Tips & Tools for Success

Am I Ready for University?

Things to Consider

Before making a commitment to university education, you should take the time to review and analyze your goals and objectives while considering your preparedness to becoming a full-time, part-time or distance education student. Consider the following questions. They may help you in making an important decision!

Have I identified my short-term and long-term goals?
Have I identified a career choice?
Am I seeking specific credentials to help qualify for a particular job?
Do I know which courses, degree, will help me succeed in my chosen field/educational path?
Do I need a university education to get me where I want to go?
Can I clearly explain why I have chosen to pursue a university degree at The University of Winnipeg?
Have I considered other options for furthering my education?

Am I prepared for University?

Am I academically prepared for University?
Am I financially prepared to support myself while pursuing my studies? Go to Fee Information for university tuition and Awards and Financial Aid for potential scholarships, awards and Manitoba Student Aid.
Do I know what support services are available to me at The University of Winnipeg? Go to Students for various support services available at UWinnipeg.

How Do I want to pursue my studies? Go to FAQ for answers to some of your questions.

I want to attend full-time...
I want to take courses from home...
I want to take courses on campus in the evening and weekends...

What about my Academic Preparation

Do I have the basic entrance requirements? Go to Getting Started for information.
Will my previous studies and experience count? Go to RPL for information.
What if I need to upgrade my education or language skills? For language skills, go to English Language Program (ELP)

For any questions or additional information, please contact the Academic Advisor, Adult Learners and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Yes, I Am Ready for University!

Tips for Success:

Be an engaged and proactive student

Attend the Adult Learner Orientation, take a campus tour, and go to a Ready-set-go Library workshop.
Introduce yourself to each of your professors/instructors.
Form study groups with other classmates.
Join one of UW Students' Association student groups. See UWSA student groups. If you don't find a group that interests you, create your own group.
Access the full range of student services, including study skills workshops, tutoring and academic advising.

Communicate and be honest

Communicate with your professors and fellow classmates about your experience or unique circumstance.
If you’ are having some difficulties, express your concern about your challenges to your professor. Be honest.

Organize your time and environment

Use a calendar (paper or electronic) to chart your goals, both short term and long term. Include due dates for daily, weekly and monthly assignments, as well as dates of tests and exams.
Take advantage of “pockets” of time - before/after lectures or on the bus – to read material or review notes.
Find a study space that will be conducive to success, whether that means an isolated spot in the library or a couch in a busy student lounge. You know what kind of space you work best in, so find and use that spot on campus and/or at home.

Stay informed

Know all your professors’ contact information, availability and office hours.
Keep each of your course outlines handy.
Be well aware of deadlines, university withdrawal dates, tuition deadlines and other policies and procedures that may effect you as a student (see the Academic Calendar).

Be realistic and flexible

Set tangible goals and expectations.
Identify the tools you will need to accomplish your set goals.
Assess your resources (time, finances, family, employer and friends' support).