Starting Uni? Here Are Nine Tips You Need to Know for Your First Year

University has started up again for everyone hoping to achieve a degree or major in their field of study.

Thousands and thousands of students are starting the first year of their course, struggling to find information and the proper tools they need to succeed. So, I asked a few older students who have experienced all of this, to help the new gen prepare themselves for what lies ahead in the next few weeks.

1. It’s okay to be nervous.

First day nerves are common among students when starting a new school (and, in this case, a whole new kind of school). Bigger rooms. Bigger classes. More subjects. Continuous content. Independent learning. And, to top it all off, no clue where to start. Welcome to University.

2. Get involved.

Whether you like music, the news, fitness, partying, chess or books, it’s highly recommended you join clubs and sporting events. Making friends and networking with people who have the same interests as you is a top tip when starting uni. There’s nothing worse than being secluded and not having anyone to talk to or socialise with in the middle of exams, when stress is high. So, work up twenty seconds of insane courage to put your name down for some groups and make some friends. They may become long-lasting friendships.

3. Be prepared for difficult first year courses.

While you attempt to settle in and discover the ins and outs of uni life, hopefully the first two semesters will be filled with lessons you’ll remember throughout your time at uni. By the way, your subjects are now called ‘units’ and each unit has a great deal of content; be prepared to work independently and invest a fair amount of study time each week to work through it all.

4. Scout out your tutorial rooms, lecture halls, blocks and pretty much the whole campus before your classes actually start.

This is so you know exactly where you need to be and don’t miss out on any important class and learning time. (University of Wollongong students, listen closely to this one, especially if you’ve got some sort of class in the infamous Building 19, which we hear is something like a time-hole.)

5. If you’re driving and parking at your chosen university, give yourself plenty of time for travel, trying to avoid peak periods and to find a car spot.

Using the previous tip about working out where your classes are will help you park accordingly and prevent you from trekking half a kilometre to your nearest block. In addition to this, remember to purchase a parking permit if needed and have it visible for any parking inspector. (I was told that if you’re attending Newcastle Uni, you should give yourself approximately three hours to park your car.)

And quickly:

6. Don’t fall into a constant routine of stress.

7. Speak out to somebody when needed or when it all feels too much.

8. Be wary of the people you’re paired with for group assignments. (They're probably fine... but in case they're not, make sure you don't end up doing all the work.)

And, most importantly: 9. Enjoy what could be among the best years of your life.

One last tip we could all learn from is to start getting comfortable with being uncomfortable.

Visit ReachOut to get support to help you with everything from everyday issues through to tough times.

If you or anyone you know needs help, support is available now. Call Lifeline on 131 114 or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.

Jess Pabian is one of Student Edge’s student contributors. See more student contributions here.

Photo: Disney