but are not automatically included in the fitness pass, bus pass or health plan.

There is so much more to student services and support at Fanshawe, so be sure to check out the Student Services Fair at orientation and our student services pages for a comprehensive list of all the help that’s available to you.

Fanshawe’s Student Union

The Fanshawe Student Union (FSU) is a group of students who are elected by the student body. They provide services like your health care plan, your bus pass or your meal plan and run food service locations like the Out Back Shack and the Oasis. Some of your most exciting student experiences will be organized by the FSU, including social events on campus where you can network and get to know your fellow students.

2. Get to know your peers

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You will be surrounded by people at College, and some may be future friends or study buddies! Take some time and get to know those around you! That can include classmates, roommates if you’re living with new people, and others around you like profs, program coordinators and staff. At Fanshawe, you are not alone — you are part of a community and everyone’s here to learn together. Get curious, team up, talk and share; even simply saying “hi” to someone new could spark a connection that supports your post-secondary journey.

3. Attend your professors’ office hours

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Do your professors offer times when they will be available for meetings or quick chats with students? Whether in person or virtual, your prof’s office hours can help you excel academically. It’s a great way to get answers about assignments and an opportunity to get to know your professors (who often have industry connections)!

4. Explore your community

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It’s easy to get caught up in coursework, but it’s important to remain connected to your community. Keeping a pulse on things happening outside of your studies can help you stay grounded during stressful times.

College Community

There are loads of events and opportunities for growth outside the classroom. Whether online or in person, you can attend events, workshops and webinars where you can meet others in the College community, learn something new and have a good time. Fanshawe’s athletics programs give you an opportunity to play sports casually or competitively, or you can cheer on your school’s team (and keep an eye out for our mascot, Freddie the Falcon). At Fanshawe, you can even join our Fuel Esports team. Take advantage of your co-curricular record to get recognition for skills gained outside of the classroom.

Local Community

Campus isn’t the only place to build community! Getting to know the people and places in your area is also an important part of your college experience. London has loads of entertainment and cultural events, associations and places to explore. If you’re studying online or commuting to campus, stay connected with what’s happening near you! Discover your favourite walking trails, local restaurants and small businesses. Attend seasonal events, markets and more. It’s rewarding to support (and be supported by) the community around you.

5. Take care of your health

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Whether you’re aiming for success in school or life in general, taking care of your health is key to being able to do the things you want to do! Full-time students are covered under the FSU’s health plan. Stay physically engaged at your local gym or in the Student Wellness Centre, or join a sports team. Attend scheduled classes at the Student Wellness Centre like yoga, spin classes, HIIT and more. If you’re not feeling well, see your doctor or visit the Fowler Kennedy Medical Clinic. Mental health is also an important part of your overall health, so be sure to take care of that as well! For example, join a peer support group or talk to a personal counsellor if needed.

And there you have it! Those are our 5 tips for success to kick off your new school year. 

• Are you a Fanshawe student in need of academic help? Check out these academic support resources.
• Not yet a student? There’s still time to apply!