Title:
‘I just think it’s really awkward’: transitioning to higher education and the implications for student retention
Authors:
Helen Williams & Nicola Roberts
Both from: School of Social Sciences, University of Sunderland, St. Peter’s Campus, Wearside View, Sunderland, SR6 0AN, England
Published:
Higher Education, 7 June 2022
Abstract:
New first-year students are vulnerable to dropping out of university because the transition into higher education (HE) is difficult to navigate. Using thematic analysis, we analysed focus groups/interview, exit interviews and qualitative survey data with university students during their first year as criminology undergraduates to explore how they transitioned into HE. Findings show that the transition to a new identity of ‘university student’ was hampered by feelings of awkwardness, which prevented students from fully integrating into student life. However, the subject of criminology was a protective factor because interest in the topic and wanting a degree for betterment, including for future career plans, buffered students against dropping out. We argue that subject-specific interventions may be better in supporting the retention of students and that addressing physical, social and academic awkwardness is key.