Adjusting to University Life

Try thinking about adjusting to Uni like adjusting to a new and different culture. Then you will begin to understand the complexity of the adjustment pressure you are under.

Whether you are from Melbourne, a rural area, interstate or overseas, straight from school or returning to study, you will have a number of transitions to negotiate. For example: from school to uni, from living at home to living independently, from work to study, from having money to being on a student income, from having a very structured day to being self-directed or vice-versa, to being known and surrounded by friends to not knowing another person, from speaking your first language to speaking your second or third language, from feeling confident and in control to feeling very uncertain and out of control....to name a few.

Most of you will make these transitions with relative ease, but sometimes things get difficult or the adjustment takes longer than expected. It is normal to find these adjustments demanding and it is wise to seek help if you find you are not settling in or feeling comfortable.

It is important to point out that adjustments or transitions can occur throughout uni life and are not just the stuff of first year! There may be transitions from part-time to full-time study, from undergrad to postgrad, from living at home to moving out and vice-versa, from single to married and vice-versa, and the list goes on.

It is important to give yourself time when in transition and not to expect too much of yourself, ask questions, get support and help where possible: use the university support services, let friends and family cook you dinner occasionally, ask questions of your tutors and lecturers.

The Counselling Service is a good place to come and sort out what's going on and how you can make your transition a bit easier for yourself.

Remember, you are a student and are not expected to know everything from the beginning - you are in the process of learning.