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Challenges awaiting first year students: how to successfully start a new life chapter?

September 13, 2024
As summer comes to an end, Lithuania’s major cities come alive – not only do holidayers return, but also thousands of new students pursuing higher education arrive. However, the exciting beginning of a new life chapter doesn’t always bring joy – after 12 years of school, many students face a lot of uncertainty and fears. So, what should incoming first year students know to ensure a smooth start to their academic journey and integration?
 

First year – an opportunity to start fresh

 

Many first year students come to university with certain expectations or preconceived notions, often shaped by previous experiences, school marks, and entry exam results. However, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VILNIUS TECH) Vice-Rector for Studies, Associate Professor Dr. Zivile Sedereviciute-Paciauskiene reassures students that university studies are like a clean slate, where one can start writing a new story.

"Recently, our study revealed that entry exam scores don’t determine academic success. I think it’s important for newcomers to know this and understand that the first year is a fresh start. Any student who puts in effort can be successful and create a better future for themselves," says Associate Professor Dr. Zivile Sedereviciute-Paciauskiene.

Indeed, students who were average in school can become leaders at university, just as top students can end up being average or even poor performers. In this case, everything depends on the student's mindset and their ability to overcome the challenges of the first year, of which there are quite a few.

One of the biggest changes is the learning process itself, which is entirely different from school. Suddenly, there is a lot of freedom, less supervision, and no daily homework. Students must independently decide when to study and what to prioritise. However, this freedom also places the responsibility on the students themselves, and managing time can be extremely difficult at first.

"Students who successfully complete their first semester have a greater chance of graduating, so it’s important to be prepared to study actively from the beginning and not let the freedom overwhelm you as it determines the results one will achieve. I encourage first year students to think about their future responsibly and positively, and to build a new identity as a successful, responsible, and ambitious individual," says Dr. Zivile Sedereviciute-Paciauskiene.
 

Advice for dealing with difficulties

 

Despite this, difficulties in the first few months are practically inevitable – new beginnings and changes that come with it almost always bring a fair amount of stress. Many new students come to study from other cities, leaving behind their family, friends, homes, and other beloved places. It’s natural to feel fear, but according to the expert, this can only be overcome in one way – by facing and doing the things that cause the fear. Otherwise, the fear only grows.

"Even if you’re scared to talk to other students or lecturers, you still need to try. It’s important not to isolate yourself, to participate in university events, meet with mentors. And when feeling overwhelmed by socialising, it’s important to spend some time alone, rest, and maintain connections with home, family, and childhood friends," advises Dr. Zivile Sedereviciute-Paciauskiene.

The VILNIUS TECH Vice-Rector also recommends attending scheduled classes, not accumulating unfinished assignments or tests, so that the first exams won’t be so intimidating. And if students do face difficulties, they should not hesitate to seek help from lecturers, fellow students, or, if facing burnout, from the university’s psychologists.
 

Increased interest in VILNIUS TECH studies

 

This year, VILNIUS TECH starts the academic year with positive admission results – nearly 2.8 thousand students from Lithuania and abroad joined the community of future creators. In terms of enrolment numbers, VILNIUS TECH ranks second in the country.

A total of 4,251 applicants listed at least one VILNIUS TECH program in their application, with nearly 9,000 preferences in the top 1-9 priorities. Overall, 11.34% more students were invited to study compared to the previous year.

VILNIUS TECH also saw an increase in interest from international students: first-cycle studies saw a 13.58% increase in international students compared to last year, while second-cycle studies saw an impressive 71.88% increase.

This year, the most popular fields were engineering, technology, and computer science. The most sought-after study programs were Multimedia and computer design, Software engineering, Creative industries, and Aviation mechanics engineering.

Dr. Zivile Sedereviciute-Paciauskiene also expressed joy at the gradual increase in female interest in engineering studies. This year, the number of women enrolled at VILNIUS TECH grew, making up 36.8% of all admitted students.

“There’s still a stereotype in society that engineering is too difficult for women. This limits promising career opportunities. I’m happy that our university is breaking this stereotype, and for the second year, we’re running a project encouraging women to pursue engineering studies. We hope that in the future, these stereotypes will diminish and won’t influence young people’s study and career choices," says Dr. Zivile Sedereviciute-Paciauskiene.
 

Factors behind VILNIUS TECH’s growing popularity

 

According to the Vice-Rector, there are several reasons behind the increased interest in VILNIUS TECH. One of the main reasons is the offer of relevant study programs that meet market needs, allowing graduates to achieve career success not only in Lithuania but also abroad.

For this reason, VILNIUS TECH continuously strengthens the internationalisation of its studies – striving to create an international learning environment for students, even if they study in Lithuania, and strongly encouraging students to go abroad for part-time studies and internships at prestigious foreign universities.

The shortage of engineers is a major problem, so business representatives are also trying to attract high school graduates by establishing scholarships and offering internships and job opportunities to students while they are still studying. This significantly contributes to the appeal of studies.

“On the other hand, much also depends on the university’s internal culture, student feedback, and even the environment in which students will study. The university welcomes newcomers with newly renovated spaces – new buildings for the Faculties of Mechanics, Transport engineering, and Electronics engineering, as well as renovated facilities for the Faculties of Creative industries and Architecture in Vilnius Old Town. Additionally, 14 million euros will be allocated for the renovation of dormitories,” shares the VILNIUS TECH Vice-Rector.

VILNIUS TECH has prepared in advance for the increased number of students, so the first year students will be greeted not only by more lecturers but also by a whole team of lecturer-mentors and student-curators, who will help them integrate, learn about additional opportunities offered by the university, and gain experience.

“This year’s applicants seem to know exactly what they want: nearly 95 percent of those admitted to VILNIUS TECH listed it as their first choice. This shows that the newcomers are already familiar with the university’s study programs, and our goal is to help them start and finish the studies successfully whilst offering various opportunities for personal development, including the ‘LinkMenu fabrikas,’ business partner initiatives, projects, volunteering, or working at the university,” says Dr. Zivile Sedereviciute-Paciauskiene.

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