Tips for success

Make the most of your student experience

• Party hard at O-week — O-Week, or Orientation Week, means free beer, free food and a variety of silly entertainment (like jumping castles, mechanical bulls and sumo suits) designed to get rid of first-year inhibitions and help you make new friends fast. Say yes to any of the camps, tours and mentor programs run by second- and third-year students — they’ll give you the inside scoop on campus life.
• Talk to everyone you see — Students in your year, the person sitting next to you in your lecture, the lost looking girl in the cafeteria. Be open and remember that most people don’t know anyone else either and would probably appreciate you making the first move.
• Get involved with clubs and societies — Where else will you have the chance to try jousting, making your own homebrew or an obscure martial art for free or cheaply? Joining a club is a great way to make new friends and keep busy during those long breaks between classes.
• Do an industry placement or internship if you can — Work experience helps you figure out whether or not you want to work in a certain field and shows future employers you’re capable and passionate about the industry. If there’s nothing available try volunteering your skills. Working for free now will build connections that will pay off after graduation. For more information on internships click here .
• Make friends with your lecturers — Not only are they mostly cool people who’ll be able to tell you heaps about life in your field, they also have the best connections on campus. Many lecturers are on the look-out for keen students to hook up with part-time jobs in the industry or postgraduate opportunities.
• Consider an overseas exchange — Studying abroad gives you a chance to see the world without taking time out from your degree. You’ll learn a lot about another culture and the self-reliance you develop will be an asset long after you’ve returned home. See 'Study abroad or student exchange' for more information.
• Maintain a healthy study/life balance — It’s easier said than done, but try not to let work, study or socialising take over your life. Get some healthy food into your diet between the free pizza and BBQs and make time for sleep, exercise and relaxation.

What the graduates say

We asked a group of tertiary education survivors what they wish someone had told them in first year. These were their tips:

‘Don’t make the mistake of thinking that you’re the only one confused by university bureaucracy and terminology — don’t be afraid to ask questions!’ - Alice

‘Seek out on-campus opportunities for practical experience. Editing your student newspaper or participating in a business incubator beats working in a supermarket any day.’ - Chloe

‘Make friends and have some fun, don't just go for classes and then leave. Not only will you make some good friendships, but the people you study with now will be part of the industry you work in in the future, and can be helpful for job leads and opportunities.’ - Carlie

‘Choose subjects you enjoy — you will then be motivated to succeed. Plan ahead so you can fit in both study and recreation.’ - Chris

‘Get involved with your Student Association. They can make the social transition from school to university much easier’ - Afsana

‘If the course you've chosen isn't working for you, switch! It's OK to change your mind.’ - Teresa

Survival tips

What to do ... before your first lecture

As mentioned above, O-Week is the best time to meet fellow students and get familiar with your campus. Take the time to go on a library tour, join some clubs or the gym and make yourself at home. The more comfortable you are, the more likely you are to be enthusiastic about your course and do well academically.

What to do ... in your lectures, tutorials and labs

In your lectures and tutorials make notes on the main points but don't try to take down every singe word. Use your course outline as a guide to what you should be learning about each week and structure your notes around it. Tutorial sessions and labs are much more interactive and often require active participation from students. Remember that class interaction often forms a part of your course mark, so don't be afraid to speak up.

What to do ... when your assignments start to pile up

You may not have many contact hours at university but you are expected to maintain an independent study schedule, keep up with your reading for each class, research, write essays and prepare for exams. Get a good start early — start an assignment as soon as you get it and work steadily throughout the semester. Studying with friends can be fun, and it's useful to bounce ideas off each other.

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