Starting uni? Here are our top tips for your first few weeks

The first few weeks of uni life can be an exciting blur. Your to-do list in those early days might look more like an epic novel, packed with information about reading lists and assignments, timetables and parking permits, and cafe spots for those mid-morning breaks. It’s busy, it’s exhilarating, and it’s full-on.   

If you’re just starting uni for the first time, don’t be put off by all the to-dos. It’s all part of settling into uni life and, with a little organisation, you’ll feel right at home in no time. So, if you’re ready to start campus life on the right foot, here are our top uni tips for first year students to get you settled in those first few weeks.

Things to do before the uni year starts 

Before the first day of the uni year even starts, there are a few things to do. Getting a headstart is a great idea, and it can make life easier once classes start.  

• Double check your enrollment: Whether you’re starting uni for the very first time or you’ve done it a few times before, you’ll need to be enrolled to study – so make sure you confirm this before the cutoff date. Enrolling for the first time is easy – you just need to log into StudentConnect, submit your Electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF) and add your units. And remember, if you have questions, someone is always around to help. Booking an appointment with a student advisor is a good way to get your enrollment questions answered.  

• Confirm your timetable: This is where it all gets exciting; planning a trimester worth of lectures, seminars and class activities. At Deakin, you get some flexibility to choose your own study timetable, but you’ll need to put in preferences for the times available. Be sure to check the study timetable dates to make sure you secure a spot in the sessions that work best for you.
   

• Get familiar with campus: Studying on campus is a great experience, but it can be a little overwhelming when you don’t know where you’re going. A good way to prepare for your first weeks of uni life is by familiarising yourself with the layout and landmarks of your campus. Campus maps will help you find everything you need to get settled, from lecture theatres to your new favourite cafes and restaurants. It’s also a great idea to head into campus before your first week and take a stroll around. Then, when your first day rolls around, you’ll already have a feel for your surroundings. 

Our top tips for starting the uni year 

You’ve got a fresh haircut and a couple of new outfits, you’ve treated yourself to a flashy water bottle, and you’re hanging out for a coffee at the campus cafe when that first lecture is over. It’s time to start uni for the year. Here are some tips for uni students to remember for those first few weeks. 

Tips for first year students starting uni 

Uni logistics tips 

Whether you’re driving, catching the bus, cycling or jumping in your speedboat (for any extravagant Geelong Waterfront students), these uni logistics tips can make a big difference to your commute. 

• Planning your route: Unless you live on Res (that’s Deakin’s on-campus accommodation) or study online, you’ll need to get to and from uni somehow – and planning your route can make things much smoother. For drivers, a great way to get on top of the commute is to save a trip in Google Maps. This will keep your directions handy and give you an estimated time to get to or from uni.

  Public transport is a great option, too. Before you take the train, tram or bus, you’ll need a valid Myki card. It’s also a good idea to download a public transport app so you can plan your route and check timetables.
   

• Parking: All Deakin campuses have on-site parking, which is handy – if you’ve planned ahead. Parking permits are easy if you’re planning on driving to uni regularly. These can be purchased through vPermit. Casual parking is also available through the OPark app at Geelong Waurn Ponds, Geelong Waterfront and Melbourne Burwood campuses.

Uni organisation tips 

• Go digital: Your laptop will be your best friend at uni, so it’s a great idea to get all your digital resources and bookmarks organised ahead of time. One of the easiest uni organisation tips is to start by bookmarking key pages – ones you’ll go back to regularly for help or classes. CloudDeakin, DeakinSync and Student Central should definitely be just a click away.

  Other digital resources to have saved are PaperCut, which will let you connect to campus printers, and Deakin’s eduroam wifi.
   

• Buy or borrow your texts: If your classes have prescribed texts, you’ll want to buy or borrow them very early in the trimester – if not before. You can check DeakinSync or use the Find Textbooks page to check what’s required for your units. Some texts are available to borrow for free in eBook form from the Deakin library,otherwise you may need to buy them from a retailer.

• Purchase those extras: Some extras are optional and some are mandatory. For instance, if you have labs, you’ll likely need to buy or rent a lab coat and safety glasses, while art students will need art supplies. Unit staff will be running faculty information sessions during O-week and will share this information with you then.

Uni presentation tips  

Public speaking can be intimidating at the best of times, so it’s natural to feel a little apprehensive about oral presentations in the first few weeks of starting uni. Despite the potential pressure, though, presentations are a great way of demonstrating what you’ve learned, and public speaking could be handy in your future career, so consider the following uni presentation tips to help you sharpen your skills:  

• Prepare well: Make sure you understand the task and are well-researched. It’s amazing how much more relaxed you’ll feel when you’re properly prepared.
• Rehearse: Practice at home with family or friends and get feedback if possible. Build that confidence!
• Language: An oral presentation isn’t quite as formal as a written assignment, but academic language is still important. Also, remember to keep your sentences as clear and concise as possible; this helps the audience understand what you’re saying. 

For more detailed information, the Deakin oral presentation checklist is an invaluable resource. And remember: in the first weeks of uni, everyone is likely to be just as nervous as you, so just try to relax and do your best.

What to remember when starting uni this year 

University has the potential to be one of the most fulfilling and enjoyable times in your life. You’ll meet interesting people, learn from world-class educators, and find opportunities you won’t get anywhere else.  

And, while the first few weeks of that experience can seem very busy and even a little daunting, just remember that it won’t take long to get settled. If you’re finding it tough, lean on your friends and family but, otherwise, just enjoy it, because starting uni is a wonderful experience. 

Still have some questions about starting uni? We’re always here to help. Get in touch with us online (for domestic and international student enquiries) or give us a call on 1800 693 888.