Uni survival guide: How to make the most out of your time at university

The countdown to the start of the university semester is almost over, but not everyone is ready to step into the lecture theatre. Here are all the tips and tricks for success as tertiary learning commences.

A graduate who helps students do well at university has listed his top tips for success.

The countdown is on to the start of the university year with students both new and returning racing to prepare for semester one.

Victoria University is kicking off its first four-week block from February 19, followed by the University of Melbourne, Monash University and Swinburne which commence semester one on February 26.

Meanwhile, La Trobe University, RMIT and Deakin University launch their first semester of learning the following week on March 4.

But not all students are feeling organised, with many flooding social media with questions such as how long their commute should be, how long they should spend studying and how a WAM (weighted average mark) works.

Deakin University graduate Reuben Williams, who helps students network, find internships and grow their career with his business SportsGrad, has shared his experience to help Victorians prepare for the new university year.

This is a survival guide to help students succeed in their dream course.

Reuben Williams graduated from Deakin University and is now helping other students succeed. Picture: Supplied

The university student starter kit

A laptop, bag, water bottle, snacks and writing gear are the minimum essentials every student should have on hand for a day at university.

Those students doing specialised subjects such as science or maths should also ensure they have items such as a calculator or safety glasses, if required for their classes.

However, Mr Williams said the most important items students should have in their pocket is a pen and small notepad to jot down names of people they meet.

“You’re going to meet hundreds of people, whether that’s other peers or lecturers from other courses or universities,” he said.

“I think university introduces you to so many different people through opportunities or parties and you never know where these people are going to end up.”

In addition to compiling the essentials, Mr Williams said students should mentally prepare for university by keeping an open mind about the opportunities that may present themselves, particularly as new technology emerges which could create new jobs.

“Do the best you can with the course that’s in front of you, but you never know how the world and technology might change because there are a lot of jobs that are coming up that didn’t exist before,” he said.

“If you lock yourself into one idea you may shut yourself off to something that’s perfect for you down the track.”

La Trobe University, RMIT and Deakin University launch their first semester of learning on March 4.

What if I don’t like my course?

It’s not uncommon for a university student to dislike a course after the first few weeks, with research by Year13 Youth Sense suggesting one fifth of first year university students drop out of their degrees across Australia annually.

Meanwhile, some students choose to switch courses or universities after the first semester while others choose to defer.

Mr Williams was studying a marketing degree at RMIT but halfway through his degree, he realised he was more passionate about sport.

“I got halfway through that degree and dropped out because I realised that I loved sport a lot more so I made the change and it worked out for the best,” he said.

“Students should acknowledge that they’re still in the discovery phase of their career … so if you’re considering dropping out, just make sure you have enough data about the world before you make a decision that could change your trajectory.”

Mr Williams suggested talking to different people who completed a course of interest, listening to podcasts, and discussing options with career advisers available at most universities, before choosing a different pathway.

Mr Williams said students should acknowledge that they’re still in the discovery phase of their career.

Having a healthy study, work and life balance

There’s more to university than receiving a degree, with a range of clubs, events and activities available for students to get involved, which could also assist in having a healthy work-life balance.

Mr Williams said O-week (orientation week) was the best time to meet and sign-up to clubs, with some universities having dozens of groups available.

“I would ask group members ‘how can I get involved’, because usually they have committee positions available and later roles like the vice president and president might come up,” he said.

“A position like president, along with the name of your university in the title, looks very impressive on a resume, no matter what the club is.”

Mr Williams said doing something you’re passionate about is one way students can avoid burnout.

“Pursue something you’re genuinely passionate about and care about, because if you go down a career path you absolutely hate, it’s going to feel like a chore,” he said.

“It’s also hard to compete with people who love what they do, so I would pay attention to activities that train and replenish you and make sure you schedule them into your week so you can go through university without burning out.”

The University of Melbourne, Monash University and Swinburne commence semester one on February 26.

How to save money while at uni

When adding up course fees, accommodation, transport, stationary and other associated costs, university can become very expensive.

Mr Williams said university students should be clear on what their budget is and use a spreadsheet to map out their expenses and their income.

“You can go online and find templates to help you, but the process of learning to budget and gaining personal financial literacy early on, will help you in your job down the track,” he said.

Universities also offer scholarships throughout some students’ study journeys to assist with the costs associated with attending tertiary education.

Scholarships available include financial assistance for those unable to pay course fees, relocation costs and grants for student accommodation.

Scholarships can be given to students for a range of circumstances, including financial assistance or even as an award.

How to succeed at uni

While attending lectures, completing the coursework and doing the assignments are the best ways to get the most out of university, Mr Williams said internships also play a crucial role in a student’s success.

“The best time to start doing internships or looking for work experience is straightaway because you’re going to find out what job you’re suited to quicker,” he said.

“If you can start early, you’ll also figure out your direction and you’ll stand out head and shoulders above everybody else who’s graduating with you.”

As for the number of internships you should do, Mr Williams encouraged students to continue applying for internships until they discover what career direction they’d like to take.

Meanwhile students who are unsure what they want to do with their degree are encouraged to seek advice from course and career advisers available across universities.

Finally, students who still have questions about tertiary study should contact their university adviser for assistance.