How to prepare for university in Australia

Excited to start university in Australia? No matter where you’re from or what you’re studying, studying in Australia is a fun and worthwhile experience. To help you get comfortable in your new university student life here are our top tips on preparing for university in Australia.

Before starting your studies in Australia, make sure that you’re super clear on your study arrangements such as online learning, school calendar and any scholarships you can potentially apply for. This way, you know what to expect before starting university and can maximise your experience as much as possible.

Most Australian universities have both online and offline study options so you can study from home if necessary. However, courses are usually a hybrid of both options, meaning you’ll have to attend a minimal number of classes physically in order to pass. Make sure to check with your university or specific course lecturers and find out is expected of your attendance, before opting into online or offline learning.

Different universities also have varying course enrolment procedures and schedules. Stay on top of your university’s enrolment announcements so you don’t miss out on any key dates. In Australia, university classes are also usually divided into lectures and tutorials with the former focussing on theoretical learning and the latter intended for practical learning and application. This means you’ll need to consider how you want to divide up your week between different teaching styles.

The majority of Australian universities use a semester system with two teaching sessions per year. Some however, use the trimester system with three sessions per year.

Check your university’s website for details.

It can be difficult to adapt to studying at university, especially if you’re used to a different education system or are transitioning from high school. First things first, decide on your study goals. What are your priorities and what motivates you to study? You’ll need to work out a study plan to achieve your goals.

Before starting your university, you’ll receive a timetable detailing your lectures and tutorials for the upcoming term. It’s a good idea to draft up a plan based on your timetable and the types of classes you have. This plan should also help you work towards your study goals.

If you’re having trouble figuring out your study plans, rest assured that there are many resources available that can help you draft your study plan. You can find free guides and templates online and for something more personalised, you can visit your university’s student learning services and book a session with an expert. They can walk you through your study goals and devise a plan with you.

O-week – short for “orientation week” – is a week-long event most colleges and universities in Australia hold right before each semester or study term. It aims to help both new and returning students get acquainted with the campus. It’s also a great chance for you to attend introductory workshops and Q&A sessions to learn more about your field of study and faculty. You may need to register for these faculty or class-exclusive events so make sure to check your university’s website to find out what’s running and how you can reserve your spot.

O-week is also an excellent opportunity for you to meet your future classmates and make friends whom you’ll enjoy your student life with. Not only is O-week education and career-focused, but it encompasses everything your university has to offer including recreational activities and social clubs. 

No matter your hobbies and interests, you’re sure to find a society that interests you with like-minded student members. From sports clubs such as badminton, basketball, and football, to recreational groups for more niche hobbies like knitting, online gaming, and photography, many stalls and activities will be planned for you to check out during O-week.

If you’re an international student preparing for university in Australia, learn more about how you can make the most of O-Week with our complete guide.

Wherever you find yourself studying in Australia, it’ll be a good idea to get familiar with the local area around your university and accommodation, so you feel at home as soon as possible. If you’re living in a suburban area, you may want to explore the neighbourhood and find out where you can purchase necessities, exercise, and enjoy your other daily activities.

One of the best ways to get familiar with your local area is to visit and follow the community’s public Facebook page. Locals will usually post about happenings in the area as well as organised events. This way, you can keep an eye out for any local events that catch your interest and meet more people who live close by or visit the area regularly.

If you’re living in the university dorms, you’ll also want to find out if there are any schedules and events for campus residents. Some universities host weekly events such as movie nights or study groups for residents to get to know each other. Pay attention to your dorm bulletin (usually online) or announcements from your housing committee to find out when you can partake in any resident-exclusive university events.

Our daily tech and gadgets can be double-edged swords when it comes to our study habits and productivity. While they can be distractions, the best tech can also be extremely helpful tools that help you learn and focus while studying.

Phones, tablets, and laptops can also be used to further your learning and develop productive study habits. Tablets and laptops can be great for flexible learning, as you can bring them anywhere and use them to attend your online classes. Depending on the type of classes you take, you may favour using a tablet for portability or a laptop for extra power and software access. 

You can also download apps onto your phone or tablet to help you with your studying. From online planners and focus timers to digital flashcards and notes organisation, there are a variety of apps that can improve your productivity and help you study better. Try out these apps and work out which ones are best for your study endeavours.

It’s important to work out an expense budget before studying in Australia. You’ll need to know the average living costs in Australia to calculate how much you need to support your student life. When studying, you’ll also need to account for expenses such as university course and resource fees (e.g. textbooks, software programs), accommodation costs, and even financial visa requirements.

Starting a budget can be much simpler than you think, especially if you have a good idea of the expenses you’ll be paying while studying in Australia. Government websites like MoneySmart have premade budgeting calculators to help you track your financial movements as well as plan for your future money goals. You can also learn how to save money with a few must-know tips.

Find out how to prepare for university from school and get tips for O-Week.

Want to get more productive? Check out our articles on productivity apps and best tech for uni students.

Discover ways to save money as a student or managing life in a sharehouse.

Check out our student hub for super student savings on selected SIM plans and 4G Home internet, available to tertiary students with a valid student ID. 

Get into student life with some campus themed movies like Legally Blonde on Prime Video via Optus SubHub.  Available to eligible account holders with eligible plans, excludes Prepaid.

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