Social transition
Most students look forward to the independence of being a uni student, but many are unprepared for how to deal with the responsibility that comes with this new-found freedom. Suddenly you're in charge of your own life and you have to deal with changing friendships groups, new financial demands and start thinking seriously about study/life balance.
Below is a list of the more common issues faced by students - have a look and check if there are any that you wouldn't have anticipated - and some links to helpful resources.
| Common issues | Tip | Resources |
- Adolescence to adulthood: If you're moving from school to university, this is an important phase of moving from adolescence to adulthood with increased responsibilities, independence and freedom.
- Increased responsibility: If you're returning to study after a break working or having a family, you'll be fitting university in among a lot of other responsibilities.
- Culture and lifestyle: If you're an international student, you may take some time to settle into a very new and different culture and lifestyle.
- Friends: You may no longer be surrounded by old friends and some find yourself feeling isolated without familiar support networks - this is particularly acute for those who have moved away from home and experience homesickness. Even if you come to university knowing a lot of people already, you will meet many new friends and perhaps find your friendship groups changing.
- Finances: You may find yourself having to juggle competing financial demands, part-time work and budgeting for the first time.
- Accommodation: Dealing with housemates and landlords is another new experience for students moving out of home.
- Balance: Many students find that one of the biggest challenges is learning how to balance their academic life with the exciting opportunities outside of class, including meeting new people, joining clubs and trying new activities.
You'll find that no matter where you end up, there are always plenty of fun distractions at university. Your faculty, department and the Student Union will all provide lots of opportunities for you to get to know people in your course/subjects or who those that have the same interests as you. Whether you're into sport, politics, art, theatre or chocolate, there's always something going on around campus that will engage and entertain you. The toughest part will be trying to fit it all in and finding a balance between social life, study, part-time work, family and other activities.
Tip: Don't just join clubs and be a passive member; go to meetings and get involved in running activities and events. Working on projects with other people is one of the best ways to establish friendships.
- Transition support programs: Find out what programs are happening in your course.
- Careers and Employment: Look for part-time work on Careers Online.
- Centre for Indigenous Education: Support services for indigenous students.
- Children's Services: Day care places for the University Community.
- Counselling Service: Free counselling services to students of the University.
- Disability Liaison Unit: Free and confidential service to enrolled students with disabilities.
- Financial Aid: Advice and information on student loans and bursaries, government student assistance, budgeting, and on a range of other matters related to student finances.
- Health Service: Providing a range of health services to students.
- Housing Services: Assisting students to find and maintain affordable, safe and appropriate housing.
- International Student Services: Advice and support for all international students.
- Postgraduate Association: Activities and events, advisory services, student spaces.
- Scholarships: Undergraduate and Postgraduate scholarship opportunities.
- School of Graduate Research: Graduate student support.
- Melbourne University Sport: Group fitness, health services and sport and recreation opportunities.
- Student Ambassador Leadership Program (SALP): Volunteering opportunities for students.
- Student Portal: Gateway to important information for current students.
- Student Services: List of all student support services.
- Student Union: Activities, clubs and societies, Advisory Service, cafes and student spaces.
- Volunteer: Become a volunteer with the Transition Program.