Life as a student
So we have covered the administrative things you need to know about enrolling, the practicalities about moving and setting up in Sydney, and you know about some of the services and support the University of Sydney has to offer. The next step is to find out what your life will be like as a student.
Students at the University of Sydney come from a range of backgrounds, meaning you have the opportunity to experience diverse cultures, people, languages and ways of life during your time here.
To get you started, take a look at what Ai-My, Lachlan, Ashé and Mitchell have to say about their daily routine.
Everyone is different and your experience at Sydney Uni depends on how you make the most out of your time here. We have some information and resources below about common challenges that might affect your life as a student, and the tools to help you succeed:
Time management
Studying at uni involves meeting deadlines, prioritising tasks and dealing with conflicting commitments on a regular basis. By planning your time and developing strategies to complete your workload, you will be able to use your time more effectively and avoid last-minute cramming, stress and anxiety.
Check out the CAPS ebook about getting organised and the Learning Centre’s advice about using your time well.
Budgeting
While you are studying, planning your finances is a great way to ensure you can devote all the time you need to your studies. Calculating a budget allows you to see your spending in full by measuring your income and expenditure, and can help you save for those big expenses.
Try out this money smart budget planner.
Find out about costs and fees if you are an undergraduate, postgraduate
or international student.
Have a look at the assistance offered by the Financial Assistance Service and the Scholarships Office.
For extra money, you might consider working during the holidays – see the Careers Centre jobs database.
Study skills
Developing your study skills is an important step in helping you prepare for the different tasks you will have to complete as part of your degree. Revising lectures, completing readings, researching essays and reports, preparing presentations and studying for exams are skills that you can continually improve.
The Learning Centre provides online resources and workshops to help you succeed.
The library has interactive learning tools to develop research and information skills
Downtime
During your studies you might find you have large breaks between classes. Filling in the time can sometimes be a challenge. You could use this downtime to get your readings done, prepare for an upcoming test later in the week, or explore the campus and experience some extra-curricular activities.
The University of Sydney Union (USU) and our 200 clubs and societies have lots of activities available each week, many of which are free for students. To see what’s on at the USU venues and find out what the clubs and societies have planned, check out what's on.
Sydney Uni Sport & Fitness (SUSF) has some great gym membership options, more than 45 sporting clubs you can join, social lunchtime sporting activities, and a range of short courses you can complete. To find out more, click here.