You have a lot of options available when you’re choosing what to study at university. It can be overwhelming and exciting at the same time. It’s important to know:

• You don’t have to pick a major (like Biology or Accounting) right away, and many students change their major in their first or second year.
• You do have to pick a college and admission requirements differ between them. You can transfer between colleges after you start, but admission isn’t guaranteed.
• Part of the university experience is trying out new things. Your first year is a great opportunity to take a class in something that interests you.

It’s hard to decide what to take in university before you arrive. It does get easier once you take a few classes and meet both professors and other students.

Ask for help

One way to research information about majors is to reach out to others. For example, if you’re interested in engineering, ask your friends and family if they know an engineer. They’ll usually be very happy to talk about their field and what their work looks like. Spending an hour in this way is a good investment before committing to a full four year degree.

Know yourself

What do you like doing? Where do you see yourself in five years? What have you enjoyed in the past? Spend time on your own and think about what aspects of your past experience brought you fulfillment. For example, if you enjoyed instructing swimming lessons, was it because you liked working with children, being physically active, or being outside?

There are a lot of tools you can use in self-reflection, from journaling, going for a hike, or talking with a friend. You could also take an interest quiz like Myers Brigg Type Indicator or the Strong Interest Inventory to explore your values and interests.

Try it out

If you're truly undecided, we recommend you apply first to the College of Arts and Science. You won't have to choose a major right away and you'll have a lot of flexibility in class selection. Talk to an academic advisor once you've been admitted and they will help you choose a first year schedule that leaves your options open in case you want to transfer to another college or are uncertain about which program to take.

Tips

• Join a learning community. It will help you meet others and give you extra support in your first year classes.
• You don't have to move to Saskatoon in your first year. You can also take University of Saskatchewan classes through a regional college across Saskatchewan.
• You don't have to take the same classes you took in high school. Try something new!