Transition From School To University Essay

1. INTRODUCTION

The transition from school to university is seen as challenging task that is experienced by most school leavers. The different environment and culture could come as a shock to most learners. University helps prepare learners for life in the working world, through its different pressures and obstacles in which learners need to develop tactics to overcome. This report is directed to grade twelve learners and discuss transitional issues amongst first year learners in university. It will concentrate on cultural issues such as adapting to new culture, cultural shock, social support and mental isolation; as well as student behaviours in regards to motivation, time management and academic hassles; and will be followed by recommendations on how to

University life provides more freedom and independence; this allows learners to take on more responsibility, whereas learners still in school are consistently monitored on their progress. Learners are not used to the freedom and end up abusing this responsibility.

2.2 CULTURAL SHOCK

“You get challenges that you never faced in high school. It’s like a whole a schooling environment. Learners often find it difficult to fathom problems encountered and they then lack forming an effective solution.

2.3 SOCIAL SUPPORT

As stated by Levy and Treacey (2015, p22) “The social aspect of university was not always perceived as positive.” Some learners may be socially handicapped in comparison to others. Interacting and socialising may be awkward and a painful experience during the first couple weeks of university, this makes the transition even more challenging than it should be. This ends up discouraging and disappointing learners.

2.4 MENTAL