Help for newbies
It’s the end of the 2005 first term … I mean semester … no, that’s right, study period, and for those in first year the excitement of starting uni has probably turned to fatigue and a deep yearning for the holidays – remember those long days at the beach without a care in the world?
It’s easy to feel like you’ve been chucked in the deep end when you begin study at university. Everything is bigger, including the assignments. No more annoying new year 8s to deal with – suddenly the roles are reversed and you’re the ‘newbies’. The ‘homework’ load can make a mockery of what you had at school and it might seem you are left to work it all out for yourself.
But nothing could be further from the truth. UniSA tries to make sure students get the best university experience possible, even in these first, often daunting, few months. So you need to know there is help at hand – a comprehensive range of services that offer support, advice and all the information you need to go to the head of the class – well, at least to get through the adjustment period.
Your first point of contact with UniSA is the myUniSA portal. This can be found on the UniSA home page www.unisa.edu.au The Portal is like an electronic map of UniSA support and information services like enrolment, financial matters, printer and internet quotas. You choose your path, and you get there simply and easily.
But what about understanding your academic rights or dealing with learning hurdles and then having someone to talk to about your problems? UniSA’s Learning Connection is also available through the UniSA home page and it provides important access to information and face-to-face services that can get you through.
Your tutors and lecturers are there to help as well as teach you – and they won’t keep you in after class. Listen carefully to attendance requirements and due dates for your work assessments. Read the course guide and ask about anything you are unsure about. Questions are good – hoping it will become clearer eventually is probably ill-advised. Simple life rules also apply at uni – read the instructions, ask directions, write things down, take advantage of what is on offer and ask for help when you need it.
Finally, your student’s association is there to provide help and happiness too. USASA supports more than 100 sporting and social clubs you can explore and join, and there’s also campus events, student media, counselling and Student Advisory Officers (SAOs) that give you independent advice and assistance if you’re unhappy with any decision made by UniSA.