Information for non-school-leaver students

Welcome to Monash

Transition to University - What is it?

Welcome to Monash University. Congratulations on achieving a place at this tertiary institution; hopefully, you are where you want to be, undertaking the course you want. If this is not quite so, we hope that you will nevertheless come to enjoy both your course and this university.

Transition is the period of adjustment, development and change in the progression from one formal educational environment to another. The intervening period for non school-leaver students may have included employment, travel and/or family commitments. In some cases, the break between formal education may have been significant.

Adjusting to university life usually takes time and effort - this is so for all students. You will find that there are many differences between your recollections of previous educational experiences and university. It is important to keep in mind that all first-year students share similar feelings to your own, even though they may not openly admit it.

Most first-year students experience a sense of apprehension mixed with excitement. Just like school-leaver students, non school-leaver students may feel:

• alone, especially if you have not met other students yet, and you are not familiar with the campus;
• anxious because everyone else appears to know what to do and where to go;
• unfamiliar with, and at a disadvantage because much of the terminology used, for example: 'major' and 'minor' sequences, 'points', 'honours', etc. is unknown to you;
• concerned that the pace and style of teaching is different from your prior experience;
• intimidated by the amount of reading and written work that has to be completed in a relatively short space of time;
• unsure of what is expected of you in lectures and tutorials, and how to address lecturers and tutors;
• worried about letting yourself and your family down, especially if you are the first one from your family to come to university;
• unsupported, especially if you do not know where to turn for advice and help.

All these feelings are perfectly natural. You should never feel as though this is just happening to you; many first year students are experiencing the same dilemmas. Try to keep in mind the thrill you felt when you received the offer of a place at Monash, and know that there are people who are ready, willing and able to help you make the transition to university.

The university experience will be much more gratifying if you:

• investigate what university can offer you beyond the classroom experience;
• participate in all aspects of university life to get the most out of your tertiary education;
• collaborate with other students and your tutors to make learning a pleasurable experience;
• create a learning community through which friendships may also grow;
• concentrate on achieving a balance between the need to study and other aspects of your life; and
• celebrate your achievements!