Discover the right resources at the right time
Build your study skills and Graduate Attributes through this series of weekly on-campus and online workshops, events and resources designed to guide you through your student journey and help you thrive in your studies. Use this guide to set yourself up for the Semester.
For campus-specific events and workshops, make sure you check out Student Hub.
Orientation - Week 4
Connect with the right workshops, support and resources to help your transition into university life at USC.
Explore what's taking place during Orientation week, for new and current students, and the helpful resources designed to get you ready for day one!
What's on this week
On campus
- Orientation! During Orientation, you can access on-campus support, take part in various workshops to help you transition to university life and make new connections by visiting the various stalls. Check out your campus Orientation program to see what's on.
Online
- Join an Orientation workshop via zoom: Learn about the library, how to make the most of your university experience, IT and Blackboard essentials, Engaging with student support. Check out the online program to see what's on and to join.
Resources
- Learn about how the library supports current students.
- Once you've made it through Orientation, explore the Your First Year module on Blackboard which will guide you through your first day and your first class.
- If your studies are affected by disability, learning disorder, mental health, injury or illness, or you are a primary carer, connect with AccessAbility Services as early as possible to arrange support by Week 4.
If you need some more inspiration on what to do at Orientation, check out Six tips to make the most of Orientation!
This week's focus aligns with the following Graduate Attributes: Communication, problem-solving, organisation, applying technologies, information literacy, engaged and knowledgeable
It's Connect Week! Building connections with your program, your peers and staff at USC can help improve your study and experience during your time at university and beyond. Check out how you can start forming new connections at USC.
What's on this week
On campus
- Get involved in a range of activities to help connect you to life at USC during Connect Week. There will be plenty on offer for all students, both on campus and online!
- Drop-in is back from Week 2 until Week 13! Check out Drop-in times at your campus and ask your study and learning questions!
- Have you explored the Student Guild yet?
Online
- Looking for work or work experience? Check out the Career Planning workshops taking place this week.
Resources
- Did you know there is a Student Success team who can provide timely advice and connect you with a range of support and services.
- Have you joined your Campus Facebook Group? Chat to other students, stay up to date with what's happening and post your photos of life at USC.
- Explore some of the other ways you can connect with others while studying.
- Head to Your First Year module on Blackboard and check out the tips for Your First Assignment and Your First Month.
This week's focus aligns with the following Graduate Attributes: Organisation, problem solving and collaboration.
Now that you're feeling a little more settled, it's a good idea to start thinking about getting organised for the semester.
What's on this week
On campus
- Drop-in! A great way to start making connections with other students and staff is at Drop-in! Check out Drop-in times at your campus.
- Have you heard of Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)? It's a free weekly one-hour session held via Zoom to help students improve grades and connect with peers. Check out PASS to see if there's a session for your program.
Online
- Check back soon to see what's taking place online this week.
Resources
- Did you know that you can use the online assignment calculator to help you manage your time better?
- Browse study resources like Reading and Notetaking, Referencing Guides and Academic Integrity and Quoting, Summarising and Paraphrasing.
- Create a plan to work towards your career goals now with the First Year Career Planning resource.
- Need program advice ahead of the Census next week? Check out the Program Advice resources available.
- Have a library question? You can chat to the librarians online Monday to Friday 9am-5pm and on weekends from 12-5pm.
This week's focus aligns with the following Graduate Attributes: Organisation, problem solving and collaboration.
With three weeks already complete, it's time to check-in and make sure you're on track and start exploring what study skills and habits you want to build on.
What's on this week
On campus
- Drop-in! Chat to the teams about the best ways to stay on track with your studies this semester! Check out Drop-in times at your campus.
Online
- Check back soon to see what's taking place online this week.
Resources
- If you're finding it hard to understand the course or assessment content, make sure you chat to your tutor or lecturer - they will provide you with the best advice. Then, start exploring the learning resources below.
- Check out this great resource on various Learning Strategies and explore some simple things you can do to enhance your learning, improve your skills and get the most out of your studies.
- Check out the Research Skills Tutorial with the Library.
- Confused about what courses to take throughout your studies? Learn about managing your progression.
- Time to pick up some new skills to improve your writing?
If you need some extra tips on how to research, check out Top tips for researching, by a USC Librarian.
This week's focus aligns with the following Graduate Attributes: Ethical, collaboration, engaged and knowledgeable
Week 5 - Week 7
As the semester begins to ramp up, now is a good time to develop and integrate your learning skills to help you with upcoming assessments and exams. You can also explore how you can work towards your future employment goals throughout your studies.
What's on this week
On campus
- Drop-in! Come along to Drop-in this week and learn some great tips and tricks to developing your skills. Check out Drop-in times at your campus.
Online
- Check back soon to see what's taking place online this week.
Resources
- Head to Your First Year module on Blackboard and check out the tips for Your First Grade.
- Have you explored the Academic Skills Workshops yet? Check out what's available and start boosting your skills!
- Need help adjusting to uni life? Student Wellbeing have a range of resources to support you.
Confused about referencing? Read 5 simple referencing tips to apply this semester.
This week's focus aligns with the following Graduate Attributes: Engaged, empowered, creative and critical thinkers
Get excited and get the most out of group work when you understand the expectations and the added benefits for everyone. Start connecting with peers on campus through events and workshops and discover strategies for working on group assignments.
What's on this week
On campus
- Drop-in! Group work can be a little tough sometimes, get some great advice from the support teams and Student Leaders at Drop-in! Check out Drop-in times at your campus.
Online
- Check back soon to see what's taking place online this week.
Resources
- Did you know that you can use the online assignment calculator to help you manage your time better?
- Learn simple strategies for managing multiple commitments with balancing your studies.
Working with peers can be a great experience! Hear from USC Midwifery student Kristy as she shares her best tips for group work and how to achieve the results you want!
This week's focus aligns with the following Graduate Attributes: Collaboration, knowledgeable, information literacy and communication
Time to give your mind a quick break and reset for the rest of the semester. We have listed a few resources to help you focus on mindfulness during this time.
What's on this week
On campus
- Nothing this week - take a break and we'll see you back on campus next week!
Online
- Nothing this week - take a break and we'll see you back on campus next week!
Resources
- Learn about mindfulness and how to apply it at university.
- If you haven't had the time to check out the quiz, test and exam preparation, now is the perfect week to do it.
- The library is still open during the break for all your study needs.
This week's focus aligns with the following Graduate Attributes: Ethical and empowered
Stop, take a breath and check-in with yourself and your peers. How are you managing your studies? Have you created a good balance? Is there something you're uncertain about? Now is a good time to reach out and ask for help.
What's on this week
On campus
- Drop-in! Need to chat about study, life and maintaining balance? Talk to the teams at Drop-in! Check out Drop-in times at your campus.
Online
- Check back soon to see what's taking place online this week.
Resources
- Who do you chat to about your mental health? Check out this video by Health and Wellbeing.
- If you need alternative arrangements for exams, contact AccessAbility Services to arrange support by Week 9.
As you settle back in after the break, it's time to reconnect with you study goals! Check out these top tips to get you through the final weeks.
This week's focus aligns with the following Graduate Attributes: Communication, collaboration, ethical, engaged and empowered
Week 8 - Week 11
Now is a great time to check out what you can do outside the context of study to work towards your goals. Your goals might be to expand your learning through volunteer opportunities, explore job opportunities or networking with peers and mentors.
What's on this week
On campus
- Drop-in! You can ask all sorts of study questions at Drop-in, even career advice! Ask the team about how to develop your career experience and opportunities throughout your studies. Check out Drop-in times at your campus.
Online
- Check back soon to see what's taking place online this week.
Resources
- Learn about USC's Mentoring program.
- Unsure of what courses to complete, the Structure vs Sequence resource may help!
Want to boost future job opportunities? Here's how! The Careers & Employability team shares their insight and what you can do to build transferable skills employers are looking for.
This week's focus aligns with the following Graduate Attributes: Collaboration, organisation, communication and sustainability-focused
Everyone has a different approach to learning, goal setting and time management. Understand the various strategies and adapt them to suit your style so you can plan ahead. If you feel like there is a barrier to achieving your goals, now is a good time to plan what support you might need to break through and succeed!
What's on this week
On campus
- Drop-in! Ask the team for their best tips for staying motivated during the busy study weeks! Check out Drop-in times at your campus.
Online
- Check back soon to see what's taking place online this week.
Resources
- Need some extra learning support? Explore how you can engage with support at USC.
- Check out motivation techniques and tips.
- About to start placement? Explore managing your wellbeing on placement.
This week's focus aligns with the following Graduate Attributes: Sustainability-focused, empowered and engaged
This week is all about reconnecting with your goals and study plan so you can achieve what you want this semester! It’s also a great time to review any feedback from your teachers to help you progress for the rest of the semester.
What's on this week
On campus
- Drop-in! Chat to our team about any feedback you've received and how you can approach your work differently next time. Check out Drop-in times at your campus.
Online
- Check back soon to see what's taking place online this week.
Resources
- Received feedback about referencing? Check out the referencing guides and academic integrity.
Learn how to make the most of assessment feedback and improve your marks with these simple tips from USC Learning Advisers.
This week's focus aligns with the following Graduate Attributes: Ethical, empowered, communication and collaboration.
Being organised is a skill you can learn and it's one that will help you in your studies and everyday life. Learn how to practice self-regulated learning and applying your organisational skills when preparing for exams.
What's on this week
On campus
- Drop-in! Come armed with your questions about exam preparation. Check out Drop-in times at your campus.
Online
- Check back soon to see what's taking place online this week.
Resources
- Get some tips on how to improve your writing skills. You can also check out essay writing or report writing resources.
- Time to seek further support with your studies? Book in a session with a Learning Adviser.
- Explore the Health and Wellbeing services available to USC students.
This week's focus aligns with the following Graduate Attributes: Organisation and problem solving.
Week 12 - Exams
It's getting close to the end and no doubt you're focused on your final assignments and exams. So, stay focused, take care of yourself and explore extra tips and strategies for preparing for your exams.
What's on this week
On campus
- Drop-in! Get some extra exam prep tips at the drop-in. Check out Drop-in times at your campus.
Online
- Check back soon to see what's taking place online this week.
Resources
- Time to brush up on the best ways to prepare for a quiz, test and exam.
- Head to Your First Year module on Blackboard and check out the tips for Your First Exam.
If you need some inspiration to get you through the final assessments, check out these tips to get your head and habits in the right space so that you can perform at your peak and achieve your goals.
This week's focus aligns with the following Graduate Attributes: Sustainability-focused, knowledgeable, information literacy, engaged and empowered.
You're nearly there! This week is all about reflecting on the semester and reviewing everything that you've learned. Find the best study set-up for you, re-read your notes and important readings and remember to stop, take a break and let your mind refresh during your study!
What's on this week
On campus
- Drop-in! It's the last drop-in for the semester and the perfect opportunity to ask any study questions about exams. Check out Drop-in times at your campus.
Online
- Check back soon to see what is taking place online this week.
Resources
- Get ready for your exams with these top tips from current USC students.
- Head to Your First Year module on Blackboard and check out the tips for the rest of Your First Year.
- Curious about end of semester results and what they mean? Learn what to expect in Your First End of Semester Results.
This week's focus aligns with the following Graduate Attributes: Knowledgeable, information literacy, organisation, empowered and engaged
Exam week is here, and you have done everything you need to perform at your peak! It's important to focus on your wellbeing and staying motivated during exams so you can get the most from your efforts, and make sure you celebrate your hard work when it's all over!
The library is still open during the break for all your study needs.
Good luck!