Articles for students and families transitioning into higher education.
Moving into higher education can feel very different from school. The way you learn, study, and manage your time will likely change. It takes time to get used to this new way of learning and that’s okay. This article explains what to expect, what your schedule might look like, how to handle your course workload, and how to manage if it all feels overwhelming.
In higher education you are in charge of your own learning. You will need to:
One exciting part of starting higher education is that you get to choose what course you want to study. You may have picked your course because you enjoy the subject, you were good at it in school, or you want to work in that area after you graduate. Even when you chose something you like, it can sometimes be hard to stay motivated especially if your course contains a module that doesn’t interest you. It’s okay not to enjoy every part of your course, and you’re not expected to be perfect at everything.
Lecturers and tutors are often managing large numbers of students, writing academic papers, and teaching other classes. Unless your course takes attendance, they may not notice if you miss a class or an assignment. It’s up to you to stay on track. Try to plan your time so you can stay up to date with your work. Break tasks into smaller steps. Make use of the time your course gives you for independent study as this is where a lot of your learning happens.
College or university usually has a different structure to school.
You might not have the same subject every day. Instead, your course is divided into modules, and each one may have:
This means you may cover a lot of material quickly. Class sizes can also be much bigger than at school, and there may not always be time to ask questions during lectures.
You’ll often be expected to do reading between classes.
This might include:
Doing the reading helps you better understand what was covered in class. It can also prepare you for discussions in tutorials or future assignments.
If you’re confused or stuck, you don’t have to figure everything out on your own.
Most lecturers or tutors have weekly office hours – this is a time you can visit them to ask questions or get help.
If you find speaking face-to-face difficult, or if you’re nervous, you can:
They may take a little time to reply, as they manage many students and classes, but most will do their best to get back to you soon.
A good rule is to spend 3 to 4 hours per week on each module outside of class.
Use this time for:
It can help to think of college like a part-time job. Lectures, labs, and tutorials are just one part of it – a lot of the learning happens in your own time.
Try to use gaps between classes to do short bits of study. This can make your evenings less stressful and help you keep up without falling behind.
In higher education, your workload will likely be greater than in secondary school.
Each lecturer or tutor may not know what’s happening in your other modules, or how many assignments you already have that week. This means it’s common to have more than one deadline around the same time.
Assignments and assessments can build up fast in college. Some lecturers may allow deadline extensions, others may not. It depends on the course and the lecturer.
To reduce stress, try these steps:
This gives you time to:
Give yourself extra time if you need it – not everything has to be done in one sitting.
Even working in short blocks can make a big difference over time.
The move to higher education can feel like a big jump, especially for Autistic students.
College is very different from school. You have more independence, new ways of learning, and new types of assignments.
It’s completely normal to feel stressed or overwhelmed at times.
Some students enjoy the challenge and push themselves under pressure, others prefer structure, routine, and taking things at their own pace. It’s important to know that both ways are valid and there’s no “right” way to experience college.
Try things when you feel ready – whether that’s socialising with classmates or attending an event with a club or society.
If you’re struggling, help is available. You don’t have to do it alone.
Here are some places that can support you:
You can also reach out to family and friends.
Even if they’re far away, a quick message or video call can make a big difference.
There are clubs and societies for all interests – from gaming to art to advocacy.
Joining one can be a good way to meet people with similar interests, but there’s no pressure to take part unless you want to.
AHEAD, an organisation that supports disabled students in college and moving into the world of work have made a short video with their Top 5 Tips for Starting College.
