A new way of learning
University is a completely different learning environment to school. Your son or daughter will be presented with new styles of learning, in different surroundings, among new people. You can support them through this process, even if you have not attended university yourself. At USC, more than 50 percent of undergraduate students are the first in their family to attend university, so it is important to remember that you - and your child - are not on your own.
Study commitments
Crunch time
University assessment
Attendance
Study commitments
USC students are responsible for coordinating their own timetables, and their learning is self-directed. Therefore, the amount of time spent on campus studying varies for each student. There are contact hours for tutorials and lectures that students are expected to attend, and there is time spent working with groups on assignments or research projects, as well as independent study time in the Library, on a computer, or completing readings. Classes are timetabled between 8am and 9pm, Monday to Friday.
A full-time student spends around 12 hours per week in lectures and tutorials, plus between 20 and 40 hours studying per week (five to 10 hours per course). Depending on their timetable, your son or daughter may have a day or more spare each week that they are not required to go to class - however that time may need to be spent preparing for tutorials and completing assignments.
Crunch time
The critical time for new students is the first four to six weeks of semester. This is usually when first assessment tasks are due, and the time when your son's or daughter's support network - both at home and at university - should be at its strongest.
University assessment
University assessment methods vary. Your child may be assessed by regular assignments, essays, quizzes, reports or presentations, or by examination at the end of each semester.
Attendance
While university is all about self-directed learning, it is essential that in order to succeed, new students attend classes and complete their assessments. The importance of attending tutorials and lectures cannot be underestimated, particularly for first year students - it is essential they keep up-to-date with course content, reading material, presentations and class assessments.
More information
Contact Student Services for more information or telephone: +61 7 5430 1226.
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