This study examines whether encouraging students to read and apply literature discussing factors known to affect retention might be useful in helping their transition to university. Students were recommended to read academic articles in the area of "self-awareness" and analyse their own situation in their first semester. A qualitative analysis of their assessments suggests that these students found it useful to relate their own experiences to published literature. The selection of articles, their placement in a degree programme, the encouragement to keep a reflective diary and the presence of an integral assessed piece of work were shown to be important. Gaining new personal insights, dealing with stress and taking positive action were common themes emerging from use of the literature. It is proposed that there may be benefits for existing first-year higher education acclimatisation strategies in using this student-centred approach to analysing personal development by reference to published literature.