The transition from high school to university is one of the most important major changes in academic life. It is exciting, yes, but it can also generate many doubtsWill I adapt well, what is expected of me, what will the pace of study be like?

If you are about to start university this septemberHere are five key things that will help you to cope with your first year of university with more confidence.

You will have more freedom... and also more responsibility.

At university, no one will force you to attend classes, and no one will chase you if you don't hand in a paper. That sounds good, but it also means that you will have to organise yourself very well and be consistent with your time.

In The Open Facultyas in other private universities, attendance counts. Nobody forces you to come, but participating in class makes a difference: if you come, you learn, you get involved... and you will see it in your results.

CouncilThe calendar is created from the first month with dates for exams, deliveries and classes. Tools such as Google Calendar, Notion o Trello can really help you to keep on top of things.

2. The way you study will have to change

Forget about memorising for the next day's exam. At university, the important thing is understand, read in depth y reflect. Many students are slow to adapt to this new approach... and it catches them by surprise.

At The Open Faculty we know that, that's why we apply a methodology 50% practical and 50% theoretical. Here, you learn by doing: debates, real cases, teamwork, simulations, projects... Less memorisation, more active participation.

Moreover, our assessment is not only based on final exams: it counts your day-to-day work, presentations, internships... and everything you demonstrate throughout the course.

Councilstart practising techniques such as thematic summaries, MIND MAPS o comparative diagrams. They will help you to understand and relate ideas.

3. You are not alone, there are many resources to help you.

Libraries, tutoring, academic guidance, student associations... The university puts at your disposal many resources to keep you from feeling lost in this new academic period.

If you study in a associated centre as The Open Faculty, you will have the best of both worlds: the closeness and support, and the academic solidity of a great public university, such as the University of Murcia.

Council: From day one, find out about all the services your faculty offers. You will be surprised how much support you can get if you need it.

4. You will meet people who are very different from you

You will no longer be with the same 20 students from high school. At university you will meet people from other cities and countries, with different interests and ways of thinking.

At The Open Faculty we are characterised by a multicultural and collaborative environment. You will share classes with international students and live experiences that will broaden the way you see the world.

In addition, if you are interested in travelling, our grades offer international mobility in Europe, America and Asia: you can study abroad for a semester, do an internship abroad or participate in international volunteer programmes.

Council: participate in extracurricular activities, discussion groups, voluntary work or associations. The university is also experienced outside the classroom.

5. You will start building your future from day one.

Although it may seem early now, your professional future begins as soon as you set foot in the university. Every subject, every project, every contact... it adds up.

Council: keep an eye on the practices, exchanges, scholarships, seminars and other opportunities that will arise. Taking advantage of them can mark a turning point in your future.