First Year University Life: Expectations Versus Reality

Abstract

First-year university students face challenges during their transition to higher education, which can impact their academic success and well-being. This paper reports the views of 88 first-year undergraduate students from Slovak Universities regarding their expectations upon entering university and their experiences during the initial months of study. Purposive sampling technique was utilized. Students´ perspectives have been gathered through asynchronous e-interviews to explore the gap between student expectations and the reality of university life. An exploratory qualitative research design, which included inductive reasoning and an einterview, was applied. The data were analysed using content analysis with recurrent themes identified and coded. The answers shed light on how students perceive their academic aspirations, social integration, and the support provided by their institutions. The results highlight the influence of factors such as academic demands, institutional support, and personal development on students' experiences. The analysis reveals students' priorities in knowledge acquisition, career preparation, and supportive teaching environments, as well as their surprise at the pace and volume of academic work. The conclusions refer to the importance of considering student perspectives in developing orientation programs and support services, due to the crucial role of the first year in promoting student success and retention. Future research should explore changes in student perceptions and the effectiveness of related interventions. The findings show that while students enter university with high aspirations for academic growth, career development and social integration, they often face challenges that test their resilience and adaptability.