Mr. Nguyen Cong Hung (from Ha Tinh) has a child admitted to Thu Dau Mot University (HCMC). After completing admission procedures, his child will start the new school year from September 5. The joy of his child passing the university entrance exam mixed with worries as this is the first time his child has lived away from home, having to take care of his studies, living expenses, and relationships.
Mr. Hung said that in the past, his child still had family reminders about studying, now entering university, parents cannot follow closely as before. Therefore, the family must prepare psychologically for their child to be independent, and at the same time remind their child to balance time, money and be careful before job offers or new relationships.
This is also the concern of many parents when their children are preparing to leave high school to enter university - an environment that requires learners to be proactive and take more responsibility for themselves.
From "being reminded to study" to "self-managing learning
According to Mr. Pham Thai Son - Director of the Admissions and Communication Center of Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade, the biggest change when stepping from high school to university is not necessarily that knowledge is more difficult, but that students no longer often have someone behind them reminding them to study.
Students must read textbooks themselves, find materials, ask questions and be responsible for the progress of their studies. In the first 3 months, they should develop a habit of making weekly plans, spending time studying on their own and checking completed tasks on weekends.
Don't wait until close to the exam to start studying" - Mr. Son noted.
According to Mr. Son, students who are away from their families for the first time are prone to falling into the situation of "out of money at the end of the month, out of time at the end of the semester". Therefore, from the beginning, it is necessary to learn how to manage time, money and health.
Students can track spending, divide budgets by week and limit unnecessary shopping. Part-time jobs, games, social networks, or fun activities also need to be balanced so as not to affect their studies.
University gives you a lot of freedom, but freedom is only valuable when you know how to manage yourself" - Mr. Son said.
For parents, experts believe that instead of managing children too strictly like in high school, families should switch to accompanying, guiding and letting children take responsibility for their choices.
Be careful with new risks
Besides studying, new students also need to know how to protect themselves. Mr. Son advises students to be wary of invitations to "light jobs with high salaries", quick loans, high-profit investments or relationships on social networks that require personal information and money transfers.
In first year, you don't need to chase after achievements at all costs. Students should spend time getting acquainted with new environments, finding good friends, connecting with lecturers, participating in appropriate activities and exploring the career they are interested in.
According to Mr. Son, if students develop learning habits, communication skills, foreign languages, technology and the ability to use AI right from the first year, they will have an advantage when entering the labor market.
University not only teaches you how to manage time, money and study, but more importantly, how to manage your own life" - Mr. Son shared.
