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Curtin University
Unilife

How to succeed at Uni

Your success and happiness at university is very important to us. Here are eight quick tips to help you transition into to uni life in your first year.

Page Index

1. Know why are you at University and what motivates you to be here

Successful students have a satisfying answer to this question. Either:

  • You have a clear career goal
  • You are intrinsically interested in the course
  • You are both of these (preferred option!).

If you're not really sure why you are here, drop in and see a START student advisor for a chat about your future.

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2. A stable place to live and study

It's important to have accommodation that is:

  • Safe and affordable
  • Appropriate for study – e.g. housemates and/or family members support your study needs  and you have a desk in a quiet location
  • A reasonable commute - too much travel time can be a disincentive to attend Uni.

If you need help in finding accommodation visit Housing services at Curtin.

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3. Financial stability

Successful students have:

  • A clear understanding of what their financial commitments are whilst studying: this includes living and studying expenses plus an awareness of the various Uni fees etc.
  • A suitable income where their jobs do not impact on class and study commitments
  • Knowledge of where to seek help if money problems emerge (rather than just trying to work a heap of extra hours in a part-time job!).

If you need help you can contact a Student Advisor (START) or Counselling services.

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4. Attend all classes and stay up to date

For on-campus students there is a very positive relationship between attending classes and your end of semester results. The more you attend, the better your grades.

Students who stay up to date with their work generally succeed. Falling behind with assignments and course work can be a vicious circle as you will be always trying to catch up.

So it's pretty simple:

  1. Be prepared
  2. Attend classes (or stay up to date with unit modules if you are external)
  3. Do the required work!

If you are having problem please contact a Student Advisor (START) or Counselling services.

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5. Get to know people - spend some time with them

Students who form positive relationships with other students feel much more comfortable about attending Uni and develop a helpful support network. Meet fellow students in your course, at Faculty or Guild clubs, through sports or simply in your nearest campus cafe.  It doesn't matter who - just so long as you attempt to know somebody!

Get involved. Visit Sport, fun and recreation.

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6. Develop the right study skills and use the study supports available to you

There are plenty of study-related skills to develop including using the Library, writing assignments, referencing and getting the most out of the technology available.  The University doesn't expect you will automatically know how to do it all on Day One - it will take time.

  • Lecturers and Tutors are your first point of call for study advice
  • Library staff are very helpful and provide information on referencing etc.
  • The Learning Centre provides short courses to improve your academic skills
  • If you are a Commerce student check out Curtin Business School’s Communications Skills Centre.

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7. Know how the administrative system works

Administration issues may involve enrolling, re-enrolling, getting a parking permit, taking a break from Uni and paying fees, so you need to know how the system works. To find out more visit the Current students.

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8. Deal with any issues as soon as they arise

Things can go wrong.  We can help, and there are ways the university can be flexible to accommodate a situation beyond your control.

So, if you need help please contact the Health and wellbeing hotline and we will point you in the right direction.

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