Information for partners of first-year (new) students

Partners of first-year university students often feel as though they have taken on the study themselves, as the student's academic responsibilities can impact on those around them.

The transition to university can be difficult for new students who are immediately introduced to new ways of thinking; challenging academic requirements; unfamiliar administrative processes, baffling jargon and different social networks.

Students' ability to deal with transition issues depend not only on how the university can best meet their needs but also on 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.