Information for non-school leaver students

The importance of having realistic expectations about university

The challenges that face first-year students are many. It is particularly important to have realistic expectations of what you are likely to encounter in order to be prepared and best able to meet these challenges with the least amount of stress.

Facts about university study

• University is hard work and lots of it; full-time, first-year students take four subjects, each of which stipulates a minimum of twelve hours' work per week.
• Considerable self-discipline is required on the part of those students whose face-to-face contact is minimal. Students in faculties with relatively few contact hours need to complete additional work independently.
• The styles of teaching and learning at university will probably seems very different to your recollections of secondary school experience.
• Students are expected to be motivated, organised, effective time managers, who attend regularly and complete and submit of work by the due date.
• Many students minimise the impact of social and financial pressures that could adversely affect their studies. A non-supportive environment at home can make study very difficult. If you have given up full-time employment to study this will be an added pressure.
• Establishing friendships is not as easy as some students anticipate. Most students experience difficulty in establishing friendship networks when they first arrive at university - you need to make a special effort.
• Not all subjects turn out to be as enjoyable as anticipated because students' expectations have not been met, quotas affect some students getting their preferred subject choices, and some courses have 'core' subjects which all students must complete.
• Subject changes are possible without incurring any academic and/or financial penalty as long as this is done within the prescribed times.
• Students need to initiate contact with staff (teaching and non-teaching) if they require assistance.