Two university graduates share how they balanced academics with enjoying life at school
By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com
Some parents, whether they want to admit it or not, are rejoicing at the notion that the summer break is almost over, and kids will be back in school in a little more than two weeks.
For many students, however, the start of the school year marks the beginning of the transition from high school student to member of a college or university community.
With that at top of mind, Farms.com connected with two University of Guelph grads to share their feelings going into their first year of university, and how they balanced good grades with enjoying campus life.
Hannah Sweett (HS) completed her bachelor's degree in molecular biology and genetics between 2013 and 2017 before earning her Ph.D. in animal genetics. She now works as a knowledge transfer advisor with Lactanet.
She went to high school in Oakville.
Austin Brown (AB) earned a bachelor's degree in international development studies with a specialization in rural and agricultural development between 2012 and 2017. He then went on to complete a Master of Science in capacity development and extension with an international development designation.
Brown is a policy analyst with the Ontario Federation of Agriculture.
He went to high school in Waterdown.
Farms.com: Why did you choose the University of Guelph?
HS: When I visited the school, it felt like home. The other schools I looked at felt like a very big city to me and I didn’t like that.
AB: I wanted a fresh experience and so I almost purposely chose a school that not a lot of my friends were going to.
Farms.com: What do you remember about your first day on campus?
HS: I remember my parents drove me and I was bawling my eyes out in the car because I didn’t want to go. But that completely changed once I got there. I lived in South residence and was so excited to start my university experience. I got really close with some of the girls there and was recently in one of their wedding parties.
AB: I was lucky enough to be in Johnston for my residence, which is one of the most coveted buildings. You walk through those big doors and it’s an impressive feeling. I thought I was walking into Hogwarts.
Farms.com: How did you find making friends and getting involved in the school community?
HS: It was a mix of working at it and having it come naturally. I think everyone living on residence wants to make friends because at the end of the day you’re all alone, so it’s important to find people to hang out with.
AB: I had a solid set of friends in my residence, and my friends in my program. Then in the second or third year you start to specialize in your studies, you have a tighter knit group of people you’re seeing and leaning on all the time. I don’t know how the students made it through COVID. I don’t think I could have made it without my social group.
The school also has lots of extracurricular activities available if you’re looking for other things to do.
Farms.com: What’s a piece of advice you have for first-year students to help them stay on top of their studies?
HS: I actually have two pieces of advice. One is to remember that you’re at school for a reason, and that’s to take the next steps to adulthood and establishing a career. It’s okay to have a good time with friends, but that can’t be your primary focus.
The second piece of advice is to understand that it’s okay to make changes. I switched my degree twice and everything worked out fine. The guidance counsellors are there to help you understand which credits and courses you need to take.
AB: Make sure you write down all of the due dates for all of your classes. You never want to be the student who doesn’t know when a paper is due.
The University of Guelph also published a list of things first-year students should know.
What do you remember about your first day and year at university? What tips can you share with new students?