From high school to university: Helping your teen navigate the move

As your teenager prepares to embark on their university journey at AUT, it's natural to wonder how their experience will differ from high school. This marks an exciting new chapter in their life, filled with opportunities for growth and independence. Let's explore some key differences and how you can support your teen during this important time.

How university is different from high school

Structure and flexibility

• High school: Follows a set timetable with compulsory classes and a focus on standardised assessments. Usually consists of six hours of classes per day, five days a week. The school year is divided into four terms, starting in February and ending in December, with holidays in between.
• University: Offers more flexibility in choosing courses and timetables, allowing for independent study and a wider range of extracurricular activities. Your teen might have two three-hour lectures one day and no classes the next. Strong time management skills are essential.

Learning environment

• High school: Has a more teacher-led approach to learning, with a focus on rote learning and standardised testing. Classes typically have around 30 students. Teachers provide a broad foundation in core subjects.
• University: Emphasises independent learning, critical thinking and research. Lectures can have over 100 students; tutorials are smaller, more interactive sessions. For every hour of lecture, students are expected to do two hours of independent work. University lecturers are experts in their fields and encourage discussion and critical thinking.

_{Lectures can have over three times as many students as a typical class at high school}

Culture and physical environment

• High school: The physical environment is generally smaller and more focused on a specific community.
• University: University life is generally more relaxed and less structured, providing a sense of belonging for many students. Campuses are larger and more spread out, offering a wider range of facilities and resources. Learn more about our campuses or join a campus tour to experience it for yourself.

Assessments

• High school: Mix of internal and external assessments, including assignments, projects and exams. Internal assessments are often re-sit-able, while external assessments are standardised.
• University: Each course has assignments or exams to assess understanding. University assessments often carry more weight and require deeper analysis and independent research. Academic integrity is paramount, with strict policies on plagiarism. Find out what your teen can expect from university study.

Student support

• High school: Provides structured guidance and support from teachers and counsellors.
• University: Students are encouraged to be more independent, with support services available but requiring students to actively participate.

_{AUT has numerous clubs and facilities where your teen can enjoy extracurricular activities}

Student life

• High school: Students often live at home and have a more structured daily routine, with a focus on school-related activities.
• University: Many students live away from home, managing their own finances, cooking and cleaning. University provides a diverse and multicultural environment with a wide range of social and extracurricular opportunities.

Tips on how you can support your teen

1. Encourage independence: Help your teen develop time management and self-motivation skills.
2. Explore scholarship opportunities: Check if your teen is eligible for a step up by applying for one of our school leaver scholarships.
3. Stay informed: Learn about AUT’s support services and encourage your teen to use them while they’re at AUT. This includes academic workshops where they can hone their writing and research skills.
4. Be supportive: Offer emotional support and understanding as your teen navigates this new phase.
5. Promote balance: Encourage a healthy balance between academic responsibilities and social activities. A good tip is to encourage your teen to treat university like a full-time job – if they're not in class, they should be spending most of their time studying or working on assignments.

By understanding these differences and providing the right support, you can help your teen make a successful transition from high school to university. Your guidance can make all the difference during this significant step towards their future.