You’ve done the hard work, finished high school, accepted a place at university and now… well, what exactly does come next?
Starting uni is incredibly exciting but it’s also normal to feel a bit overwhelmed by all the unknowns ahead. The good news is, with a little planning and some expert tips from our students, you can step into your first semester feeling prepared, supported and ready for whatever comes next.
A little life admin for a big headstart
Once you’ve accepted your offer, there are a few key tasks you can complete before classes begin. This is the perfect time to get familiar with the University’s online systems and set up your accounts including your student email, so you don’t miss any critical information that is emailed to you. You can also use this time to complete any compulsory learning modules, so you’re not rushing later.
Our New Student Checklist breaks everything down into simple, manageable steps so you can move through the admin with confidence.
Get to know the Melbourne curriculum
One of the unique things about studying at Melbourne is our distinctive curriculum.
Depending on your chosen degree, our curriculum offers most students an opportunity to take what we call ‘breadth subjects’. These are subjects that sit outside your core discipline where you can explore new interests, pick up different skills, and expand your thinking.
For Lachlan, a Bachelor of Science student, breadth was an opportunity to not only discover new interests but build on his career skills.
“Some of the breadth subjects I’ve taken have been in education. It might not be a career path for me, but I find the subjects really interesting and engaging”, he explains.
“Going into these different breadths lets you become a more well-rounded person. When you go into industry, employers look for soft skills, and breadth is one of the best ways to build them.”
Before you start your degree, take some time to understand how Melbourne’s curriculum works and how you can get the most of it when choosing your subjects.
Explore the Melbourne curriculum
Start mapping your future
Speaking of choosing subjects, Melbourne offers an incredible choice of subjects from over 100 study areas. Of course, so much choice can make it hard to pick your subjects – that's where the Handbook comes in.
The Handbook breaks down every subject, from prerequisites to assessment types and workload expectations. You’ll use it throughout your degree, but it’s especially helpful now as you start shaping your first semester.
Still not sure where to start? Try using My course planner to narrow down your choices. My course planner can show what subjects and majors are available for your course and even create a visual course plan that you can print and share.
Experience the vibes for yourself
There is no better way to start your university life than experiencing it for yourself during Melbourne Orientation.
Melbourne Orientation, or O-Week, is a fun way to get to know campus, meet new people, understand your course and ease into everything ahead. It’s an official welcome and celebration wrapped into one, with over 150 fun activities on offer.
It all kicks off with the Melbourne Commencement Celebration, where you will be officially welcomed by your faculty, meet academics and fellow students while enjoying food and entertainment.
Lushomo, a Bachelor of Biomedicine student, still remembers how much O-Week shaped her first semester;
“Go to O-Week events. It’s one of the best ways to meet new people and make friends. Those early connections really helped me feel like I belonged.”
Find your people
Everybody at Melbourne has their own goals and path to follow, but there is one thing that is universal – uni feels easier, more fun and far less overwhelming when you find your community.
One of the easiest ways to make new friends is to join one of our clubs and societies. Bachelor of Design student Gyan agrees;
“My advice for making friends on campus is to go to club events because that's where you get to meet people who have the same interests as you do and just go from there,” he says.
With hundreds of clubs on offer, there is genuinely something for everyone. For Gyan, it was the Melbourne University Filipino Student Association;
“Every week we have events and I get to meet all of my other fellow Filipino students.”
“Usually in our club meetups we watch Filipino movies or even do karaoke.”
Bachelor of Commerce student Raphael also recommends UniMelb Sport as another way to meet people and to unwind.
“I play tennis at the University of Melbourne and just do social competitions,” Raphel explains.
“It's a really great way to step aside from the academics and sort of relax a little.”
Get support early (and as often as you need)
One of the biggest misconceptions about uni is that you’re expected to figure everything out on your own. Bachelor of Science student Bethany explains that this is not the reality;
“I feel like uni was always portrayed as scary, like you wouldn’t get any help but it’s not like that at all,” she says.
“There are help sessions, PASS classes, one-on-one consultations, and the lecturers and tutors are all really friendly.”
Tackling assignments, studying for exams and balancing workloads can feel like a lot when you start university, but there is support available to you. Academic Skills provides one-on-one advice, workshops and resources to help you with you studies.
On top of academic guidance, there is also wellbeing care, and even help from other students through our Peer Mentoring program.
The Melbourne Peer Mentor Program pairs you with experienced students who can help you settle in academically and socially. Your mentor is there for you from the beginning, with the first session happening during the Melbourne Commencement Ceremony in O-week.
For Monishi, a Bachelor of Commerce student, it was a game-changer;
“Peer mentoring was such a nice way to start the year”.
“You meet students who’ve done your degree already and can give practical advice and encouragement.”
“It helped me feel grounded and motivated each week,” says Monishi.
You don’t have to know everything now
Starting uni is a big transition, and it’s completely normal to feel unsure about where to begin. But you’re not alone, every student on campus was once new too.
Take things one step at a time. Explore, ask questions, meet people, try something new. You’ll find your way and the support you need, as you go.
More advice from our students
Our students share their top tips for making friends and where to find the best study spots on campus.