Academic Transition
Coping with academic demands at university can at first seem demanding and
daunting. After all, you may be moving from secondary to tertiary
education. International students may face the added pressure of getting use to
an unfamiliar academic system.
Here are some common academic issues:
Teaching and Learning:
You may have to adjust to new styles of
teaching and also become more of an active learner.
Class formats:
You will have to adjust to new class formats
such as lecturers, seminars and tutorials.
Assessment formats:
Assessment formats may include one or a
combination of essays, exams, extended projects, presentations and reports which
may be difficult for you to get use to.
Volume and pace:
Depending on your subject, you may find that
the speed and volume at which you need to learn increases noticeably.
Contact time:
Students experiences vary depending on their
course and level; some students may have approximately 30 hours per week while
some may have only 6; however students are expected to study outside of these
contact hours.
This may sound daunting and difficult. However most students enjoy the
challenge and value the chance to learn from people who are undertaking major
research contributing to their chosen field.
Resources for you to familiarise yourself before you arrive:
Tip: Your Lecturers and Tutors are usually very happy to help with
academic issues but remember that it would help if you made an appointment via
e-mail, consultation hours on their doors or an alternative that is acceptable to
the tutor.
Last modified on 01 February 2011