Tag: choosing a school

  • Why Choose a School Away From Home?

    Why Choose a School Away From Home?

    Better opportunities
    You may decide to move far away to attend a college or university that will give you more opportunities. Even if you currently live near a post-secondary institution, that school might not have the resources you require. These could include a prestigious faculty, excellent scholarships to help you fund your studies, and renowned academics to give you the best start in your career. Here’s some great advice: choose a school that best suits you. Don’t let the location of the school and how far it is from your home deter you from pursuing your dreams.

    Grow up
    A university or college, with its residence or “dorm-style” living, can be the perfect environment for you to develop into a young adult. Such living arrangements give you sufficient support while also providing you with the space you need to spread your wings and “grow up” at the same time — but not too fast. Under the shelter of the university or college bubble you can make smoother transition into adulthood.

    Indeed, moving far away from home will give you plenty of independence. No one will be there to wake you up in the morning, drive you to school, or check up on you when you come home late at night. Away from your family, perhaps for the first time, this freedom can be intoxicating. Yet, even though you will have more responsibilities than ever before, when you live in a dorm you won’t have to worry about paying a hydro bill and most of your food will be provided for you on campus.

    These responsibilities will prepare you for the following year, when you probably wont be living in a dorm anymore but will instead be living with your friends in an apartment or house for the first time. Living far away from the shelter of your family home, you can grow up much faster than you ever expected.

    Become a World Citizen
    Step outside your comfort zone. Why not move to a metropolitan area that has a much more diverse, multicultural population than your hometown? Such a prospect might terrify some who are afraid to leave the “nest” and venture out into the world. But for those who are up for the challenge, moving away from home can be an excellent opportunity to expand your worldview. You can meet new people from diverse cultural backgrounds and make friends with a wide range of people — especially if you choose a university or college that’s really far away from home (in another province or even another country). Either way, new experiences and adventures will abound: the world is your playground.

    Personal growth
    Have you ever heard the saying “you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone?” Well, sometimes spending time away from your roots and your regular routine can help you see your life from a different perspective. Such fresh insight might help you appreciate your life and relationships in ways you never imagined possible. Your sense of gratitude for all the wonderful things and people in your life can actually strengthen your bond with your family and friends. Ironically, moving away can help you move closer to your loved ones.

  • Choosing A Post-Secondary Institution

    Choosing A Post-Secondary Institution

    So many colleges and universities to choose from, so hard to pick just one! 


    When entering the final year of high school, sometimes earlier for students eager to plan their post-secondary studies and reach their educational goals, it’s time to start thinking about where you will continue your education.

    With what feels like countless schools fighting for your application, it may feel overwhelming and laborious to find the one suited to your needs, but it doesn’t have to be. Take advantage of school visits, academic calendars, and individual institution websites to start investigating the options available to you.

    It’s important to prioritize and determine what you need most from your post-secondary education. You’ll likely already know if you’re interested in attending college or university, based on your program choices throughout high school, but there are plenty of other things to consider. 



    Would you like to stay at home instead of dealing with the added stresses of paying rent, living in residence, or moving away? Does the institution you’d like to attend offer a program suited to your interests and future career goals? Do you require additional services and supports during your studies? Are you interested in participating in varsity sports or other extra-curricular activities? Will you be searching for on-campus employment?

    By knowing what you want, you have a clear checklist to keep in mind when speaking with recruiters or tackling the mountain of academic calendars. If you’re having difficulties determining a program suited to your interests and career goals, meet with your high school guidance counsellor for additional assistance.

    It is important to also keep in mind that you’re not restricted to applying to only one institution. If you’re stuck between a few institutions or have a few programs that have piqued your interest, you have the opportunity to apply to more than one. Having more opportunities to choose from and more schools offering you admission into their programs is never a bad thing.

    Regardless of your future goals, there’s a post-secondary institution certain to meet your needs. By taking the time to research and understand your priorities, you’re sure to reach success wherever you go.