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 to university - What is it?

'Transition to university' refers to the period of adjustment, development and change, and the progression from one formal educational environment to another.

Adjusting to university life usually takes time and effort. You will find that there are many differences between the environment of your former secondary school and university. It is important to keep in mind that all first-year students share your feelings, even though they may not openly admit it.

Most first-year students at this time of significant change experience a sense of apprehension and loss but also excitement. You may feel:

• alone, especially if you are the only one from your school to be attending Monash, 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 and learning is different from your experience at secondary school;
• 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 down yourself and your family, especially if you are the first one from your family to come to university;
• homesick if you have come from the country to the city to study; and
• 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 from adolescence and the security of secondary school to adulthood and the responsibility of independent learning at 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 the desire to party; and
• celebrate your achievements!