Transition to University Life: Insights from High School and University Female Students in Wolaita Zone, Ethiopia

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to get an insight about how high school female students perceive the transition to university life, and to understand the transition experience of university female students in the first semester. An exploratory study design was used where 166 high school female students and 88 first year university female students participated in the study. Questionnaires consisting mainly of open-ended questions were used. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics, and categorization for open-ended questions. Findings from high school female students showed that they prefer universities that are nearer home, so as: to maintain social connections, ensure security and family support. Findings showed that high school female students worry about socialization issues, finance management, language, sexual harassment, staff-student relation and academic. On transition experience, result showed that university students relied on parents’ support, friends and senior students, but rarely consulted with instructors or used university support systems.  During the first semester, students felt fear, were afraid, frightened, confused and disorientated. Also university female students rue about first semester academic outcomes, and as they journey with education they worry about failure, peer pressure, sexual harassment, pregnancy, and substance abuse. This study concluded that students at the high school need exposure on the realities of university life. The culture of seeking help should also be instilled early at the high school to give them exposure on realities of campus life especially through university community services.

Keywords: Transition, Female, High school, University life, Ethiopia