This paper reports on an exploratory study which examines a sample of Australian human service students: perceptions of adjustment and retention during the first year. This study concerned itself with ascertaining whether there were any discipline-specific impacts on retention for this group. From analysis of the results, it was found that human service students experienced the same type of impacts on retention as research in other fields has reported. Particularly, the juggling of multiple responsibilities could impact adversely on retention and completion. The findings add further support to offering a range of strategies to boost first year retention.