Concept of Adjustment for First-Year Students at South African Universities

Abstract

The first year of university is a crucial time for most students. They experience various challenges that require them to learn and develop the skills needed to negotiate their new environment and discover a major that fits their talents and needs. This chapter focuses on the adjustment concept for first-year students. Their adjustment depends on various factors such as student support services in collaboration with academic staff, pre-entry work for the practical orientation to their studies, skills developments, institutional strategies, and assessment. It further develops a historical background of South African Higher Education. It demonstrates how peer group pressure influences the FYSs' experiences at South African universities. It establishes a conceptual framework for factors influencing peer groups and their formation among FYSs transitioning from high school to university. It discusses FYSs' experiences associated with the types of groups and peer pressure. It examines the advantages and disadvantages and factors influencing peer groups, peer pressure, and their formation.