It’s that time of year again, when the campus once again jolts back to life and the grounds and buildings are flooded with bright-eyed undergraduates, ready to tackle a new semester. While many students are returning to continue their studies, it is a particularly exciting, and sometimes stressful time, for our new students. University is very different to high school, both in teaching style and the level of independence, so it can come as a shock to students. When making a successful transition it helps to be prepared, so I’ve put together a list of my top tips to give students a flying start.
Orientation – O-Week is the biggest bi-annual event held on campus each year, with a week’s worth of events, information sessions and enrolment assistance. Check the UniStart website for further details of what’s on and check your Orientation schedule. I would highly recommend that all new students take part in the Orientation activities on offer, as they give a good overview of the expectations of university life. On top of the fun activities you can enjoy, the week also gives you a chance to meet people you can approach for help during your time at UWA.
Seek out support services – Many support services are available to students, and I encourage all new (and returning!) students to seek these out when required. Regardless of your performance in high school or your ATAR score, all students can benefit with help to achieve success when transitioning to university. The Business School Student Centre provides a dedicated team of friendly staff who are happy to help with any queries you may have. All students are also able to access university-wide support from UWA Student Services and the UWA Guild. You also have the chance to enrich your academic studies through Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS), and make new friends within your course.
Get involved! – One of the major differences compared with high school is the amount of competing priorities and options for how to fill your time whilst at university. Extracurricular activities are a fantastic way for you to fully immerse yourself in the university experience, and you are spoilt for choice at UWA with a large selection of Business School affiliated clubs and societies, over 100 UWA Guild clubs, and sporting groups available for you to join. While clubs and sporting groups are a fantastic way to get involved and make the most of uni life, remember to be selective about how you choose to spend your time – university is first and foremost about study and preparing yourself for a fulfilling career. But this doesn’t mean you can’t still have fun!
University is a fantastic opportunity, and many students look back on their undergraduate years as some of the best years of their life. It truly is the ideal time in your life to explore new horizons, broaden your outlook and make lifelong friends. All the best to new students starting this exciting chapter in your lives – enjoy your studies and make the most of it!
