Social Transition

Most students look forward to the independence of being a university student, but many are unprepared for how to deal with the responsibility that comes with this new-found freedom.  Suddenly you're in charge of your own life and you have to deal with changing friendship groups, new financial demands and start thinking seriously about study/life balance.

Here are a few issues students face:

Adolescence to adulthood:

If you're moving from school to university, this is an important phase of moving from adolescence to adulthood with increased responsibilities, independence and freedom.

Increased responsibility:

If you're returning to study after a break working or having a family, you'll be fitting university in among a lot of other responsibilities.

Culture and lifestyle:

If you're an international student, you may take some time to settle into a very new and different culture and lifestyle.

Friends:

You may no longer be surrounded by old friends and may find yourself feeling isolated without familiar support networks - this is particularly acute for those who have moved away from home and experience homesickness. Even if you come to university knowing a lot of people already, you will meet many new friends and perhaps find your friendship groups changing.

Finances:

You may find yourself having to juggle competing financial demands, part-time work and budgeting for the first time.

Accommodation:

Dealing with flatmates and landlords is another new experience for students moving out of home.

Balance:

Many students find that one of the biggest challenges is learning how to balance their academic life with the exciting opportunities outside of class, including meeting new people, joining clubs and trying new activities.

Tips:

You'll find that no matter where you end up, there are always plenty of fun distractions at the university. Your faculty, department and the Student Union will all provide lots of opportunities for you to get to know people in your course/subjects or who those that have the same interests as you. Whether you're into sport, politics, art, theatre or chocolate, there's always something going on around campus that will engage and entertain you. Don't just join clubs and be a passive member; go to meetings and get involved in running activities and events. Working on projects with other people is one of the best ways to establish friendships.

Services on campus that are able to help you:

• Student Support Office
• Student Union Advice Centre 
• The Disability Team in the Student Support Office
• The International Academy Social and Welfare Officer
• The University of Essex Medical Practice (on campus)

Last modified on 01 February 2011