Abstract
The first year of university study is one of the greatest transition periods in a student’s life. It is a time where they have to learn new academic skills as well as new social and independent living skills. For many students, the struggle to balance the competing demands of study, work and personal commitments feels overwhelming and they report significant declines in their overall health and well-being. However, some students appear to thrive in this new learning environment. This presentation reports on the findings of a research project investigating the health and well-being of first year students in Australia. It compares the experiences and coping strategies of “thriving” students with those who describe themselves as “just surviving.” Forming close social relationships with peers, having good time management and organisational skills, together with effective coping strategies enable students to transition more successfully into university life.
Highlights
The decision to attend university is one increasingly encouraged by schools and parents, as well as the Australian government (Gale & Tranter, 2011)
The university experience can be an important opportunity for personal growth and development
For adult entry students moving from the workforce back into further study, this shift presents many new opportunities for embarking on new academic and career goals
Summary
The decision to attend university is one increasingly encouraged by schools and parents, as well as the Australian government (Gale & Tranter, 2011). The first year period of transition is often found to be the most difficult for students in terms of both health and academic outcomes, while being the time when decisions about leaving university are often made (Glogowska, Young, & Lockyer, 2007).
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