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Making the transition from elementary school to high school was intimidating enough. Imagining the transition from high school to post-secondary is downright frightening.

Sure, high school gives you that feeling of newfound independence, but when it comes down to it, you are not completely on your own. University or college, on the other hand, is a completely different story. Your mom won't be with you to cook meals for you or do your laundry, your dad won't be there to fix your computer or take the lid of the jar when it's on too tight; you have to be independent and self-reliant.

I'm starting school at Ryerson University this week, and I can can't even imagine what's in store for me this year. I am fully aware of the fact that I've relied on my parents a lot throughout my life. As challenging as it may be, it is going to be such a good learning experience to have freedom, independence, and room to breathe this year.

Living in London for my whole life had me craving new scenery and new people. Toronto has always attracted me because it is lively and fast paced, like a mini New York City.

Ryerson is located in the heart of Toronto, and living in downtown Toronto to attend school is going to be a huge change from living in the peaceful suburbs of London. It is going to take some getting used to, but change is a good thing, and I am ready for something new.

Through word-of-mouth and my own research, I have collected some information that should help me — and anyone else in my position — adjust to what's ahead.

First of all, I need to keep in mind that the workload is going to be much heavier than what I was used to in high school. Sure, I may spend fewer hours in a classroom, but I will have much more work to complete on my own time. There are no deadline extensions, and if you miss or skip a class, your prof does not care; it's your own money that's going to waste. Good time management is a very important skill to have.

Joining clubs and participating in school activities is a great way to get to know the people you're going to school with, and find friends with similar interests. It depends on what school you attend, but there is always a wide range of clubs to join. Whether you're interested in sports, computers, science or the arts, there will be plenty to choose from — and if you want to meet people and there's not a club for that particular interest yet, you're free to start your own!

Controlling my expenditures and income is going to be another challenge. My parents were always the ones to pay for all my necessities like food, shampoo and detergents. They also paid house bills and other living costs. When I'm living on my own in residence, I will have to pay for these things myself. I do not own a car, but if I did I would need to pay for gas and parking as well. These costs add up over time and it may be hard to budget my spending, so it's something I need to start doing right away.

Over the past few months I've been working at a Starbucks in London, and I'm hoping I can get a job at one of the local shops in Toronto so I can afford to pay for all of my expenses. I hope that wherever I end up working will be within walking distance so I will not have to worry about transportation.

I obviously plan on coming home on a few occasions like Christmas and Easter, and I will be able to do so by taking the train. I know I will miss my family and friends at first, and it will be an ongoing process to adapt to my new surroundings, but I am looking forward to the challenge.

I am looking at this experience as a chance for a fresh start. I feel like I will become a different person when I leave London. I am moving on to bigger and better things, and taking a huge step in the direction I want to be going for my career path. Yes, it is scary and intimidating to be moving, but it is also exciting and empowering.

Whatever happens this year, I know I'm not alone. There are thousands of first-years across Canada who are experiencing the same things I am. We're all in this together!