You don’t want to make an idiot of yourself when you first go to uni. Maintain your dignity, make good decisions and look cool. (OK. You may need some more help with that last one!)
These tips will guide you through a smooth transition.
First in Family to Go to Uni
This site will help you to have a bit more confidence when you first start uni. There are study hints , pages on “What I wish I’d known“, Survival Hints, a glossary of useful terms. It has information about anything and everything they think could help you.
Special Student Services x 100
If you are disadvantaged IN ANY WAY, universities have special support services designed to help you. Tap into these services even if you are NOT disadvantaged.
There are more expert mentors available than students who choose to use them. People love helping people, particularly if their help is valued.
Go to the website of the university of your choice. If you can’t find the special service you are looking for, contact student services at the university.
Contact the services early. This will give them plenty of time to link you in with support and services before the rush at the start of the academic year.
Choosing the Right Uni
If you want to change your mind about which university you want to go to you can do that for a fee. To be considered for a first round offer you will need to get your preferences in to TISC by mid-December.
You can check Which University is Best for YOU.
West Australian Universities Rank Highest
Notre Dame is the top ranking private university in Australia and Edith Cowan University is the top ranking government university in Australia.
You can check out the rankings by university and by course at:
I Want to Apply to a University in Another State or Territory
If you want to find out more about applying in other states or territories check HERE.
Ask a Social Network of Students
I stumbled upon Whilpool.net.au when I was researching views on schools of medicine at different universities.
Students use the discussion forum to ask questions and get information from other students who are already in courses.
I found a lot of candid information about medicine courses at universities around Australia form current and past students.
If you want to know something about a university or course before you fill out your TISC application, you could try asking a question on Whirlpool to see if you can get some good feedback. .
Alternative Pathways to Uni
The number of alternative pathways is increasing. Information about alternative pathways to each of the West Australian universities is available HERE.
Complete your Studies with a Salary
Join the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and have your fees paid for via Defence University Sponsorship. You can study a relevant degree at an accredited university of your choice, have your fees paid for and earn a salary, then walk straight into an ADF role following graduation.
For information go HERE
Accommodation at West Australian Unis
Staying at one of the university residential options provides you with:
- Easy friendships
- Mentor support
- Managed living conditions
- Introduction to university life.
To explore your options and secure a place go to the following sites:
Scholarships for School Leavers
Get your Career Advisor, Year Coordinator, Home Room Teacher or a family friend to help you to find hundreds or even thousands of dollars in scholarships that could help you to pay for your university or TAFE courses.
Make going for scholarships part of your new life. Many students win more than one scholarship.
Information about hundreds of scholarships is available at the Good Universities Guide and Curtin Scholarship mailing list
The Australian College of Nursing administers nursing scholarships .
You can subscribe to a newsletter about WA university scholarships on scholarshippd.net.
Some scholarships require a personal statement and references which may take some time to compile.
Specific information regarding the scholarships available and the selection criteria used to award the scholarships can be obtained from university websites:
Payments to Students
Check Centrelink for information about financial support including relocation and rent allowances.
Check the Good Universities Guide for a broad range of information on how to get financial support.
Call the Expert
If you are anxious about your transition from school to university contact me for a free one on one consultation.
