A key success factor for university study is your support crew. But, how can they help you if they don’t know what’s going on? Here is some advice to help you out.

1. Two sides to every semester
How to bridge the uni student-family communication gap

2. The saying goes that there are two sides to every story, and the
same could be said for every semester at university.
Whether it’s assessment-induced stress or the pressures of exam preparation,
as a First in Family student you might find it difficult at times to communicate
your uni workload to your family and friends. Similarly, they might have
trouble understanding what you’re up to at different stages of the semester.

3. To help both you and your friends and family to see things from the other
side, we’ve mapped out some common semester milestones and provided tips
and advice on how to keep communication flowing through each.
It may not always be easy, but
good communication is the key to
making it work.

4. 1. Pre-semester bliss
This is all a bit nerve-wracking.
But I’m feeling good. I’m going
to be the best student ever! He seems positive. Gosh I hope this uni
thing works out for him, I’m so nervous.
Study Time

5. As a new uni student, you’ll probably be feeling a mix of emotions before
you’ve even hit the books. While this is a big moment for you, it’s likely that
your family might be feeling some mixed emotions of their own as they try to
figure out how this ‘uni thing’ will work and how they can support you.
At this pre-semester stage, it can be helpful to…

6. Discuss uni openly with your family and friends. Find out if they have
questions or concerns and answer these if you can.
If you don’t have the answers they’re after, explain that you’re still learning
and will keep them in the loop as you figure things out.
Remember, good communication
is the key to making things work.

7. 2. Early semester optimism
Study? Yeah I’ll get to it.
I have plenty of time!
He seems to have a lot of time on his
hands for someone who’s at uni… None
of my business though.
How’s the study going?
Too Easy!

8. At this stage of the semester you’re probably feeling confident that you can
manage your different priorities and fit study in as well. Your social life is still
buzzing and you’re really enjoying the flexibility you have to study wherever
and whenever you like, even on the couch!
Taking a look from your family’s perspective though, your new schedule
might make it seem as though you’ve got plenty of time on your hands and
not much study to do, especially if you’re spending a lot of that time on the
couch! These misunderstandings can lead to tension later in the semester…

9. Help your family to understand the flexibility of your uni timetable by
explaining the different ways you can study and the different types of work
you need to complete each week. Be mindful that university study is very
different to the structure of school, so it might take your family and friends
some time to get their head around things.

10. Good communication is the key
to making things work.

11. 3. Assessment overload
Well… that escalated quickly! What’s his problem all of a sudden? He
had plenty of time for his mates last
week but now he’s ‘too busy’ to even do
his washing!
Get Busy

12. Assessment crunch-time can get seriously hectic, so it’s no
surprise you might be feeling overwhelmed, tired and maybe a
little stressed out.
It’s important to keep in mind that while assessment may be your main
concern at the moment, your family might not understand your workload or
the pressure you’re feeling, so good communication is essential
during this phase.

13. †† Take the time to explain what your
assignment is and how much work it
involves so that your family has a better
understanding of your workload. This can
also help to relieve tensions if you need to
forego a family commitment or weekend
activity to get your assignments done.
†† Be willing to accept help. If your family is
offering to proofread your assignments
or bring you a cup of coffee, be open to
their support.
†† Look after yourself. While it’s important
to get your assignments done, if yourfamily is trying to drag you out of thehouse for a study break, it’s probably a
good sign that they’re looking out for
you and feel it might be time for some
fresh air.

14. 4. Exam exasperation
DO I LOOK LIKE I HAVE TIME TO
THINK ABOUT GROCERIES?!
I’m just going to get the
groceries, did you want to come?
Geez. I was just trying to get him
out of the house for a while.
That’s it. I quit. There’s no hope.
This is impossible!
Whoah!

15. When exam block is looming, stress levels reach an all time high
and it’s usually not just the student that feels the pressure.
Sometimes it can be super frustrating when your family hangs around or
interrupts your study, but take a moment to see things from their perspective.
Maybe they want to support you but aren’t sure how to help?

16. †† Whether you want some words of
encouragement or total silence, let your
family know what you need and take the
time to be extra tactful. It’s easy to get
snappy under pressure!
†† Acknowledge that the household routine
might be a little askew during exam block.
Don’t be too hard on yourself (or your
family and friends) and remember that it’s
only temporary.
†† As stressed out as you might be, try to
find at least a few minutes each day for
some time out. Whether it’s a specialpre-exam dinner or just a quick chat over
breakfast, checking in with your lovedones between study sessions will helpyou to feel supported and help them to
feel involved.

17. Good communication is the key
to making things work.

18. 5. Post-semester relief
Phew..
I think I did it. I think it’s over.
Oh my gosh it’s over!
I wonder if I passed? Is it safe? Can we come out now?

19. After all that stress and hard work, you’ve totally earned a good
break! This is a great chance to keep your mind off your pending
results by doing something fun with your family and friends.
It’s likely they’ve seen a fair bit less of you lately, so take this opportunity to
kick back, relax and enjoy their company.

20. †† If you’re feeling nervous or are a bit on-
edge about your upcoming results, make
sure you let your family know how you’re
feeling and why your marks are important
to you.
†† Plan an activity for the evening of results
release day. If your marks are whatyou’ve been hoping for, it’s a greatchance to celebrate. If they’re not what
you were expecting, it’s a good wayto keep your mind occupied and cheer
yourself up with some great company.

21. 6. The full circle phase
Ok, time to get ready for the next semester.
I’m going to be the best student ever!
And here we go again…
Study Time

22. With the challenges of the last 5 phases behind you, it’s time to
reflect, regroup and gear up to do it all over again!

23. †† Update your calendar with the due dates
of your different assessment items and
important family or social events. This will
make you aware of any clashes or super
busy periods so that you can be prepared
and work around them. Don’t forget to
schedule in some study-free days!
†† Reflect on your past semester and also
ask your family and friends for theirthoughts on what did and didn’t work
well. Use this pre-semester time to put
together a new study plan to try andavoid any similar issues recurring.†† Reach out to The Learning Centre or
the team at Student Services if youneed a hand organising your new routine
or aren’t sure how to combat some of
the challenges you faced last semester.

24. Everyone’s journey through university will be unique and the stages of your semester might look similar or
vastly different to these. Either way, the most important thing to remember is that whatever stage you’re in,
good communication is the key to making it work.
Find out more about common family
confusion and how to set things straight
with our Jargon Journal.
CRICOS: QLD00244B NSW02225M TEQSA: PRV12081 31.2.8 03.2016 Graphics © Shutterstock
social.usq.edu.au/fif
The First in Family Project (Phase 2) is funded through the Commonwealth Government’s Higher Education Participation Program (HEPP) in 2016,
to improve the access, participation and success of students from communities under-represented in higher education.