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The transition from secondary school to university is a big step for every student. You'll find yourself in a new learning environment, with different expectations, teaching methods and types of assessment. Suddenly, you have to work much more independently, manage your own schedule and take the initiative if you don't understand something. At secondary school, you may have had regular tests along the way, or a teacher would tell you whether you were on the right track. In higher education, this happens much less. For many courses, you won't really know how well you understand the material, whether your study methods are working or whether your planning is realistic until your first exam period in January. 

Often, you’ll also be studying in a new city. Your daily commute may change. Maybe you'll have a longer journey or use a different form of transport. If you move into student accommodation, there's another layer of change: suddenly, you're responsible for things like cooking, managing your money and organising your day – all in a completely new environment, without the familiar routines of home. That takes some getting used to, even if you already know how to do many of these things. But you can learn and grow along the way, and you don't have to figure it all out by yourself. 

For some students, this transition feels like a natural next step from what they're already familiar with at home. Their parents can explain things, share their own experiences or help them plan. But for first-generation students, this kind of familiar support isn’t always available. After all, your parents don't have their own experience of this world. This can make you wonder whether you're really ready for higher education or whether you belong here. 

The answer is: you are ready and you do belong. You just need to know that it's OK to look for help along the way, and that you're not the only one. Many students get this kind of support too, but it often happens invisibly, around the kitchen table or through bits of advice from parents or other family members. If you don't automatically get that support at home, it's even more important to know where you can find it elsewhere. 

Although every new student faces these challenges, the support you receive depends a lot on your social and family background. Students from families where higher education is a familiar part of life can generally rely on help with planning their studies, understanding academic terms and making decisions. This support isn't always visible, but it does make a difference. And because it often happens without anyone really thinking about it, it can seem as though some students are simply 'better' at studying, or naturally more capable or intelligent. 

This is about knowledge and support that are passed on informally from parents to their children. Parents who have been to university often share this kind of knowledge in everyday conversations. When their children are struggling with something, a parent might tell a funny story from their own student days that helps them feel reassured or teaches them a useful trick. Parents can casually share study tips, explain how an exam works or tell their children how best to communicate with a lecturer. They've been through it themselves, so they can share their experience. 

When you compare yourself with these students, you might start to think that you're less suited to higher education because you don't have this knowledge or type of support. Most first-generation students don't have access to this kind of information or support. Your parents may fully support your ambitions to study, but they can't pass on knowledge based on their own experiences. 

If you don't get this kind of support at home, that doesn't mean you don't have a right to it. These differences in experiences and resources are real: some students grow up in an environment where they're familiar with higher education from an early age. And that difference – what you learn and experience at home – can make the transition to higher education easier for some students than for others. You can't fix this inequality on your own, but you can actively look for support to compensate for it. Luckily, you don't have to do it alone: there are many different forms of support, both at university and elsewhere. Think of study advisers, study coaches, student psychologists, fellow students, lecturers, student associations and many others. Your social environment affects your opportunities, but you're not limited by what you grew up with. You can build your network and strengthen your chances of success. Make the most of it! 

It's often assumed that success in higher education depends on how intelligent you are or how many hours you study. Motivation, effort and intelligence are important, but they're definitely not the whole story. Researchers have shown that your environment and how ‘at home’ you feel on your study programme and at your university also have a major impact. 

Personal effort 

Making a good plan, starting on time and keeping going when things get difficult are still essential. But it's just as important to learn when to ask for help – and who to ask. 

A support network 

You don't have to do everything alone. Students who have good support from the people around them generally have more confidence and less stress. If you don't get much support at home, you can build your own network at university. Get to know other students, ask your lecturers questions and ask for support from the student counselling service. Every little helps. 

Learning the 'rules' of higher education 

The expectations in higher education are different from those in secondary school, and sometimes they are never really explained. Some examples include academic language use (specialist terms used in higher education or in your field of study), formal communication with lecturers (both spoken and written), working independently, responding to feedback and so on. That's partly because everyone who works in higher education has been doing it for years, first as students and later as members of staff. As a result, they often do things automatically and take many things for granted. If you grew up in a family where these ways of communicating and behaving are familiar, it's easier to find your way in this world. If all of this is new to you, it can feel overwhelming. But that doesn't mean you can't learn it. By practising, asking for help and being willing to make mistakes, you'll get better and more confident. 

Feeling at home on your study programme 

Students who feel welcome and seen on their study programme are more likely to stay motivated. Friendships, activities after class, joining a student association or simply studying together with other people can all make a difference. You belong here! You may not have the same background as other students, but you are here for a reason. 

Improving your chances of success starts with realising that you don't have to figure everything out on your own. That's why it's a good idea to start building your support network early in the academic year. 

Other people are your most important resource, so start building your support network early. It won't happen by itself: you'll need to take an active role. There is a wide range of support available – from fellow students and lecturers to all kinds of student support services – but you need to take the first step and reach out. Make sure you know what practical support your university offers, and start connecting with other students from day one. 

Connect with other students 

For many students, the most accessible and obvious source of help is other students. Don't be afraid to approach people, even if it feels a little awkward at first. Ask someone if they'd like to summarise their notes with you, or work through a difficult exercise together. You don't have to become best friends to help each other, though working together can of course help you get to know each other better and might even lead to friendships. 

Make use of student support and advice 

The University of Antwerp offers a wide range of support and advice for students, from taking notes and drawing up plans to study techniques, choosing which courses to take, and much more. Financial support is also available, including information about study grants and scholarships. The university also offers help with fear of failure, time management, studying when you have a disability or other support needs, career guidance and managing stress. Help with academic language use and writing skills is also available. You don't need to have a problem to make use of these services – they're there for everyone. For students from families where higher education is familiar, this kind of support often happens naturally at home. As a first-generation student, it's natural that you would look for this support outside your home, through the university. You're not choosing to accept more support – you're choosing equal opportunities. 

Ask your lecturers questions 

Didn't understand something in class? Not sure what to expect on the exam? Lecturers appreciate it when students take the initiative and ask for clarification. 

Take part in activities on 91³Ô¹ÏÍø 

​Find a student association that suits you or join a sports club. Are you an international student? The university organises orientation programmes and a Welcome Week before the academic year starts. These programmes give you a chance to get to know the 91³Ô¹ÏÍø, meet other students and get information that can help you make a stronger start to your studies. They can be low-pressure opportunities to meet people, ask questions or simply become more familiar with 91³Ô¹ÏÍø life. This can help you meet people and feel at home more quickly. 

You may start with less privilege than some other students. But that doesn't mean you're less likely to succeed. By actively looking for support, expanding your network and believing in your own abilities, you can build a strong foundation. 

Don't be afraid to reach out to the people around you – fellow students, support staff and lecturers. You're welcome here, you belong here, and you're not on your own.