Full-time vs. Part-time studies

Monday, March 11, 2019
by Kyrie H., Grade 11 HS student blogger

Full-time or Part-time?

Kyrie outside the SAF wing in Hagey Hall
TV shows and movies has falsely taught me that students go to university throughout the year – fall, winter, and summer. After talking to people and researching more, I found out that you do not have to go for the full year and you do not even have to study full time. Depending on your program, you can choose to study full-time or part-time, and take courses offered on campus or online. Full-time is similar to high school, you take 3-5 courses per term, and your classes are either during the day or evenings and you’ll be studying 5 days a week. However, depending on your schedule, you may have days off. Part-time is similar to full-time but instead of doing 3-5 courses, you are only doing 1-2 a term. The difference is that it will take longer for you to finish your program on a part-time basis because you are only taking 1-2 courses per term. Your classes can either be online or on campus during the day and/or evenings. Both full-time and part-time students can take online courses; it all depends on which study method you prefer. When I go to university, I will be doing full-time studies, as I have the time and I know I can afford full-time tuition. Someone may choose to complete their degree on a part-time basis because they are working full-time or they need to work to be able to afford university studies. I also would not do any online courses because I know I learn better in a classroom. If you are in a position in which you need to pick which form of study you are going to do, go with what fits your lifestyle and budget the best.