Your first few weeks at university for off campus students
The first few weeks at university are exciting and challenging particularly when you are studying off-campus for the first time. You will be faced with new ways of doing things, new academic terms and language, and new forms of learning. You are encouraged to develop your computing skills so that you can maintain contact with the staff and other students of the university and use various online resources. One of the big demands in university study is that you are expected to organise and plan your own study schedule. Students studying off campus need to be especially well organised to make study an integral part of life. This guide outlines the things that are important to do in the first few weeks.
As an off-campus student you will receive information about online links to your study materials or in some cases a package of learning materials in the mail. Generally you can access information about the program and each course as well as A guide to studying off-campus which provides practical general information about fitting into the university learning environment. You can also make use of a range of resources designed for transition to university.
Early Preparation Workshops
If you live near or are able to get to a UniSA campus, you have the opportunity to attend workshops on topics such as Academic reading and writing and What to expect at university. You can also meet other students and key university staff.
What’s the next step?
In your external courses you will be encouraged to activate your email account and start study immediately. There are likely to be weekly readings and regular writing tasks. This is the time to establish an effective study routine. If you are studying full time the workload is almost the same as that of a full-time job i.e. enrolment in four courses may involve 35 hours of study per week. An overview of what you need to do now is indicated here with more detail provided in the following checklist. Establishing your study routine in the first few weeks involves:
- accessing and exploring your course homepage\s
- completing your study planner
- keeping up with weekly readings and set writing tasks
- developing interactive and reflective notes on your readings
- developing your library search skills
- organising study networks
- beginning to work on your first assignments
Most students enrolled in external courses combine paid work and other responsibilities with their study. Underestimating both the level of energy and the time needed for study is very common. You may need to adjust your paid and/or voluntary work hours to ensure that you can manage a university workload. Use the planning suggestions within the checklist as a guide in the first few weeks.
Checklist for the first few weeks at university
Ask Yourself |
Yes |
If not …. |
|---|---|---|
...used the university computer system |
|
...there are three workshops that are available either face to face or online:
It is essential to familiarise yourself with the University website as it is a major communication avenue used by staff and students. |
...checked your Course homepage/s for links to learning resources |
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...explore all links from your Course homepage/s as many Course Coordinators use course websites (linked from the course homepage) to provide information and resources to students. |
...received a Course Information Booklet for each course |
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...print the Course Information guide for the relevant year from the course homepage. Take particular note of the stated aims and objectives of the course so that you understand the purpose of the course clearly and what learning you are meant to demonstrate through your assignments. Contact Campus Central if you have been told to expect a package and it is late. |
...developed a list of key staff for easy reference |
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...use online sources or any information sent to you to make a quick reference list of university contacts (Program Director, course staff, Campus Central, Library, Learning and Teaching Unit, IT Help Desk). Keep in hard copy and as bookmarks on myUniSA. It should be easy to access when you need it . |
...checked my University email at least 3 times a week |
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...if you do not have access to the Internet via a personal or work computer you will need to access community-based Internet computers at a public library, your work or internet cafes. Email is now the main form of communication within the University. Academic, administrative and general information is sent to students via email only so check your UniSA email account frequently. Clear your email regularly so that your mailbox does not fill and stop receiving messages. Students without access to the Internet will need to make alternative contact arrangements with their Course Coordinator/s. |
...checked myUniSA to:
|
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...myUniSA is your best point of contact within the university’s online environment as it provides quick and easy links to all your courses and a range of services. Check these details and familiarise yourself with myUniSA as you will refer to it continually during your time at the University. Check your enrolment details for each study period before the Census date. Keep a check on your printing and internet quota with myUniSA if you are using UniSA computers. Course materials and resources are often made available through course homepages. |
...got the text books required for my course |
|
...check the list of text books in the course information material . These are available from Unibooks at the University of Adelaide. If you can’t afford the books check the availability of second hand books with UniLife. |
...completed a study planner displaying all due dates and commitments |
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...check all your assignments and their due dates are in the Course Information guide Use a study planner and for each assignment record the due date, length and weighting (% value) to help you allocate time strategically. As your study workload will peak when several due dates coincide you are likely to require special arrangements with family, friends and work colleagues. Mapping out your commitments now will help you to regulate your life.
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...developed my weekly timetable |
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...you need to allocate sufficient time to study each week to keep up with regular commitments e.g. weekly readings, and additional time for assignment preparation near the due dates. An audit of your current use of time may help you to find blocks of study time. The online workshop Managing your life as a student provides more ideas to help you plan you timetable. |
...allocated approximately 11-12 hours per week to each 4.5 unit course |
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...UniSA's assessment policy (section 1.2.1) states that this time should encompass attendance at lectures, tutorials, practicals laboratory sessions and studio classes, participation in online activities and completion of assessment tasks but also self-directed, independent course related reading, research and reflection to enable deep engagement with the theories and concepts. |
...noted the Census date for this study period |
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...these are important dates if you consider withdrawing from a course if you are an Australian student either paying for your study or receiving Commonwealth support. |
...developed a folder for each course to keep my notes together |
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...it is useful to have separate online and hard copy folders for each of your courses. Organise, date and label your notes from week 1 to ensure you stay in control of your work. Develop a systematic approach that works for you. |
...set up my study area |
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...if it’s possible you will find it easier to study regularly in a quiet secure place where your study materials won’t be disturbed. |
...contacted a few people in each of my courses. |
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...as an off-campus student you can establish study networks which will be helpful throughout your studies. Online discussions, audio-conferences and any other activities arranged within your course offer valuable chances to make contact and network with others. Use any available online discussion lists to find out if fellow students live nearby. You may be able to establish study networks through which you can share ideas and offer each other encouragement. |
...asked the questions I need. |
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...it is especially important for off-campus students to talk about any queries or concerns as soon as possible. University staff will assist you if you let them know you need their support. If it is an administrative matter contact Campus Central. If it concerns course information, resources, content questions, academic issues contact your Course Coordinator. If it is about study or writing strategies or a confidential, personal matter – contact the Learning and Teaching Unit. |
...done the required reading for each week |
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...a list of readings can be found in the Course Information booklets. Always start with the recommended readings as they have been selected carefully for this course of study. If you cannot manage the readings because they are too difficult raise your concerns with your Course Coordinator, refer to resources on reading, contact a Learning Adviser at the Learning and Teaching Unit or a Librarian. |
...followed up course content questions |
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...if you find some of the early ideas challenging you may need to email your questions to the lecturer or join the course online discussion if one is provided. Try to develop a sound understanding of key ideas as you go. |
...familiarised myself with the library and the databases I need to access |
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...you will need to read beyond the set readings. Go to your campus library or check the
library website. You may need to explore reciprocal borrowing rights at other libraries or use
Infogate as a way of improving your search skills. |
...made some progress on early assessment tasks |
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...start on your first assignments immediately; student success is often directly linked to managing the work in the given time. If for reasons beyond your control you have made a late start on an early assignment you may need to arrange an alternative submission date. Contact the Course Coordinator. |
...accessed learning resources from the Learning and Teaching Unit
|
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...many online resources are available for your use. It is especially important to access and use the relevant resources on referencing. |
...checked online and on-campus workshops offered by the Learning and Teaching Unit |
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...online and on-campus workshops are available on a range of topics. |
You can be sure that when you have completed the checklist you have made a good start. If you have any questions or concerns, use your quick reference guide to contact the person or section most likely to be able to support you. It is important for you to keep in touch with the university. If you need to leave a Voicemail message be sure to leave your contact details: name, course, issue, time of call, call back times. If no-one responds it may mean the person is away from the University so try alternatives: another person or email.
Should you need support the Learning and Teaching Unit at your home campus can arrange contact with one of the professional staff.