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So, you’re done with first-year university — now what?

Tips for planning a great summer and prepping for second year

A young woman in a yellow shirt works at a laptop in a library.

So, you just finished your first year of undergrad and you’re thinking, “what next?” First, as students, we don’t always give ourselves enough credit for all the hard work we do.

Completing your first year of university is a big accomplishment and I want to take the time to congratulate you. As you look to what comes next, here are some tips about making the most out of your summer break and prepare for your second year.

Tip #1: Take some time to reflect

With some core courses of your degree completed, take time to reflect on whether your current academic program is the right fit for you and your career goals. While it's never too late to change majors, add minors or switch programs, putting some serious thought into it earlier on certainly has more upsides than down.

Get out of your comfort zone and explore other disciplines to complement your degree. For example, instead of thinking about them as GPA boosters or necessary chores, consider choosing electives from various departments to fuel your curiosity. If you’re not sure what might interest you, that’s fine. The truth is, you won’t know for sure until you try. You might end up taking a course and absolutely loving it! Even if you don’t, at least you’ll gain a better understanding of what you don’t like.

Every class is an opportunity to learn more about yourself and grow as a student and person. While some courses are restricted to certain students based on their program, here is a list of elective courses that are open to everyone.

Tip #2: Plan ahead

Whether you’re looking for a summer job or a more hands-on approach to your field of study, now is the time to explore! Learning about your potential career path can be interesting and insightful and there are plenty of ways that could help you. For one, explore the career planning web page.

The Student Success Centre offers career fairs and also have a jobs bank, and one-on-one sessions with career counsellors and advisors. I wish I had known about this service earlier as I have had meetings with a career counsellor and found them to be extremely helpful when I was unsure of what’s available for me in my field of study.

Also, don’t forget to check out some experiential learning opportunities. This includes potential internships in the Co-op program and more information on getting involved in the student community.  Or even learn and develop new skills with FutureBound program.

Tip #3: Don’t be shy to ask for help

Now that you’ve completed your first year, you should have a better understanding of the effort and time commitment necessary to succeed. Hopefully, the transition to university life was smooth, but if you had difficulties, there’s no need to panic. The Student Success Centre (SSC) has you covered.

As you progress into your second year, your classes will tend to get more difficult. That’s why it might be beneficial to explore the services provided by the SSC. For example, there are tutors at the learning services that can help with math- and science-based courses, writing and research, and there are even opportunities to improve your conversational skills in both French and English.

Concordia aims to foster an environment with a wide variety of opportunities for student success. If you have any questions about which courses to take next, or general questions about your degree, book a meeting with an academic advisor who will be happy to provide valuable guidance.

Tip #4: Enjoy the break — you deserve it!

Whether you plan to take classes or not, the summer is a great opportunity to unwind and rest up for next year. Montreal has once again proven to be a top destination for students, securing the second spot in the 2023 QS Best Student Cities Ranking for North America, just behind Boston!. There are countless activities to do and there is something for everyone.

You might want to explore different areas of the city such as the Old Port or Le Plateau. While you're there, having a picnic or hiking up Mont-Royal is a classic, especially on Sundays. If you have a green thumb and love nature, you can check out the Botanical Gardens and the Biodome. These are just some examples, and with a little bit of research, I’m sure you can find plenty of activities to do. Pro tip: check out MTL Blog for a list of things to do around the city.

Furthermore, music enthusiasts will find summertime in Montreal to be truly unforgettable, with an abundance of electrifying concerts and music festivals that cater to all types of musical tastes and vibes.

After a long year, you deserve a break, so don’t be afraid to explore the city. Take full advantage of the summer so that you can start next year fully charged.

Contact the Welcome Crew to find the right resources to connect you with the Concordia Community.

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