Rose and Sue Timmermans
Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Management) student
Bachelor of Social Science (Community Work) student
Rose (right), who is studying a Bachelor of Business
(Human Resource Management), came straight from Indooroopilly State
High School to study at USC. She admits that at first she found the
change daunting, but she was fortunate enough to have her mother
and sister starting their studies at the University at the same
time.
"The best aspect about moving from school to university was a
sense of direction. I felt empowered at achieving university
status, and continuing on with my studies kept me on the right
career path," says Rose.
"The most daunting aspects were not knowing the expected
criteria standards for marking," says Rose. "Also not knowing the
social acceptance level and the hierarchy system that uni life
would have."
Rose's mother Sue, who is studying a Bachelor of Social Science
(Community Work), helped her daughter make the transition from
school to university.
"Mum guided me through the choice of degree and accommodated my
home life to be a comfortable learning environment, such as
frequently checking everything was going smoothly, and making sure
I ate regular cooked meals."
"I think the best ways a parent can help their child adjust is
to care for them but let them live their own life; let them have
independence yet still provide the care and advice they need."
Sue and Rose went through the university application process
step-by-step together. "Having had previous children attend
university, I understood that this progression was very important,"
says Sue.
"I knew that having a friendly and open learning environment was
crucial, and USC provided me with confidence through their open
day, Orientation Week and enabling courses.
"It was fantastic. I did not expect such [transition] resources
to be available - as in other universities I struggled to get an
understanding of the uni, let alone a straight answer.
"People went out of their way to help [at USC]. I think the
University has done a wonderful job helping students settle
in."
And as a mature-aged student herself, Sue knows first-hand what
it is like trying to adjust to the university environment. Her
advice to new students is: "Ask questions and keep asking because
eventually it will sink in! Utilise all resources, and have an
idea, even if it's vague, of what you want to achieve.
"Talk it through. Read through the subjects that are offered and
prepare a rough timetable of the whole degree, because we didn't
realise how the enrolment process for each semester really
worked.
"I also think it is important to make aware to your child that
social life is not an essential in the first semester, as it is a
natural progression that like-minded people will attract each
other. Therefore, treat the hours like a job, study all week and
keep weekends free."