7 Ways University Classes Differ from High School
Understanding the big differences can help you feel more prepared.
The countdown is on! Just a few more weeks and you'll be attending your first university classes. Don't worry, there's no need to be anxious. Classes will be different from what you experienced in high school, but one of the best ways to prepare is to understand what to expect!
- 1. Classes are larger
The average class size will vary depending on the university, but in most cases, you'll have at least a couple classes with 100+ students.
- 2. Lecture classes
"Lecture style" means the professor or lecturer delivers the information in a presentation and you take notes. There's very little class participation, so the onus is on you to stay engaged.
- 3. You make your own schedule and manage your own time
In high school, every day typically has the same start and end time. That likely won't be the case in university. Some classes begin at 8 am and others end at 10 pm. Every day might be a little different, and you'll be responsible for scheduling time for activities, studying and eating between classes.
- 4. Fewer in-class hours, more outside-class hours
A general rule is for every one hour you spend in a university class, you'll spend 2-3 hours reading, studying, and working on assignments. Plan accordingly!
- 5. Fewer tests
For some courses, your final grade could be made up of just a couple exam marks that are more heavily weighted.
- 6. Textbooks
These have to be purchased — they're not provided.
- 7. Less handholding
Your high school teachers might have closely tracked your attendance and progress. This is much less common in university! The responsibility is yours.
The overall theme when transitioning from high school to university is the expectation that you take responsibility for your own actions. Would you like some advice to make it easier? Check out Four Tips to Succeed in University. And if you find the transition difficult, don't be afraid or ashamed to ask for help. We've all been there. That's why we have so many resources to help you.
Good luck starting university in September!