Adjusting to a new learning environment takes time.
Your student is one of the best, but now they are among others who are also the best. Everyone is trying to figure out what works for them in this new environment.
Encourage your student to get a strong understanding of their new academic expectations. Free resources and supports are available to help them navigate this stretch of their academic journey.
Remember, asking for help isn't a sign of weakness — it's a strategy for success.
Adapting to new academic expectations
Academic expectations in university can be very different from high school. Many first-year students experience a drop in their grades as they adjust to the new learning environment.
Take a look at some of the differences between high school and university.
In some high schools...
- students don’t need to prepare before class
- teachers cover all material in class
- homework is sometimes assigned to complete outside of the classroom
- limited independent work required
- structured timetable
- 80% of learning time in class
- 20% of learning time outside of class
In university...
- students expected to prepare before lecture
- instructors focus on main concepts in class
- regular study and review outside of the classroom is required
- many courses have smaller numbers of high-stakes assessments (midterms and finals)
- less structured timetable
- 20% of learning time in class
- 80% of learning time outside of class
How can students bridge this gap?
Your student may need to brush up on their “study skills.” This includes many soft skills, like time management, note-taking, study strategies and exam preparation.
It’s normal to need help with studying, reading and learning at university. The Student Success Office offers learning support resources to help students navigate these common challenges.
Students in university also spend more time learning outside of class. Encourage your student to explore tutoring if they need help understanding the material in a specific class.
Degree requirements
Just like in high school, students must complete a specific amount of course credits to complete their degree.
Each program requires students to complete courses from a specific list or group. At Waterloo, this list of requirements is called a “plan.”
Students can find their degree requirements in the Academic Calendar.
Academic advisors
Every student has an academic advisor. Their job is to work in partnership with your student to help them meet their academic goals.
Academic advisors can:
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explain academic requirements and policies
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help your student develop realistic education goals
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refer students facing challenges to resources and services
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help students find additional opportunities to enhance their university experience
Parents and supporters are not encouraged to connect directly with academic advisors. In accordance with university privacy policy, your student’s academic advisor will not be able to discuss their grades, finances or other specific university information with you.
Encourage your student to take responsibility for their studies and goals by connecting directly with their advisor.
Some students may find it challenging to seek help or ask questions about academics. This can be especially true if they rarely needed to ask for help in high school.
The Student Success Office offers a free online micro-course in self-advocacy to help students develop these skills.
Academic accommodations
AccessAbility Services manages academic accommodations for all students.
Students who have a temporary, permanent, chronic or suspected disability or condition (e.g., medical condition, injury, psychological impacts of trauma) can apply online to begin the registration process.
Students do not require documentation to begin the application process.
Encourage your student to take the lead in this process. In line with privacy policy, AccessAbility Services staff cannot discuss your student’s information with you.
Co-op
Many Waterloo students are “co-op students.” This means that at some point during their degree, they will alternate between study and work terms.
On a study term, they will take their regular classes. On a work term, they will work full-time to get hands-on experience in their field of study.
Programs that offer co-op follow different “streams.” A co-op stream indicates how many work terms they must complete and the sequence of work and study terms they will follow.
Students can get support looking for a co-op job or during their work term from co-op and career advisors. Co-op advisors will reach out and introduce themselves to your student before their first job search begins.
Co-op resources:
