Intro
Preface
Acknowledgement
Acknowledgement
Abstract
Contents
Abbreviations
List of Figures
List of Tables
Chapter 1: Introduction
Aims of the Study
Research Questions and Significance of the Study
Chapter 2: Transition and Autonomy
School-University Transition
Recent Research on First-Year School-University Transition
Role of Autonomy in School-University Transition
Cross-Border Transition
Chinese Students in Anglophone Countries
Cross-Border Transition and Chinese Cultural Background
Comparison Between the Two Types of Transitions

Directions for Future Research on Transition
Learner Autonomy
Introduction
Definition and Dimensions of Autonomy
Nature of Autonomy and Autonomous Behaviors
Conditions for Autonomy
Autonomy and Educational Culture
Social Dimension of Autonomy
Measure of Autonomy
Directions for Future Research on Autonomy
Operationalization of Autonomy in the Present Study
Conclusion
Chapter 3: Methodology: Multiple-Case Qualitative Study
Research Setting
Hong Kong: The Broader Context
Hong Kong-Mainland China Relationship
Research Site

The Chinese Students and Scholars Association (CSSA)
Data Collection Methods
Interview as the Major Tool
Direct Observation
Written Documents
Participants
Locating the Participants
Initial Contact with Participants
Data Collection
First Phase
Second Phase
Third Phase
Fourth and Fifth Phases
Data Analysis
Framework of Data Analysis
Steps of Coding
Writing up of the Findings
Reflective Thinking
Building Trustworthiness
Researcherś Role in the Study
Ethical Considerations
Chapter 4: Profile of the Participants

Profile of the Nine Participants
Dora
Doraś English Learning Experience
Doraś Expectations of University Life
Fiona
Fionaś English Learning Experience
Fionaś Expectations of University Life
Hanna
Hannaś English Learning Experiences
Hannaś Expectations of University Life
Claire
Claireś English Learning Experience
Claireś Expectations of University
Natalie
Natalieś English Learning Experience
Natalieś Expectations of University
Justin
Justinś English Learning Experience
Justinś Expectations of University
Anna

Annaś English Learning Experience
Annaś Expectations of University Life
Serena
Serenaś English Learning Experience
Serenaś Expectations of University Life
Cathy
Cathyś English Learning Experience
Cathyś Expectations of University
Summary
Chapter 5: Becoming More Independent in Life
A Life that Requires More Independence
The Need to Take Care of Oneself in Daily Life
Life Is Less Structured in University
Balancing Social Activities and Study
Learning to Set Goals
Learning to Make Plans
Feeling Lonely and Lacking a Sense of Belonging