Starting the first year at university is a major step in a student’s journey to their future. To help ease this transition, there are a number of things that should be considered and planned for before the start of classes.
Make sure that living arrangements are appropriate for your student. While residence provides the best opportunity to meet other students, easier accessibility to classrooms and academic support programs, many students would prefer the independence and freedom of living off-campus.
With the costs of going to university escalating, it’s important that you discuss finances with your student and agree on a plan. Have you talked about your student having a part-time job? Is your student is on a scholarship? Have you set up a budget for the school year? These are all questions that should be answered so that your student does not experience a financial crisis part way through their academic year.
In terms of part-time employment, there is no set rule on whether students should or shouldn’t work during the school year but if your student is going to work and be a full time student, it should be a modest number of hours, 5-10 per week.
Become familiar with the university rules and regulations. Even though there are numerous offices and programs designed to help with academic decisions, ultimately it your responsibility to adhere to deadlines and follow the progression requirements of your program.
Be Realistic! It is critically important for you to recognise that the academic adjustment to university is sometimes difficult. On average, first year students’ marks drop approximately 15% from high school. ACAD has resources for students transitioning to the rigour of university academics including peer tutoring, study groups, time management advice and other programs through the Academic Student Advisor and the Student Resource Center.
Getting involved in various opportunities on and off campus is important. Our most successful alumni have been some of the most involved students. Opprotunities for involvement range from exhibition opportunities, working in on campus galleries, design teams, career related internships, student government, clubs, athletics, volunteering and many more. Campus involvement helps students not only define themselves and make a connection to the university community but also provides important experience that will support future goals.
Students enter university with a very limited exposure to possible career opportunities and as a Fine Art of Design graduate, the possibilities are endless. Once at ACAD, students will be exposed to a wider array of career possibilities. We encourage students to explore these new opportunities And to get involved on a paid or volunteer basis to help determine their interests. At ACAD we work individually with students to help them gain valuable experience in an array of career paths. From interning at arts and cultural organizations like galleries and museums to leading art classes to graphic design and advertising to helping shape the future of art and design organizations. At ACAD, our alumni go on to lead design firms, create Hollywood animation, exhibit all over the world, and to become top level artistic directors to some of the most important companies in the world. With an undergraduate degree in art and design students have an opportunity to continue to study at a Masters or PhD level, leading them to top level positions in Urban Planning, Architecture, Industrial Design, Education, and to shape the future of public arts policy all over the world.