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Settling In – Life After Orientation

Part of being a successful student is taking control of your own studies.

Uni/TAFE and School – what's the difference?

Lecture Theatre

At Uni and TAFE, you're expected to be responsible for your own learning. Make the most of this opportunity and don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

Classes

At school, you're probably used to having 6 or 7 classes each day, with mostly the same classmates. Classes at Uni/TAFE are a different kettle of fish. You'll have lectures and tutorials. You might have up to 250 students in your lecture, and around 15 for tutorials. Lecturers present the course material, and in tutorials (if you have them) you're given the chance to discuss it. Each class normally runs for 1 to 2 hours.

In terms of your timetable, you may only have 12 hours of class time per week even as a full time student. You may only have to be on campus 2 days per week, or attend a couple of hours each day.

Independent Study

Outside of attending your classes, your teachers expect you to study around seven hours each week per subject. It's useful to complete your reading before attending lectures, and check out Blackboard before every class for updates, readings and homework. The more work you put into private study, the better your chances of academic success.

Workshops are also run by Counselling and LearningLinks to help improve your independent study skills.

Attendance is not usually taken, but the most successful students attend all lectures and tutorials. They get involved in class discussions and most importantly, ask questions or visit the services available when they need help.

Teachers

Teachers (lecturers, tutors and academics) will be happy for you to ask questions during or after class. They are also usually available for appointments out of class time, and are happy to answer questions from your Swinburne email.

Course structure (loads, flexible degree etc)

Swinburne offers excellent flexibility in your course. Your faculty or school administration office can help you with all questions on your course structure and options available.

 

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Student Services

 

Swinburne's Student Services provide a range of support and services to help you gain as much as possible from your time at Swinburne:

  • Careers and Employment
  • Student Development and Counselling
  • Disability and Equity
  • Finance
  • Health
  • Housing

Other student services

 

 

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Meeting New People

There are no shortages of opportunities to meet new people on campus. Get involved in campus life by joining a club or society, form a study group, connect with a sporting team or participate in the volunteer program.

Just about everybody started off their studies knowing very few people on campus. When you attend Orientation, you’re introduced to other students in your course in a fun atmosphere. The friends you meet at Orientation are likely to be lifelong buddies. It also helps to introduce yourself to other students in classes.

 

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Important Dates for Students

Keep your eyes on these calendars! They will keep you up to date with important dates, deadlines, workshops, social events and much more.

 

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Tips to Success

Here are a few tips to help you achieve academic success:

  1. Manage your time effectively.
  2. Don't over-commit yourself to work and extra-curricular activities. Swinburne will not consider employment as an excuse for poor academic performance.
  3. Ask questions. If you don't understand or are unsure, ask your teachers/lecturers/tutors to clarify. Talk to your lecturers and teachers if you are experiencing difficulty.
  4. Keep copies of all Swinburne correspondence including email. Use your Swinburne email. Emails sent by other ISPs may be considered spam by the Swinburne server. You must be able to be contacted by post and email at all times including non-semester periods.
  5. If you are experiencing difficulties, it is best you identify and address these early in the semester or term. It is usually better to withdraw from a subject or unit than to receive a fail or not yet competent grade.
  6. Attend study group sessions.
  7. Get involved in creating campus life. Remember to balance your studies with the other aspects of your life. Check out the SSAA Clubs and Activities and get active.
  8. Make yourself aware of the many services available to you which are provided by Swinburne. For example, there are free on-campus services specifically providing financial and housing advice; to help you develop your academic and learning skills; confidential counselling and a variety of health services; advice and assistance for students with disabilities and long term medical conditions, as well as scholarship opportunities.
  9. If you are serious about getting work done, find a good location including the library, study rooms, or empty classrooms.
  10. Make sure you are studying in a field appropriate to your interests and skills. Students who succeed academically are most often those who identify their strengths and pursue their passions; rather than those who give in to external pressures or have no clear career path.