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What follows are some common expectations about what uni will be like.
If you're a non-school leaver, you'll likely recognise the expectations listed below. However, there is a set of expectations (or anxieties) exclusive to non-school leavers. Recognise them and avoid them. Some expectations can become anxieties that can impede a successful transition.
At University, all learning is done in the classroom
So, studying at uni is all about learning by yourself?
Compared to the HSC, uni will be a breeze!
The students in my classes will be just like me
It'll be easy to find my way around
My teachers will provide and plan out my work schedule for me
Then my teachers will be too busy to spend time with a first year?
Unless I'm a Computer Science student, I won't need to be computer literate
Everything I learned in the HSC will be useful at uni
When you start tertiary study, you'll find the academic environment differs considerably from your school experience. There will be adjustments you'll need to make.
The differences between high school and uni
Most high school students attend classes during set hours and learn a set curriculum. They are used to teachers letting them know what to study, telling them how to achieve good marks, and reminding them to do their homework.
In contrast, university learning aims to be student-centred: an approach that requires students to learn independently, plan their workload and meet deadlines.
Uni offers students far more control over their work than school; uni also offers far less supervision. Learning at university requires lots of study outside your classes.
Perhaps the biggest difference between school and uni is that uni students are expected to be independent learners. Being 'independent' at uni means that you are responsible for your learning.
At uni, students are responsible for:
Learning at university requires lots of study outside your classes.
However, being an independent learner doesn't mean learning 'alone'. Not only are you surrounded by others experiencing the same things, there are plenty of people who can help you.
Students differ in their opinion. Some think first year uni is easier than the HSC, others suggest it is much harder. One UNSW first year student told us that: "Uni is like doing the HSC every 12 weeks."
University students are a diverse bunch, drawn from a wide range of ages, places, cultures, and socio-economic backgrounds. You'll probably find that quite a varied group of people will be learning with you.
Wrong. University campuses can be much larger than high schools. Many universities are the size of suburbs—UNSW has its own postcode—and often have more than one campus.
Our tip for coping with the campus: find your way around and find out how things work early.
Gain an understanding of the way uni is administered and organised:
More on Finding Your Way Around The Campus
In high school, many students are used to teachers letting them know what and when to study and how to achieve good marks.
University lecturers have very different roles to school teachers. They might teach courses with hundreds of students each semester. In addition, they engage in many activities. This means that lecturers are busy people and can be hard to find.
Your tutors and lecturers won't necessarily remind you of assignment deadlines. You'll be expected to plan your own schedule for uni work, meet study goals and submit assignments on the due date.
Not necessarily. Your lecturers and tutors won't be as accessible as they were in high school, but they do make themselves available to students.
Lecturers and tutors usually have set consultation hours. When your classes start, find out when and where you can contact teaching staff.
Differences between school teachers and uni lecturers
You'll need to be computer literate, regardless of your area of study.
Many students expect uni subjects to be a direct continuation of what they studied in high school. Some things you learnt at high school will feature in the first year of uni. Others won't, and some will be open to criticism. Be flexible!
The forms of assessment can vary depending on your subjects. Tertiary learning features a range of different styles of learning and assessment.
While essays are a common forms of assessment at uni, you may also sit exams or deliver oral presentations. In addition, you might have a variety of other assignments to do throughout the semester.
Some courses have smaller writing and problem-solving exercises, or require written reports. In science and engineering courses, laboratory or practical work may be a form of ongoing assessment. COFA students may be assessed on studio practice.
If you have friends from school attending uni with you, that's great. However, university can be a great social experience and there will be opportunities to meet new people.
Establishing a good social network is crucial to success at uni. Friends are important—they're often your greatest support in handling day-to-day issues in the new tertiary environment.