Perspectives on the Transition to University
Duration 2.35
Learning support Adviser 1:
The transition to university may seem scary. It’s the same for all students. Don’t worry there is support available if you want it.
Student 1:
Starting university is really scary it’s so different from school and college. In the first few weeks you get bombarded with loads of bits of paper and the campus seems huge, but it does settle down and it’s so nice to know that the learning support team are there whenever you want them.
Student 2:
The more you can do before you come to uni the better. Keep all your paperwork connected to university and a specific learning difficulty in a safe place you never know when you might need it. Also try and do some background reading for your course before you come, but don’t be tempted to buy every book on the list. My teachers at school stressed the need for independent study but the reality came later. I was shocked when I came to uni and I couldn’t just go and see a tutor whenever I wanted. It took me a while to get used to self directed learning.
Student 1:
At first I found studying at university difficult because I didn’t know what to expect. I seemed to find it a lot harder absorbing information more than others. It takes me several weeks to write an essay, whereas my friends it takes a lot less. Also I find it takes me a lot longer to read things and to keep on top of my deadlines, I know I have to get on with it but it’s good to know where you I can find support.
Student 3:
As a student living at home I thought I might be quite isolated, however this was not the case. There were lots of different societies to get involved in and I soon made lots of friends. I was surprised to see how many students actually lived at home there was even a society specifically for us.
Student 4:
Even if you don’t think you need the support straight away – you can always apply later. Everyone is different. I needed mine in my second year.
Student 5 - Mature student:
I was really apprehensive about coming to university being a mature student. Because I thought I wouldn’t fit in with the other students, and that I would be too old, but I was pleasantly surprised. I joined a few groups and found that there were lots of others in a similar position, and through this I got to meet lots of people and learn lots of new things and it wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be.
Student 3:
As a dyslexic student it was reassuring to hear a second year inform me of the three options there are at university – Study all the time, play hard or maintain a balance between the two. I do have to work harder because I’m being dyslexic but its great getting the support and this helps me to make the most of my time.