Information for parents, family and whanau
What is student life like?
Preparing for life as a student
Whether your child is leaving to study in the next town or on a different island, this is probably the first time they will be on their own, away from family.
Although this is an exciting time, you may still feel a little unsettled about the unknown. It’s entirely normal to wonder, “Will my child know how to take care of themselves?”, “Can they stay focused and find help when they are struggling?” or “What can I do to make this transition as easy as possible for them?”
Student life is different for everyone. If you want to know what student life is like, have a look at education providers’ websites. With student stories, pictures and videos, they aim to give first-year students a feel for what life on campus is like. You and your child will be able to find useful information about course work, looking for accommodation and how to get started as a first-year student.
Provider prospectuses also include information on student life, courses and services. You can order these from the provider’s website or by phoning them.
What kind of course work can your child expect?
Course work will be different at each education provider. Check out the education provider’s website or prospectus for specific information about course work. This can help your child plan ahead and keep on track with their work. The website or prospectus will also include information on where to go for more help.
Choosing papers and courses
Choosing papers in the first year of university can be difficult. Suggest that your child talk to former students or a student advisor for help. You might also find information about this on education providers' websites.
Colleges of education, polytechs and institutes of technology usually plan out the course content for their students. Make sure your child is clear about which course requires compulsory class attendance.
How to set realistic goals and plan timetables at uni
- How can I help my child choosing courses?
As a parent you may be concerned about how your child will manage their course work, and how they will juggle their study with any part-time job they might have.
New students often try to achieve too much in the first year. This can leave them feeling overwhelmed and unmotivated, because they may not allow enough time to do course work or take time out from study. You may want to remind them to leave time for things such as preparing for lectures or spending time with their friends.
What if they don't like the course?
It’s possible that your child may find that the course they have chosen is not what they expected. Speaking to a student adviser at their education provider may help if they have any doubts. It is usually possible to switch courses in the first few weeks of a semester.
Your child may also want to ask different people and older students about their experiences and go to lectures for other courses to see if they would suit them better.
It may still be possible for your child to switch papers or courses even when they are more than a few weeks into the first semester. They will need to talk to a student advisor about whether their current achievements can be cross-credited.
Struggling with your study? – what to do in different situations?
