CMHA :: Your Education - Your Future

The beginning of a term can feel overwhelming. Running from office to office, finding classes - there are lots of details, lineups and people. Not to mention the fact that you seem to be handing over money at every turn for deposits, books and fees.

A word of advice: plan ahead. There are many things you can do before school starts that will minimize the pressures and stress.

Most colleges and universities require that you meet with an academic advisor before you begin registering for courses. This allows you to review your course selection to make sure you are setting the necessary foundation for your program. If a meeting is required, make an appointment well before the beginning of term. It's a good idea to talk to the Disability Services Office before that appointment, so you have a clear idea about the number of courses you want to take.

Online registration has become the norm for some colleges and universities. Others allow you to register over the telephone, using an automated system. In these cases, you will receive instructions from your academic advisor on how and when to register. Using these systems can help reduce stress, since you can register from the quiet of your own home when you are relaxed and have energy.

If in-person registration is required, some colleges and campuses will arrange early registration for students with disabilities, so you don't have to wait in line-ups in the first week. Consult with the Disability Services Office.

Some institutions may require you to write placement tests before you can register. This is especially true if you have not completed a high school diploma and/or are registering as a mature student. The test helps them determine which first year courses you should take as a basis for your studies. These tests are most often required in the subject areas of English and math. If you need accommodations in order to write a test, you can arrange them with the Disability Services Office.

Campus bookstores are usually extremely busy the first few weeks of term, with long lineups. Ask for course outlines/syllabi well in advance and make your trip to the bookstore before classes begin to avoid the rush. You'll also avoid the risk of the bookstore running out of copies of your textbook.

If course outlines aren't available in advance, you can ask the Disability Services Office to provide you with a letter that allows you to bypass the lineups.

Many colleges and universities offer campus tours for new students throughout the summer. These tours offer a good chance to familiarize yourself with the campus before the beginning of term.

It's also a good idea to visit the campus on your own and find the location of the offices you'll need: Disability Services Office, Counseling or Student Services, Registrar's Office, Admissions Office, the Library and the Cafeteria. Find your classroom locations and the closest washrooms. Ask for a campus map, or find one on the website. Make notes to remind yourself of where things are.

Plan the route you will take to get to campus. Try a dry run at the time of day you will be traveling so you can estimate how much travel time you will need. If you are driving, figure out the route, how much traffic you can expect and where you can park. Special parking rates or passes are often available for students. Buy yours well in advance of the rush. If you are traveling by transit, find out if you will need transfers, and what the stops will be.

Some colleges and universities have orientation weeks, with special social events to help students get to know each other. Many of these are focused toward students living in residence. These events can provide an opportunity for you to get to know other students, especially if you have moved away from home to come to school. Some colleges and universities also have orientation events especially for students with disabilities, so check with the Disability Services Office.

All of these events take place during the first weeks of the term when you may be experiencing the stress of starting something new, so you'll have to decide whether you have the energy to participate.

Some institutions have peer mentors to help first-year students make the transition. These are other students who can show you the ropes, answer questions and be a friendly face. Check with the Disability Services Office or Student Services to see if this program exists at your college or university.