Will Your Routine Transition with You to College?

Will Your Routine Transition with You to College?

Starting college can be both exciting and challenging, especially when it comes to maintaining the routines and supports you relied on in high school. The structure and resources available in high school often differ from those you’ll find in college, so it’s essential to prepare in advance for a smoother transition.

Understanding the Change in Support Systems

In high school, you may have support through an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and the ability to use accommodations and possibly modifications tailored to help you succeed. However, these supports, provided under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), don’t carry over to college. College students can still request accommodations, but the process and availability differ significantly from high school. That’s why it’s essential to start thinking about what types of support you’re currently receiving—and how you can replicate or adapt them in a college environment.

Take Stock of Your Current Support Systems

Take a close look at the supports and routines you have right now:

• Do you have a scheduled homework period at school? This may not exist in college, so you’ll need to create your own homework time blocks to accomplish tasks.
• Are teachers prompting you to stay on track? College professors may not check in as frequently, or at all, so self-monitoring will become essential.
• Extensions and extra time accommodations: Consider how often you rely on these and how you’ll manage if they’re less readily available.
• Parental support: If family members remind you about assignments or daily routines, now might be a good time to start stepping away, creating your own systems, and practicing independence.

Think of these supports as pieces of a larger system. The goal is to start building a plan that generalizes these elements into a sustainable, college-friendly routine.

Reflect on Your Current Routine

Your daily schedule plays a huge role in your success. In high school, schedules are well built out and consistent, with students in structured programming for 7-10 hours each day. Often, students are overscheduled and their routines are dug in. In college, you’ll have total freedom to structure your time, which can be both a blessing and a challenge. You will also shift to a less rigorous class schedule with large gaps of unstructured time each day.

Examine the routines you established in high school:

• When do you eat, exercise, or take medications? These routines are important, and you’ll want to establish similar patterns at college. What challenges will your new schedule pose to the routines you’ve honed during the last few years? For example, you might not have a break during the lunchtime hour in college, how can you prepare for it? Think granola bars and protein shakes in your bag until you can get to the dining hall. 
• Are there friends or family who encourage you to stay on top of your work? Do you work better with others around you? Do you benefit from working in a neutral space with minimal tech distractions? Look for similar support networks and environments on campus, such as study groups, workout buddies, study carrels, library, or outdoor spaces. 

Develop Flexibility and Self-Awareness

Flexibility and self-awareness are critical as you transition to college. Learn to recognize what works for you—whether it’s specific study methods, a favorite calendar app, or tried and true time management strategies. You will likely need to adapt these to fit your new life as a college student. The better you understand your needs and strengths, the easier it will be to thrive in a novel environment.

Start Planning Now for a Smoother Transition

College will present all kinds of exciting new challenges, with thoughtful preparation, you will be able to carry forward the routines that matter most. Take time to fully understand and reflect on the support systems you rely on now and consider how you can recreate or adapt them in college. By bringing your awareness to your needs early, you’ll be setting yourself up for a smoother transition into college life.