Survival tips for first year international students
Starting uni can be a challenge for anyone, especially if you’ve just moved to Australia to study. While it can be a challenge to adapt to a new course, country and culture. Your uni years may be some of the best you’ll have — and they’ll probably go very quickly. We offer our best tips to help you make the most of your first year.
Get involved
University isn’t just about getting a degree. Embrace the new world you’ve stepped into, do your best to enjoy being on campus in a new culture, and take advantage of the societies and events that your university provides. This will ensure you have more memories of your time in Australia than just the inside of lecture theatres.
Set goals and plan a schedule
There will be no school teachers chasing you for assignments and making sure you get to class — it’s all on you. Freedom feels good, but it also means you need to take responsibility for getting your work completed. Use your calendar and enter all your due dates and extra-curricular events. Break up assignments into smaller goals to prevent the need to stay up all night the day before they are due.
Seek support when you need it
While you are expected to take control of your education, there is support available if you need it. Talk to your lecturers and tutors if you’re struggling with the coursework. If you are experiencing personal issues, universities also have counsellors and support services on campus, which are often free of charge for students. If you need to miss a class or don’t think you can meet an assessment deadline, chat to your lecturer or tutor ahead of time.
Allow yourself some downtime
Most degrees are a minimum of three years and will feel even longer if you don’t take some time out to recharge. Include time to relax and enjoy life as a student in your schedule, whether it’s a regular night out with friends, or doing non-uni related activities.
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