Information for parents of first year university students
The transition from school to university
This page provides a convenient location where you and others in your family gain additional information and facts to ease the transition of the new student from the supported home and school environment to the independence of university life.
What can you do to help?
Attend as many information session with your child as practical. Take a tour of the campus. Become aware of important dates on the University calendar such as enrolment dates, orientation week (O'Week) and examination periods.
Find out about the support services available through the university, and encourage your child to use them if they have a problem. You will find many helpful hints discussed in detail at the Prospective Students - Parents page.
Communication between student and university
As most university students are aged 18 and over, the relationship between parent and university is different from the parent/secondary school relationship.
La Trobe offers places directly to students. Consequently, all communication is directly between university and student. State and Federal privacy legislation restricts the University from giving information about a student’s progress to people other than the student.
Moving away from home – and into on campus accommodation
For many first year University students, the challenges of their studies are coupled with the challenges associated with moving away from home and their parents support.
Parents of students who are planning to rent privately or through an agent are encouraged to read the Office of Fair Trading publication, 'The Renting Guide'.
Will they make friends at university?
Many students feel anxiety about leaving their friend base before they start University. Many first year subjects involve group work, which is a great way to meet people. If a student has to move out of home because of distance, one of the best ways to meet friends is to live in one of the on-campus colleges.
Hear what some current residents have to say about living on campus:
- Jesse talks about Chisholm (movie 11,244kb)
- Whitney talks about Menzies (movie 23,569kb)
Advantages of living on campus
The colleges at La Trobe offer opportunities for students to live in a community that will not only provide them with a safe environment, but they will be living in a community that provides them with academic support, pastoral care, and a variety of social and cultural activities.
Each college is different
At La Trobe, each residential college has a strong sense of pride in its uniqueness. Visit each of the college websites (Menzies, Chisholm and Glenn) to gain a perspective of what each has to offer.
Worried your child will not eat properly?
A concern of many parents is that their child will not eat well once away from home. Problem solved! Glenn College is fully catered, offering both hot and cold breakfasts and nourishing evening meals each day. Menus are changed regularly and most special dietary requirements can be catered for.