Your university and college years are a time of new beginnings, adventures and challenges. For many students, it will be the first time they are ever living away from their families, so they will be experiencing a level of freedom never experienced before. Cooking your own meals, working a part-time job, dealing with roommates or housemates, mental health, and navigating new relationships are just a few of the major experiences that college or university students will be having - and we haven’t even started talking about school yet!
Students who commute to school from their family homes will also be entering a new phase of life that involves getting accustomed to public transit, a long drive, and taking responsibility for getting to school on time. It can be hard to juggle your homework, social life, and classes while in constant transit. While commuter students don’t have quite the same experience as their peers living on or off residence, they may take comfort in the fact that they are often going home to a familiar place with family to support them with food, laundry and other responsibilities!
Should you be going through all of these new changes in Vancouver, you are in one of the most beautiful cities to be experiencing the excitement of postsecondary life. Located on Canada’s west coast, Vancouver is home to spectacular natural scenery and a cosmopolitan urban centre. Universities and colleges like the University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser, Columbia College, and Langara College provide excellent choices for postsecondary students. As a student in Vancouver, you’ll get to enjoy all the perks of living in the city, from amazing food to easy access to parks and mountain views.
Canada is one of the most popular for students to learn math and receive a world-class education. Read everything you need to know about learning math in Canada.
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Learn how to become the best math equation solver in Vancouver. Source: Unsplash.
What is It Like to be a Postsecondary Math Student?
Students in challenging postsecondary math programs in Vancouver, like all college and university students, may find themselves stressed in their programs. University level math is incredibly challenging, and will require lots of study and practice to achieve mastery and success. Math students going through all the excitement of school and dealing with new responsibilities and routines should remember that there are plenty of supports to help them through their classes.
This article will explore what it’s like to be a university or college student of math in Vancouver, and the best ways to get support in your learning.
Toronto is more than Canada’s largest economic and cultural hub with so many great schools recognized all around the world for mathematics learning. Read all about learning math in Toronto!
Can I Learn Math Online in College or University?
With so much learning going online after the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s hard to imagine a program that doesn’t have a virtual option. Math is no different, and depending on the kind of course you are looking for, you will likely have no problem taking an online math course in postsecondary school.
Community colleges like VCC and Douglas offer math upgrading courses and college-level math courses for distance learners. While the majority of university courses in math are in-person, they will also offer some math courses online or through hybrid learning, which will blend both in-person and distance learning.
There are so many benefits for learning online to students in postsecondary school. First of all, online learning will give you a level of flexibility so you aren’t tied every day to a long commute or an early morning class. Commuter students will love these courses as it can mean a less stressful day at home learning. Students who have limited space at home or in their student residence, however, may find it challenging to attend online classes without a dedicated space for study. Make sure you are equipped to learn from home, with the appropriate technology and quiet space you will need to be successful in school.
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Math can be a challenge in college or university so make sure you have the right support. Source: Unsplash.
Is Math Easy in University?
Any student that has taken their secondary academic stream math credits will likely understand that university level math courses are challenging and competitive. To prepare students for university level math, the admissions process will often require students to have taken certain courses in high school to show that they are university ready.
Some university level math courses are intended for students that are also taking coursework in areas like physics and engineering, while others are solely focused on math. Some sample university courses you will find include:
- Differential Calculus with Applications in Engineering and Physics
- Differential Calculus with Applications to Life Sciences
- Integral Calculus with Applications to Commerce and Social Sciences
- Linear Systems
- Honours Integral Calculus
- Multivariable and Vector Calculus
- Abstract Linear Algebra
- Introduction to Number Theory
- Applied Complex Analysis
- Algebra and Coding Theory
- Game Theory
- Stochastic Processes
- Mathematical Research and Writing
The list of math courses you can take are endless, making it challenging to figure out which courses you should take. In many cases, you will have to take foundations math courses before being able to register in more specialized complex courses.
Choose your math courses wisely by starting with your end goal. What is it you are looking to achieve in your studies? What is your major, minor, or plans for postgraduate study? Is it to enter the workforce? Engage in further studies? Once you identify what your long term objectives are, it will be much easier to determine which course pathways will offer you the best benefits.
Edmonton is one of the most affordable, cosmopolitan cities in Canada with plenty of opportunities for math students.
Where Can I Find Homework Help for my Math Subject?
With math courses that sound so challenging and intimidating, it may be worth it to start planning how you can support your class work. There are a number of ways you can enhance your studies in math and get help with your assignments.
Make the Most of Tutorials
Tutorials are smaller class groups created for large, lecture style courses. Tutorials are typically led by a graduate student who must lead the tutorial as part of their PhD program or for extra pay. Tutorials are great for when you have specific questions, want to learn in a more intimate environment, and want feedback from a math specialist.
Because tutorials, like your courses, are ‘optional’ to attend (no one forces you to go to school in university!) it can be easy to miss a session. Avoid this trap by making sure you always go, so you can maximize your learning. In many cases, tutorial sections will be where you actually learn the most as you will be in a small group with much more focused discussion and instruction.
Start a Study Group
Starting a study group can be one of the most fun and cheap ways to support your math learning. Buddy up with a group of peers in your class and make regular plans to meet and work together at a common area in your university: a library, study hall, collaboration space, learning commons, or even a cafe. Make a commitment to separate socializing from your studies, as it can get surprisingly easy to get distracted with your friends!
When you have a study group, you can bounce ideas off each other, model your problem solving processes to each other, discuss and review new concepts, and simply de-stress with one another. These groups of friends can be connections you keep for life, not to mention useful networks when everyone enters the working world.
Windsor is one of Canada’s most unique cities with some of the best schools and resources for studying math. Find out why so many students are choosing Windsor!
Seek Out Learning Supports Provided by Your School
Many universities will offer learning support and tutoring services for students that are free and accessible by signing up or dropping in to a centre. Make sure you research your options so you don’t miss out on getting the help you need to be successful in school. Keep in mind that these options can get busy depending on the demand, so be realistic and patient when you show up to get help.
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An online math tutor can help you succeed in your math courses. Source: Unsplash.
Does Math Tutoring Actually Work?
Tutoring is actually one of the most effective ways to be successful in your postsecondary math courses. As we have discussed, university and college can be a hectic time in our lives and keeping up with complex calculus courses can feel impossible. Sometimes we need a boost in our study: someone to review and clarify new algorithms, theories and applications.
How does a tutor work? A math tutor will meet with you online or safely in person, and will spend time figuring out exactly what your needs are and your own learning style. They will review what you are learning in your courses, check for learning gaps, and provide additional practice in the area of math you are studying.
If you are a university student, you will certainly want someone who is more advanced in their study than you are so you can be confident they are teaching you properly. You will always want someone who is at least 2 years ahead, or has completed the level of study you are currently working in.
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What’s the Best Math Help Service in Vancouver?
The best way to find a great math tutor in Vancouver is to check out Superprof.ca. This site contains a vast selection of math tutors in Vancouver and beyond: if you prefer to learn online, you can hire someone from anywhere in Canada - just keep the timezone in mind!
The Superprof site is elegant, simple, and easy to use. You can quickly search tutors in your area or across the country, and read through profiles that explain each tutor’s background and rate of pay. If you are studying university math, make sure you read through every prospective tutor’s profile carefully to ensure that they are qualified enough to support you in your learning. In many cases, tutors will offer the first hour for free so you can get to know them and see if they will be a good fit.
The site contains a messaging system so you can contact tutors directly, and a safe, streamlined platform to pay your tutor. Why struggle in your math courses? Check out Superprof today and find the perfect teacher to help you out.