Stressed about first-year uni? These student tips will help

Starting university can often feel exhilarating but also overwhelming, and between family, friends and the internet there’s a lot of contradictory advice.

Students who’ve recently been there share what they wished they’d known in first year as a guide to navigating the sometimes-tricky start to uni life.

Write it down

It sounds simple but whether it’s Notion, Google Calendar or a physical diary, keep a schedule with all your assessment due dates, says Lena Fomicheva, who recently graduated with a bachelor of science (innovative foods).

Staying on top of your deadlines helps to reduce stress, says Lena Fomicheva.Credit: James Brickwood

“If you have everything written down, it’s going to make you feel less stressed,” she says.

You’ll also be less likely to forget deadlines. Working ahead of schedule and consistently throughout the semester helps prevent the need for end-of-semester cramming.

Good results start with a good routine

Skipping classes for extra work hours can be tempting.

However, Blanca Barranzuela, a bachelor of interior design student at Notre Dame, emphasises the importance of consistency and attending classes daily.

“Most importantly, get enough sleep and eat well,” Barranzuela says.

“[It] helps to get a lot more university work done.“

Positive routines are important, says Blanca Barranzuela.

Prioritise seven hours of sleep, even if you feel tempted to pull an all-nighter for a last-minute assignment.

For bachelor of arts students, Nick Osiowy from the University of Sydney advises “doing the [weekly] recommended readings”.

It’s an opportunity to engage critically with experts and will serve as the foundation for your assessments and tutorial discussions, he says.

It’s all about the timetable

Oscar Iredale, chair of UNSW’s student organisation Arc, says university is the first time your schedule truly becomes your own – so the university timetable is crucial.

“The world is your oyster,” Iredale says, so prioritise your time and choose your schedule wisely.

If you dislike mornings, steer clear of 8am classes. It may take a few attempts to see what works best but, in general, avoid over-cramming your days with classes or spreading them out excessively.

Avoiding classes and working on the same day will also help reduce fatigue and burnout.

Work, but keep it casual

Though it may be tempting to juggle several roles – balancing university, work and life – remember to maintain a casual approach, advises Alejandra Cernuda, who is studying for a diploma in business.

This will allow you to reduce shifts during exams and gain extra study time.
“One of the best things you can do for yourself is getting experience while studying,” Cernuda says.

Not only will you earn extra money and learn to be independent, but you might also discover opportunities in other fields, she says.

Lean into student discounts

With rising living costs, especially for students living on campus, mobile apps such as UNiDAYS and Student Edge offer discounts across hundreds of leading brands.

Campus initiatives like Sydney’s FoodHub and those at UNSW and Macquarie University also provide free or discounted food and essentials.

Where possible, purchase second-hand textbooks and utilise the library.

Utilise the available resources

Kaity Le, a recent master’s graduate from the International College of Management, says she achieved high distinction grades with guidance from mentors at the college’s Student Success Centre.

Research and use the student services on offer, recommends Kaity Le.

Revisit lecture recordings for clarity and contact professors directly for help, she suggests.

Also, visit your university’s learning hub or special consideration portals to explore alternative assessment options.

“There are many ways for you to learn better and achieve higher grades; it’s just a matter of whether you’re willing to speak up and seek help,” Le says.

Have fun and show up!

Last, but certainly not least, “have fun and don’t take yourself too seriously”, advises UNSW student Janice Lau.

Over-analysis can often breed paralysis – so jump into as many opportunities as possible.

“Try to join as many interest-related societies and open week events to get a feel for university life and meet new people who are in the same position as you,” says Lau.

By joining your university’s societies or clubs, or simply attending that 9am tutorial, you could meet friends for life (but it’s perfectly fine if you don’t). The important part is putting in the effort.

As University of Sydney student Phillip Hoy says, “the most valuable friends you can make are those who show up regularly to class”.