Social Transition

• 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: You are now in charge of your own learning and study, not your school teachers.
• Culture and lifestyle: Monash and indeed the city of Melbourne have a very culturally diverse population. If you are from overseas, adjusting to some of the Australian ways of doing things may be challenging. Australians tend to be quite laid back and direct.
• Friends: You may no longer be surrounded by old friends and some 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 housemates 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.