What Canadian Students Should Know About the Fall Semester

Fall semester is quickly approaching and with it, many concerns about the current pandemic. How are classes going to be held? Will things be safe? Will there be school activities like music events and such? Here are some things that you should know about the Fall 2020 semester.

What to Expect

Many Canadian universities and colleges have opted for online courses for this coming semester. If you are a disciplined and independent learner, online courses could be for you. Others have opted to do a hybrid model, where some small classes will be held in-person, with social distancing measures in place and other classes held online. Likely only small groups of students will be on campuses throughout the semester and most of your coursework will be online.

Take Care of Your Health

Because this is a brand-new experience, it is important that you take care of your health first and foremost. If you can manage online classes, then do so, but understand the toll they will have on your well-being. Don’t try to take all your heavy courses this semester. An easier course-load will make it easier for you to manage your physical and mental health. Don’t be afraid to take a gap year if you need to. With the anxieties of the pandemic pressing heavily on college students’ minds world-wide, this is the perfect time to work and save up for a future semester.

Things Will be Different

This semester will be unlike anything you’ve yet faced in college. If you are a brand-new student going to college for the first time, your experience will be unlike any other freshman experience. You will need to be patient with yourself, the faculty, and the university. Everyone is in this together. While it may be frustrating that your college has suspended all sports and music events for the coming semester, know that the universities are doing the best they can to keep you and your fellow students safe. Be patient with them and with yourself. It will be a challenging semester for everyone.

With the current COVID-19 pandemic, higher education has completely changed for the coming semester. Instead of in-person classes, many students will be staying home, doing classes online. If they are on campus, they’ll be expected to wear masks and social distance. It will be a challenging time, but we are all in this together.

For more great tips, read this next: First Time Away from Home? What University Students Need to Know to Stay Safe