Pre-tertiary tips

So now that you have graduated from high school, you are now preparing to choose a career path that will bring you closer to your dream career. This is undoubtedly one of the most exciting times in your life, and perhaps an emotional time for you and your family as well, as you may be preparing to leave the nest and start the beginning of your adult life away from home. Let us share some pre tertiary tips with you to make your transition from high school to tertiary a smooth one.

Closing dates

Make sure that you have checked on the closing dates for applications to the tertiary institution of your choice. Remember that higher education, degrees, diplomas and higher certificates are not just offered at university. You can pursue these same qualifications at accredited tertiary institutions such as The Independent Institute of Education's (The IIE) educational brand Rosebank College.

Stay focused

You have worked really hard to get to this point. You are finally preparing to follow your dreams and pursue your dream career. Make sure that you retain the same ambition and motivation that got you here, you will need it throughout your tertiary experience.

Don't forget about family and old friends

It happens to the best of us, sometimes we get so carried away in our new and exciting lives away from home that we forget to touch base with old friends or even check up on things at home. Give your parents a call atleast once a week, they will miss you.

Learn how to do your washing

Ok, this sounds out of place but trust us, you can save on shrunken and dyed clothes if you learn how to do your washing before you leave home. And take it from us, soaking your clothes for longer than two days won't make washing easier. Instead it might just destroy that designer top you really love.

Guard your stuff

If you will be staying in a commune or sharing accommodation with others, prepare yourself for loss. Mark your most valuable items and only take what you really need. Don't bring along that antique guitar that you saved a whole year to buy if you don't need to.

Balance freedom with responsibility

Now you are finally free to be a young adult and have some control over your life, you want to turn up. But slowdown this is really the first step into adulthood which should be approached with the utmost responsibility. From this moment forth you will be free to be an adult, so take it easy you have your whole life ahead of you.

Setup an email account

If you don't have one already, set one up. Email is a cheap and effective way to stay in touch and to send out your CV for weekend jobs.

Learn to stick to a budget

Learn to stretch your monthly pocket money. Make sure that you have all the essentials before using what's left for going out or on entertainment. There is no worse feeling than only having water and ice in your fridge.

Choose friends wisely

Avoid friends that will lead you astray, friends that are a bad influence and don't encourage you to be and do better. You are going to tertiary to get a qualification and to pursue your dreams not to end them, always remember that.

Written by Karabo Keepile