Entering higher education is a major culture shock for many students and making the right preparations prior to this rite of passage to adulthood can make an important contribution to better outcomes, an education expert says.
“First year drop-out rates have historically been, and remain, a problem in South Africa,” says Natasha Madhav, Senior Head of Programme at The Independent Institute of Education, SA’s largest and most accredited private higher education provider.
She says the reasons why students with seemingly good prospects struggle during their first year are numerous and many must deal with a combination of factors. These include the relative loss of adult supervision and institutional structure of schools and the need to work more autonomously, the increased academic demand at university, the culture shock of campus life, the temptations of the social scene, personal circumstances, and a lack of support.
Additionally, many students did not do their research properly before settling on a qualification and institution and will soon find themselves at sea as they realise, they are on the wrong academic path.
Have you enrolled for the right qualification?
“There are a myriad of things that can potentially go wrong during your first year of post-school study, but the good news is that by getting your head in the right space before you even set foot on campus, a great deal of potential challenges can be either ameliorated or entirely neutralised, setting you up for first year and future success,” said Madhav.
Ensure you are confident that you have enrolled for the right qualification (for you) at the right institution. Matrics often scramble to apply for studies without having a clear idea of what they want to do, or what they are going to do once they have completed a qualification.
“Don’t think what’s done is done and there is no changing direction if you have doubts about your prior decisions. Rather take the time that you have now to investigate your options and ensure that you make the best decision for your future before you enter higher education,” said Madhav.
Campus life is a different kettle of fish
Campus life is a completely different kettle of fish compared with school life, and knowing what’s coming, and how you are going to approach this new phase, is crucial.
“Think about what you want from your time in higher education, the outcomes you wish for yourself, and the challenges that might stop you from reaching your dream. How will you handle the party life? Do you know where you will be able to go for assistance – emotionally or academically – at your institution should you require it?
“Working towards your qualification can be one of the most exciting and fulfilling times of a person’s life if it is underpinned by a clear vision, discipline and determination,” said Madhav.
