• Alzheimer's Association Switzerland
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Philippa Dobree CareyPhilippa Dobree-Carey is an adept project manager for an international organization in Geneva. Author of the award-winning student guide "From High School to Uni", Philippa successfully steers students step-by-step through the process of packing, preparing for and thriving in the university environment.

With a passion for helping others, Philippa's insightful blogs provide a wealth of practical advice, guiding students (and anxious parents!) with firsthand experience, tips, and insights. As a devoted mother of two university aged children, she understands the concerns of those navigating this transition. This firsthand perspective has driven her to create a library of well-defined, pragmatic resources aimed at facilitating the transition to university life. Discover a treasure trove of invaluable resources by visiting her website www.fromhighschooltouni.com

Photo credit: Timeless Portrait Photography - Amber Roberts Images

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By Philippa Dobree-Carey, From High School to Uni 

As college application season approaches, students and parents face the pivotal question: "What's next?" While university has traditionally been the standard route, it's not the only route to a successful career and fulfilling life. Here are some alternative options for you to consider that may better suit your child's aspirations and learning style.
 
A Gap Year: A Journey of Discovery
A gap year offers students great opportunities for personal growth and time to gain clarity about future goals. This can include:
  • Travel and culture experiences
  • Volunteer work for a cause they’re passionate about
  • Developing new skills, languages or hobbies

Young adults can build confidence and real-world experience that will be invaluable in the future workplace and give them a sense of renewed focus and motivation.

Apprenticeships: Learning and Earning
  • Apprenticeships offer a dynamic alternative to traditional education:
  • Practical, hands-on training and earning a wage while you learn
  • Recognized qualifications
  • Immediate industry connections
Available in sectors ranging from digital technology to traditional trades, apprenticeships offer a structured pathway to career success.
 

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By Philippa Dobree-Carey, From High School to Uni 

University is an important milestone, a time of academic progress, personal development, and (hopefully) lifelong friendships. But let's face it, the transition from the familiar structure of high school to the independence and demands of university can be quite overwhelming for most students. Here are some insights from a recent UK student survey to give you a realistic picture of what your child might experience on campus, wherever they are, and some practical tips for you, as a parent, to help them thrive.
 
How Student Really Feel
While many students reported positive social experiences and a love of their chosen subjects, a significant proportion of students found university life stressful and overwhelming. Interestingly, although 71% were happy with their decision to go to university, only 35% felt that their experience met their expectations. 
 
This highlights the importance of open communication with your child. Discussing their expectations and the potential challenges they may face in advance can help them manage stress and adjust to the realities of university life.
 

study

By Philippa Dobree-Carey, From High School to Uni

 
Test anxiety can make exams stressful for students, but using a strategic, consistent approach using effective study techniques can boost their confidence. Here's how to keep calm and prepare effectively.
 
Start Early 
  1. Spread out revision of each subject over 5-10 days.
  2. Create a study plan (days 1-7). Plan daily reviews with a mix of broad overviews, deep dives into complex topics, and revisiting older material. Here's a sample schedule:
    Day 1-2: Big picture review, identify the areas that need more attention.
    Day 3-4: Tackle the more complex topics, using active recall methods.
    Day 5-6: Review both new and older material to maintain memory retention.
    Day 7: Focus on areas of difficulty, refining understanding with active recall.
  3. Organise revision sessions into manageable chunks to improve retention. Use spaced repetition (reviewing at increasing intervals) and active recall (testing yourself) techniques, such as:
    — Write down questions from your notes or textbook and answer them without referring to the source.
    — Practice explaining concepts: Imagine you're teaching the material to someone else and explain it out loud or write down a clear explanation. 
    — Make flashcards with key terms on one side and definitions or explanations on the other. Have the student test themself or have someone them while having breakfast, going to school in the car, travelling on the bus or train, or during break-times.
  4. Practice test-taking techniques on past papers under timed conditions to help develop a time management strategy for the actual exam.
  5. To avoid burnout or being overwhelmed, it is important to balance study time with downtime.
Students talking copy
 
By Philippa Dobree-Carey, From High School to Uni
 

In the final year of high school, it's imperative for students in Year 13 (or equivalent) to devote a significant amount of time to their studies, and structuring a study schedule that includes both coursework and dedicated revision periods is essential.

Crafting Your Revision Schedule
Students need to ensure that their revision periods consist of reviewing known material and should not be learning new content at this point, which could indicate a gap in their knowledge base.

Studying without Distractions
Developing a distraction-free study routine is crucial to success.

Revision Schedule (with short regular breaks for food and downtime)
— Monday to Friday: 6pm - 9pm
— Weekends: 10am - 4pm

Coursework Deadlines
Students should divide their tasks into different categories and allocate time accordingly — List of subjects and their associated submission dates
— Allocation of extra time slots one month prior to deadlines

SwissChangeLisaCirieco

By Philippa Dobree-Carey, From High School to Uni

Have you started to search for the perfect student pad to suit your budget? Before you embark on the stressful hunt for rented accommodation, make sure you have the essential ammunition - knowledge of student rental scams.

If you're not planning on living in halls of residence, or if you're heading into your second or third year of university, finding a place to live can be a challenge.
Students are a prime target for rental scammers who exploit students’ newfound independence and panic about finding a place to live.

Imagine finding a place that looks fabulous, the rent is within your budget, and the location is close to town or university. Sounds Ideal, right? Scammers love to dangle the carrot of incredible deals in front of unsuspecting students.

Beware of these tempting but unrealistic offers that are too good to be true

In the age of online transactions, scammers prefer to stay in the shadows. If your potential landlord avoids face-to-face meetings and insists on doing everything online, pull the plug. Any reputable landlord will take the time to meet a prospective tenant. After all, they want to know that you will respect their property.

If you ask for a meeting and are met with excuses, drop it and keep looking

Have you ever experienced the fear of missing out? One of the most common tactics used in rental scams is for scammers to create a false sense of urgency and heighten a student's anxiety.
"Multiple offers are pouring in!" they claim. "You need to send your deposit to secure the tenancy". "If you can pay me a month's rent today, I can reserve the flat for you".