Page 26 - Dainfern Precinct Living Issue 2 2025

EDUCATION

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O Preparing for a successful first year at university

M he first year of university A A time of independence and growth o w t h
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A A time of independence and growth
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he first year of university
represents a monumental

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“Transitioning from high school to university is a life-altering
represents a monumental
milestone for South African school
“Transitioning from high school to university is a life-altering
experience,” Dr Meyer explains. “It is equal parts thrilling and
milestone for South African school
C C Tleavers. It is a time experience,” Dr Meyer explains. “It is equal parts thrilling and
intimidating as students step into a new world of independence,
Tleavers. It is a time
intimidating as students step into a new world of independence,
filled with excitement and uncertainty,
filled with excitement and uncertainty,
increased academic demands, and personal growth. It’s not just a
where new beginnings are marked by increased academic demands, and personal growth. It’s not just a
where new beginnings are marked by
change of where you learn; it’s the start of a transformative chapter in
challenges that often feel daunting. change of where you learn; it’s the start of a transformative chapter in
challenges that often feel daunting.
L L Unfortunately, high first-year dropout your life.”
your life.”
Unfortunately, high first-year dropout
rates at universities across the country
rates at universities across the country Acknowledging the gravity of this transition is crucial. Dr Meyer advises
Acknowledging the gravity of this transition is crucial. Dr Meyer advises
tell a sobering story: many students are
A A tell a sobering story: many students are that the first few weeks are a time to adjust. Still, students must also
that the first few weeks are a time to adjust. Still, students must also
unprepared for the profound personal and
lay a solid foundation for success by cultivating one of the most critical
unprepared for the profound personal and
lay a solid foundation for success by cultivating one of the most critical
academic shifts that come with stepping
academic shifts that come with stepping skills for higher education: time management.
skills for higher education: time management.
into this new phase of life.
S S into this new phase of life. M Mastering time and responsibility b i l i t y
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M Mastering time and responsibility
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Dr Linda Meyer, Managing Director of
“University requires a level of self-discipline and accountability far
The Independent Institute of Education’s
S Dr Linda Meyer, Managing Director of beyond what is needed in high school. Unlike schools, many
“University requires a level of self-discipline and accountability far
S The Independent Institute of Education’s universities do not enforce strict attendance policies. It can be
Rosebank College and Oxbridge Academy,
beyond what is needed in high school. Unlike schools, many
flagship divisions of ADvTECH, offers
Rosebank College and Oxbridge Academy,
tempting to skip classes, but attending lectures regularly is non-
universities do not enforce strict attendance policies. It can be
essential insights to help matriculants
R flagship divisions of ADvTECH, offers negotiable for academic success,” Dr Meyer says.
tempting to skip classes, but attending lectures regularly is non-
transition smoothly from school to campus
R essential insights to help matriculants She encourages first-year students to create detailed schedules from
negotiable for academic success,” Dr Meyer says.
life. With over two decades of experience
transition smoothly from school to campus
O life. With over two decades of experience the outset, incorporating classes, study sessions, assignment
in higher education leadership, she
She encourages first-year students to create detailed schedules from
deadlines, and social activities. This structured approach, she notes,
emphasises that the key to a successful
O in higher education leadership, she not only keeps students on track but also enhances their ability to fully
the outset, incorporating classes, study sessions, assignment
university journey lies in preparation,
deadlines, and social activities. This structured approach, she notes,
O emphasises that the key to a successful enjoy campus life without feeling overwhelmed.
adaptability, and engagement.
not only keeps students on track but also enhances their ability to fully
university journey lies in preparation,
O M 24 DPL issue 2 2025 enjoy campus life without feeling overwhelmed.
adaptability, and engagement.
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