FAQs
So your child is planning to go to uni...
Here are some frequently asked questions about the differences between school and university that can help you understand the challenges they will face.
What are the main differences between studying at school and studying at university?
The school day is very structured with students expected to be in class for most of the day. Teachers at school know each other and the students well so the students' welfare is a shared concern and responsibility.
At university the student may have a timetable that has as few as 12 hours of class time per week scheduled. Staff are unaware of the students' commitments in other subjects.
At school the teachers remind students of the dates that assignments and essays are due. University staff assume that the student knows when and what is due and there may be no reminders at all.
Can my child study and work part time as well?
Although the face-to-face hours for some students is very low, students should not assume that this leaves them free to pursue many hours in part time employment.
For each hour spent in lectures or tutorials the student should spend 3-4 hours in the library or elsewhere reading, researching and preparing essays and assignments. Students should timetable these hours into their weekly plans before they make themselves available for too many hours in paid work.
Is there any opportunity for parents to get information and ask questions?
The University holds a Family Orientation Evening in March to which all first year students and their families are invited. You will receive an invitation in the mail if your child enrols at Macquarie University.
What services does the university provide to help new students?
The Macquarie Transition Program conducts Academic Orientation days in the week before classes commence. These days give the students the opportunity to meet staff and students from their areas of study, have an introduction to the library and its services, have a tour of the campus, find out about the services available for students, get an introduction to using on line services at university and many others. Students who attend these days find they settle in to uni life more easily than those who don't.