The nerve-racking transition from high school to university, coupled with the excitement of taking the first major step into adulthood, is an overwhelming and often confusing experience.   

People encounter a wide range of distinct emotions when entering first year, but the end result is always the same: an eventful and memorable year, with stories that will last a lifetime. Some experiences are amazing, and some are slightly embarrassing, but they all teach us unforgettable lessons that enable growth.   

Not long before becoming a fan  favourite  among biology professors at Western, Dr. Beth MacDougall-Shackleton  entered her frosh year at Queen’s University and experienced the myriad of worries and struggles that many first-year students go through. She has kindly shared some of her memories as a first-year, as well as some tips and advice on how to be successful.  

Q: How long have you been teaching first-year Biology?

A: [I’ve been] Teaching first-year bio since 2008, so ever since most of the incoming students were in grade 2!

Q: What was your biggest worry as a frosh?

A: My biggest fears were all about social stuff—being homesick, not knowing anyone, and not making any friends. Believe it or not, I wasn't worried about academics at all. (I probably should have been more worried than I was!)

Q: What was it like when you were a first-year? Were you naturally academically inclined or did that come later?

A: First year was a wild ride; unforgettable in the best of ways. Honestly, I did have a few homesick moments... I was determined not to cry when my parents dropped me off at the dorms, but it was tough! But I quickly learned that everyone else was in the same boat, and some of the friends I made during frosh week are still my favourite people today. And the sophs who seemed so terrifying as we drove onto campus ended up looking out for us and always having the back of "their" frosh. —In terms of academics, large class sizes were a big adjustment. My grades stayed pretty good throughout first year, thanks to a tough crew of teachers at my high school, but it took me a long time to get used to profs not recognizing me on or off campus. (Now that I teach 1500 students each year in intro bio, I can fully understand that lack of recognition -- please don't take it personally, Bio students!)

Q: What was the greatest challenge you faced during first year?

A: My biggest challenge about first year was also one of the things I loved most -- living with a bunch of other teenagers. Res life was fantastic during the fun times (homecoming and floor parties) but once midterm and final exam stress hit, it was hard to escape the tension in the air!

Q: How best should first-year students deal with the drastic transition from high school to university?

A: It's normal to be nervous in such a new environment. But try not to let your fears keep you from having fun or from getting the most out of your education. In terms of academics, don't hesitate to ask questions either during or after class; and know that you are always welcome at office hours, whether you have a lot of questions or even if you DON'T have a specific question. And socially, first year is a great time to try new things and figure out what you like to do and who you like to do it with.

Q: What advice do you have for first-year students in regard to studying for “science-based” courses?

A: Every course is different, but it's safe to say you'll need to take more responsibility for your learning than in high school. Most likely, your parents are no longer cracking down on you, and you'll find that most profs don't, either. We work hard to create an educational environment in which you can learn effectively, but ultimately, it's on you.

Q: What is your best memory as a first-year student?

A: I have so many happy memories of first year... but one of the best is celebrating with my friends after our April Bio exam. We had written a bunch of goofy biology-related songs, limericks and in-jokes during our long, late-night study sessions. After the exam, we went out to the pub and ran through them all. I remember being simultaneously amazed at how much formative stuff can happen in a single year, and at how quickly a year can pass.

A special thanks to Professor MacDougall-Shackleton for her assistance in this article.