Student Life Outline

1 Things to consider at University

1.1 Choose your courses based on your long-term plan

To get the most from your university life, you need to plan ahead and prioritize your time. An unclear path may obstruct your long-term plans.

• Prioritise according to your goals, if you want to go on to do research your priority might be your scores and thesis. If you aim to go straight into the workplace, enriching your resume and building work experience may be more practical.
• Utilise your degree handbook.
• How many credits do you need and how will you spread them out?
• Enquire about courses to seniors, a mentor, etc. Ask them what skills are important, which they would recommend, and set yourself up to perform well efficiently.
• Make a practical long-term plan.

To know:

• Course structures and the distinction between core and elective subjects vary by degree. Check your program handbook before choosing subjects.
• Add/drop deadlines and any tuition or refund consequences are set by your provider. Before changing or withdrawing from a course, contact your institution and check your visa conditions. Transfers to another provider may be restricted during the first six months of your principal course. Read the current provider transfer guidance.
• Some popular courses might be competitive, so apply early.
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions or ask for help from people around you.

1.2 Australian university education style

In Australia, the learning process is student-centered. You are encouraged to use your critical thinking and challenge ideas.

• Teamwork skills are a must.
• Critical thinking is encouraged (but focus on logic).
• Ask questions in classes and don’t be afraid to challenge ideas.
• Assignments require critical thinking, academic research, and just arguments should be used seriously.

To know more:

1.3 Academic Integrity

Academic integrity requirements and penalties are set by each education provider and may vary by assessment. Check your institution's current policy for referencing, collaboration, use of AI tools and any permitted checking software. If you are unsure, ask your course coordinator or student support team before submitting.

Common issues include plagiarism, contract cheating, unauthorised collaboration, reusing assessed work without permission, and using AI tools contrary to course rules.

TEQSA: Understanding academic integrity

2 Study Tips

2.1 General

• Create a routine, there is no one who wakes up motivated every day, without habits we end up procrastinating, leaving things till the last minute and building things up.
• Study efficiently, while you will have to dedicate a significant amount of time to studying, figure out what method works the best for you and adjust accordingly. Take the subject into consideration, some courses may require more memorization while others may require more abstract thinking, prepare for these differences. If you have access to previous exam questions, use them!
• Find the right environment, studying in the right place around the right people can make a huge difference – choose study partners wisely and create an environment where it’s easy to switch on.
• Make a plan, being organized will help you to keep track of your assignments, your fun nights out, etc. Planning in advance will help you optimize your time.

2.2 Health

While many skip out on sleep, nutrition, exercise and mental wellbeing in the name of academic success, this will only hurt you. Not only will you not perform as well, this can have long-lasting effects on your future life. Make sure to find the right balance in your life. Listed below are some things to take care of:

• Sleep – As far as we know, every single function in the body is optimized by sleep, including the mental ones. A lack of sleep has been proven to negatively impact mood, logical thinking ability, memory retention and recall, attention, and mental health, just to name a few.
• Nutrition and exercise – So often the link between physical and mental wellbeing is undermined, the way you treat your body directly impacts mental wellbeing and your capacity to learn well. It is worth it to take some time to care for your physical health!
• Mental health – University can be an extremely stressful period of your life, especially if you are away from home. Practice mindfulness, spend time with other people, engage in hobbies or relaxing things for yourself, and give yourself breathing room.

3 Finding a Part-Time Job

If you are looking for a part-time job, the first thing you need to do is apply for your TFN.

• Check your visa conditions to ensure you are allowed to work part-time.
• Search for jobs online using platforms like Indeed or Seek.
• Ask friends or connections for recommendations.
• Prepare your resume and apply early to competitive positions.

4 Build Relationships

Building relationships is a key part of the university experience. Whether it's for social connection or professional growth, engaging with others can enrich your time at university.

• Join university clubs or groups to meet people with shared interests.
• Engage in volunteer work or collaborative projects to expand your network.

5 Estimating Living Expenses

Home Affairs currently lists AUD 29,710 for a student's 12-month living costs when calculating the financial-capacity amount for a Student visa application. This is an evidence requirement, not a forecast of what you will spend. Actual costs vary by city, accommodation, transport and personal circumstances, and may be higher. Check the current visa amount and compare local prices when planning your budget.

The Study Australia cost-of-living information can help you explore other costs, but use current local prices for your own budget.

Appendix

Email etiquette

In Australia, emails are commonly used in university, these tips might help you:

• Use your university email account when sending emails to academic staff. This will guarantee that they receive the email (it won’t go into a spam/junk folder).
• Include an appropriate subject heading.
• Address academic staff appropriately and politely. You can use the following format:
  1. State the problem by being specific and detailed
  2. Include the question relevant to the problem
  3. Justify why an answer is needed
  4. If a response is required, politely ask for one.
• Always express gratitude
• Sign with your full name
• Proofread the email
• Allow adequate time for a reply
• Before sending an email to a tutor, consult with the course details and other materials to see if the question can be answered.