Orientation: adjusting to uni
Congratulations on becoming a University of Sydney student! Starting uni is a very exciting time and our helpful tips will help you prepare for your transition to university.
Why is uni an adjustment?
Starting university study presents many changes for you academically, socially and emotionally. but it is also an opportunity to expand your horizons. You will learn about new approaches, make lifelong friends and develop many skills that you will use for the rest of your life. By planning ahead, getting involved and becoming familiar with your course requirements and the University in general, you will give yourself the best start possible.
How can I make the most of the first six weeks at uni?
The University of Sydney offers a range of activities, services and support to help you adjust to uni life. During the first six weeks at uni you will start to make friends, build support networks and begin to feel like you belong in the University community.
To start your transition, you should familiarise yourself with the University and what it has to offer. You can:
- find information about the libraries
- experience an academic lecture
- pick up tips on essay writing and how to make friends
- join sporting and social clubs
- attend your first uni party
- meet people in your degree before classes begin
What can I do before I start?
After you receive your offer from UAC or the University of Sydney, you will be provided with information about how to enrol, including when and where your on-campus enrolment sessions will be held and how to choose your subjects. Find out more.
Use your faculty handbook for information about your course rules, unit of study (subject) choices and degree requirements.
MyUni, e-learning and email
You will use these links often over the course of your degree so bookmark them and remember to check them regularly.
Log in to MyUni and make sure:
- your personal details are correct
- you are enrolled in the correct course and units of study
- you have selected the correct fee payment options (for assistance, check out what HECS-HELP you can receive)
- you get your timetable, make any required changes to it, and don't forget to print it!
Log in to your Learning Management System to get your course outlines and required text lists.
Log in to your University student email account.
If you have any problems with these electronics resources, contact Student IT Help.
Getting to uni and around campus
- Work out your public transport route and timetables.
- Have a look at the campus maps and find out about transport and safety on and off campus.
- Work out your route around campus for your first week timetable and locate those difficult-to-find rooms.
Textbooks and course readers
Getting your books early is a good way to avoid the crowds in the first few weeks of semester.
Place orders online for your course readers as they become available through the Copy Centre.
The Co-op Bookshop is where you can check the availability of your course textbooks and place orders online before semester commences.
Also check out the SRC’s second hand bookshop where you might be able to find cheaper versions of your required texts.
Cumberland Campus students, please directly contact the Campus Bookstore to check the availability of your text books.