How are new Southeast Regional College students adjusting to the change of pace from high school?

For two first year students at the college, the work loads have been the most challenging adjustment.

"We took home as much homework in one week as we did all of last year," said Amber Stehr. "It's hard to cope because I also work."

Since classes at the university level are structured differently, students are not in classes from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

"That helps keep our attention spans up," said Stehr.

As many students also work in order to pay for their education, time demands make studying a challenge.

"I am employed and it is harder to find time for my studies," said Rob Hillstead.

"My employer is really good about my hours," said Stehr. "But, I did not realize how big workloads are in certain classes."

These students find studying at Southeast Regional College a benefit to them.

"It is a lot cheaper because I can live at home," said Hillstead.

The smaller campus also makes the adjustment easier.

"The smaller class sizes here allow professors to give more attention to their students," said Stehr.

"We were told horror stories about people walking into university classrooms that housed 300 people," said Hillstead. "When you see class sizes here of 20 to 30, it is just like high school."

The biggest adjustment for the students was a decrease in time for them to kick back and relax.

"I value my personal time because there is so little of it," said Stehr. "You go to school, you go to work, then you study. When you get time for yourself, you really appreciate it."

Despite the challenges, the students are enjoying their time at the college.

"I chose to do this, so I'd better enjoy it," said Hillstead. "It's not like all of my homework is boring."

Both students found that they are missing part of the campus experience by staying at home to study.

"I'm missing out on dorm life," said Stehr. "I know someone in Saskatoon who has met a lot of new people while staying in the dorm. That would be kind of fun."

"We miss out on all extra-curricular activities and meeting new people by staying home to study," said Hillstead.