What's uni like
Your son or daughter will find university very different from school. Most universities are much bigger than schools – some campuses are so large they are like small towns!
Your son or daughter may not be in class all day, every day. Most undergraduate timetables have gaps in them, which students use for studying, socialising or working.
University staff will treat your son or daughter as an adult, and will expect them to take responsibility for their own study, their social life and their behaviour. You will notice that this will encourage greater independence.
Your son or daughter will have to manage their own time to attend timetabled classes, study outside of class and produce written assignments or study for exams. The university will not chase them for late assignments or for non-attendance.
It may take a while for your son or daughter to get used to this, but by second year most students become proficient at managing their own time.
Find out more about:
Beginning uni
Teaching usually begins at the end of February or the beginning of March. Two or three weeks before teaching starts, students will be invited to attend orientation. At orientation they will:
- enrol in their course
- choose their subjects for first year
- get to know the university campus
- be encouraged to meet their lecturers and other students
- have the opportunity to sign up for student societies or sports clubs
- be invited to attend informative lectures on topics such as managing money and seeking study assistance
- find out about free and discounted support services available at university and learn how to access the services they need.
