Being a Student
Learning in a university environment presents many challenges for students regardless of their academic, social, educational or other backgrounds. Australian and international research indicates that the quality of the students' experience in their first year sets the tone for the students' subsequent attitude to and engagement with university learning. As a student progressing from pre-school through primary school and high school, the transitions you have made have probably been relatively easy. There are some clear social and other indicators that identify you as a new student. For example as the new student you are usually the youngest, usually have the newest uniform and can easily identify who are the teachers and those with more experience in the school than you have. At university these identifying factors are either absent or difficult to identify.
It is important to remember that all new students feel equally foreign in this new environment as they face the issues confronting them. The good news is that there are many things you can do to prepare yourself for making the transition to university. Macquarie provides many services and programs to support you in this transition.Count down to classes
Starting university well prepared for what to expect, where to find places on campus and having already met some of your fellow students will make you first weeks of study much easier. Coming to your Academic Orientation day will assist this transition to university.
- Are you Uni ready? Try the quiz
Try the ‘Are you Uni ready?’ quiz! It highlights some areas in which university differs from school and other places of learning. It will help you see that attending your Academic Orientation will be a helpful start to the year. - FAQs
- the answers to questions most often asked by new students - Orientation sessions - when are they on?
Macquarie University provides Academic Orientation days for students across the university. This is your opportunity to find out what university life and learning will be like. You will meet other new students, experienced student mentors, academic staff and learn about our many academic and other support services. This is a day not to be missed! - What current students say
Read what other students say about stating university and the issues they faced.