About this Course

The transition from high school to higher education isn’t always easy.

It can be an exciting time as you begin a new chapter in your life. Conversely, it can also be a time filled with nervousness because you do not know what to expect and how you will fit in.

If you have just been admitted to university and are daunted by the next chapter in your life, this course is for you. If you are the parent of a student of a newly admitted university student and curious about what university life is like, this course is also for you.

This course will help develop the key skills required for a smooth process of transition of first year university students. It will help you know exactly what to expect, understand university study and university life and adjust successfully to tertiary study.

What you will learn

  • Understand the differences between high school and tertiary education
  • Understand the essentials of how universities operate, including student responsibilities
  • Identify the different types of grants and scholarships available and describe the steps involved in applying for these
  • Understand university life and identify some strategies for getting the most out of campus life activities
  • Understand what students can expect from the university, their course coordinators, lecturers and tutors and how to effectively interact, communicate and work with them
  • Identify and describe what faculty are looking for in university level academic work, and assessment
  • Identify some strategies for exploring and selecting a major, how to choose your university subjects, core subjects, electives, and major
  • Identify the mindsets, habits and skills required for success at university.

Course Syllabus

The course consists of 8 modules:

Module 1:  Understanding the differences between high school and tertiary education

Module 2:  Understanding the essentials of how universities operate, including student responsibilities

Module 3:  Understanding expectations of students (from university, course coordinators, lecturers and tutors)

Module 4:  Understanding grants and scholarships and steps involved in applying for these

Module 5:  Exploring and selecting a major, choosing university subjects and electives

Module 6:  How to make the most of campus life

Module 7:  University Level academic work and assessment

Module 8:  Critical mindsets, habits and skills required for success at university