First in Family

A large proportion of UWS students are the first in their family to attend university. That means no one in their family has attended university before. First in family students, like all UWS students, come from a range of diverse backgrounds that make UWS so culturally unique.

All students face challenges during their time at university. However, the first in family university experience can have extra challenges, such as balancing studies with work and family responsibilities, academic culture shock regarding expectations and workload and friends and family who may not always understand the expectations and pressures of studying at university.

Overcoming these challenges with support and the right information can actually enhance your university experience. This experience may also help you be resilient and give you tools to overcome obstacles in your later life.

First in Family Student Tips and Tricks 

We ask some of our students who are first in their families to attend University what their tips and tricks for new students would be, here are their responses: 

• Balance your workload by having a flexible schedule allowing time for study, extracurricular and social activities and any of your other interests. A good balance will mean you have enough time to study, get a good night sleep and may even help you save money.
• Talk to your Course Adviser about a reduced workload if uni work is more challenging than you expect.
• Appreciate your time at uni because it is a unique experience that most people will only go through once in their lifetime. 
• Focus on one thing at a time and prioritise your tasks. 
• Remember, you can only do so much so it is okay to say 'no' sometimes.
• Devise some time saving strategies. If you catch public transport, do your readings on the way to uni. Try preparing meals and freezing them so you spend less time cooking dinner.
• Give yourself time to develop the necessary academic skills and to settle in. Have realistic goals for this period. 
• If you are thinking about dropping out, talk to your family, friends, Unit Coordinators or a counsellor for advice. There are a range of options available that can make your uni experience easier. Make sure you know all your options before you make your final decision.
• Get involved in extracurricular activities! This is a great way to make friends, have fun and avoid burnout. Check out the UWS Connect website.
• Introduce yourself to others in your tutorials. Getting to know the people in your tutorial is handy for study group sessions and can lead to great friendships.
• Build up a list of contacts and support people. Make sure you have a good support network of teachers, family, friends, employers and even counsellors who know you and your situation and want to help you succeed.
• Remember, balance is important. Don’t neglect your social life, it’s important that you make time to pursue your interests and unwind.
• Celebrate your successes with your family. Sharing your achievements with them gives them a chance to congratulate you and have a better appreciation of your goals and aspirations.

First in Family FAQs

We have gathered answers from current students who are first in their family to study at University for the following Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What support/help is available to students?

• The University offers a range of resources and services to help you on your way to feeling more confident in your abilities, such as skills workshops and programs run by the Counselling Service and Student Learning Unit.
• There is lots of services and resources available to new (and continuing) students on the Getting Help page.
• Remember to ask for help when you need it! It is normal to feel a little overwhelmed and there are many people you can talk to. Try having a chat with your lecturer or tutor or you can drop in to see a counsellor or welfare officer. They can offer support and advice and point you in the right direction.