Going Back to School? Top Tips for Student Success

It’s back-to-school season, a time when people often start to think about their education journey. Taking a leap of faith and enrolling in college can feel daunting, but these top tips for student success can have you approach enrollment and your first day of classes with confidence.

Whether you’re a recent high school grad, thinking about changing careers, or attending college for the first time as a mature student, it’s totally normal to have hesitations or feel overwhelmed with a big life change like going back to school. But don’t fret—we’re here to help!  For any questions about enrollment, admission requirements, or deciding on a program, our Admission Advisors are here to support you!

Click the links below to navigate to specific sections.

Choosing the Right Program

The Importance of Time Management

Manage Your Money

Use Student Services

Don’t Forget to Have Fun!

Choosing the Right Program

One of the best ways to guarantee a fulfilling and successful college experience is making sure you’re choosing a program that interests you and aligns with your long-term goals.

Here are some things to consider when selecting a program:

Fulfillment – Would you enjoy this field of work?

Income – How much will you earn in an entry-level position?

Program Duration – How long will it take to complete the required education?

Job Prospects – Is this field hiring?

Work-Life Balance – What are the average hours in this field? Would you work set hours or shifts? How early and/or late would you likely be working?

It’s important to keep in mind that some of these facets may be more important to you than others. For some people, income is their highest priority, but for others, they may have family responsibilities that their work schedule must accommodate.

For a full list of programs available at Sprott Shaw College, please click the button below.

The Importance of Time Management

Once you’re enrolled in college, your classes and homework will become one of your main priorities and require a lot of time and energy. This is where the importance of time management comes in. To make sure that you’re on top of your tasks and complete assignments in a timely manner, you have to stay organized and plan ahead. Consider writing a to-do list, then organizing those tasks into a schedule based on priority, deadlines, the time required for the task, and the time you have available.

Here are some activities you may want to schedule into your routine:

• Attending classes
• Homework and studying
• Chores and errands
• Family responsibilities
• Free time, socializing, and hobbies

Manage Your Money

Going back to school requires not only time and effort, but a significant financial commitment too. Planning ahead can help make money management less stressful, allowing you to better focus on your studies. Once you have talked to an Admission Advisor and figured out what program you want to take, they can also help you explore your financial options, such as financial assistance, scholarships and grants.

Government student loans through StudentAidBC offer a ten-year payment plan, no interest, and students aren’t required to start making payments until six months after graduation. This is one of the most common ways students receive financial assistance while enrolled in college.

Grants and scholarships are a major way of alleviating some of the financial pressure of going back to school as well. Our Admission Advisors can help you find scholarship and grant opportunities and determine your eligibility. Some grants are provided to everyone who meets the criteria, such as the Since 1903 High School Grant, which provides up to $4000 towards your tuition if you enroll within a year of graduating high school. Click here for a full list of grants and scholarships available to Sprott Shaw students.

Have further questions about your funding options as a Sprott Shaw student? Click the button below to complete a contact form, and an advisor will get back to you soon!

Use Student Services

Take advantage of the student services offered by your college! These services are here to make your college life easier. Students at Sprott Shaw College can access:

Employment Services Specialists – Both SSC students and alumni can access our Employment Services Specialists, who can help you with finding jobs, writing resumes, and preparing for interviews.

Here2Talk – All Sprott Shaw students can access mental health support through Here2Talk. This includes free counselling and community referral services, available 24/7.

Don’t Forget to Have Fun!

With homework, deadlines, exams, and other responsibilities, it can be easy to forget to take time for yourself. Make sure that you’re making time for socializing, hobbies, and self-care. Positive mental health is key for student success. If you take care of yourself, you’ll have a better mindset and more energy when it’s time to buckle down and get your schoolwork done. Life is all about balance!

Just because college is meant for learning and building your career, it doesn’t mean it can’t be fun!  Through your classes and time on campus, you’ll meet many like-minded people who are in the same boat as you. College is one of the best opportunities to make friends and build community. Tackling projects and deadlines with your school friends can forge bonds that last a lifetime!

Find Success at Sprott Shaw College

Through small class sizes and education that an emphasizes hands-on learning, we’re here to provide you with the support and experience you need to thrive in the classroom and in your career. With monthly program intakes and online and in-person programs at our 15 campuses across the province, we’re ready to begin your education journey whenever and wherever you are.

Have questions about our programs, admissions process, campuses, or funding options? Our Admission Advisors are here to prepare you for going back to school. They can provide you with more information and guide you through the enrollment process when you’re ready. Click the button below to complete a contact form, and an advisor will get in touch with you soon!