Information for parents of first-year (new) students

Tertiary level students are encouraged to be independent and responsible for their own learning, however parents often have a large role to play in students' success at University.

Firstly, parents will have been with the student through their academic experiences and supported them to the point where they are accepted into university. Secondly, many students continue to live at home where they will require time and space to focus on their studies. Alternatively, many students will need to move to be closer to their campus and may need support while they get used to independent living and associated responsibilities.

Despite what may be a challenging period of adjustment when students arrive at university, most students do experience a satisfactory first-year. Students' ability to deal with transition issues depend not only on how the university can best meet their needs but also on the students' own personalities, individual coping strategies and support networks - both inside and outside university. While the university (and its numerous services) can assist and support students when they are on campus, students' families and friends also play an important role in reassuring, encouraging and supporting students when they are away from the university.