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 together with the Your First Year resource to set yourself up for the Semester.
For campus-specific events and workshops, make sure you check out Campus Life Events calendar and Student Hub.
How to perform at your peak in the final weeks
Tips to get your head and habits in the right space so you can perform at your peak and achieve your goals.
How to embrace feedback and improve your work
Make the most of assessment feedback and improve your marks with these simple tips from USC Learning Advisers.
Orientation: Getting to know USC
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
- 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 the Orientation program to see what's on at your campus.
- Student Leadership Symposium. Taking place on Friday 23 July at the Sunshine Coast via Zoom, the Student Leadership Symposium is a great opportunity to build your leadership skills, network and learn about sustainability in leadership.
- 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.
- 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 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.
Week 1: Navigating university
Week one is all about settling into the new semester and making sure you're set up for success! Take a look at what's happening on campus and how you can connect with other students and student support.
What's on this week
- Ask Student Central. Need a little help in the first week? Pop into Student Central or check out the Student Central FAQs! Whether you need support with your ID card, enrolling in courses and classes or connecting to USC systems, Student Central can point you in the right direction!
- Register for a workshop. Time to brush up on your study skills or learn new strategies to balance your studies? There are loads of workshops in Week 1 to get you ready for the semester:
- Analysing Assignment Questions: Take the workshop or check out the online presentation
- Approaches to Study and Research: Take the workshop or check out the online presentation
- Take the Harvard Referencing workshop.
- Take the APA Referencing Style workshop.
- Take the Understanding Academic Writing workshop.
- Head to Your First Year module on Blackboard and check out the tips for Your First Week.
- Have you found all of your Course Readings for the semester? Check out the Library Guide or the self-paced tutorial for help with finding your course readings.
- Learn about SafeUSC and the services they provide.
- Create a plan to work towards your career goals now with our First Year Career Planning resource.
This week's focus aligns with the following Graduate Attributes: Applying technologies, engaged, knowledgeable, problem solving and organisation.
Week 2: get organised
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
- 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 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 you program.
Get organised now and start to plan your semester and beyond with these online workshops:
- Enhance your graduate skills through co-curricular opportunities with Making the most of your Uni experience online workshop.
- Learn about the best way to structure and tailor your resume to make YOU stand out with Resume Hacks that Work workshop.
- Head to Your First Year module on Blackboard and check out the tips for Your First Assignment and Your First Month.
- 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
- Need AccessAbility services? If you're a new student, make sure you register for AccessAbility by Week 4.
- Create a plan to work towards your career goals now with our First Year Career Planning resource.
This week's focus aligns with the following Graduate Attributes: Organisation, problem solving and collaboration.
Week 3 - build connections
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
- 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 explored the Student Guild Events yet?
- Check out the Campus Life events to see what's on this semester!
- Looking for work or work experience? Learn how to shine in your next interview with Ace your interview workshop.
- It's National Student Volunteer Week! Come along to an appreciation event to meet fellow volunteers, share your experiences and feedback, as well as help us shape volunteer program at USC.
- The Pro Vice-Chancellor (Students) holds regular student forums where you are invited to hear from the PVC (S), raise any concerns, make suggestions and share your experience as a USC student. Find out when to Zoom in for the Student Forum for your campus.
- 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.
- Need program advice ahead of the Census Date next week? Check out the Program Advice resources available.
- Need to ask a librarian a question? You can chat to them online Monday to Friday 9am-45.30pm and on weekends from 12-5pm.
- There's loads of support available for students, learn about engaging with support.
This week's focus aligns with the following Graduate Attributes: Organisation, problem solving and collaboration.
Week 4 - Keep on track
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
- It's Diversity Week, which is all about celebration, conversation and inclusion. Check out the Campus Life events calendar to see how you can celebrate at your 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.
- Move towards your professional goals through Developing Employability Skills in this Careers workshop.
- The Pro Vice-Chancellor (Students) holds regular student forums where you are invited to hear from the PVC (S), raise any concerns, make suggestions and share your experience as a USC student. Find out when to Zoom in for the Student Forum for your campus.
- Join the library workshop as they take you through researching for your assignment.
- 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.
- Did you know that you can use the online assignment calculator to help you manage your time better?
- Time to pick up some new skills to improve your writing?
- Unsure of what courses to complete, this resource may assist you: Structure vs Sequence
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 - Develop your skills
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
- 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.
- Learn the secrets of writing a winning application in this week's workshop.
- 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!
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
Week 6 - working with peers
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
- 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.
- Enhance your graduate skills through co-curricular opportunities with Making the most of your Uni experience online workshop.
- Learn how to find credible sources and evidence in the researching for your assignment workshop with the library.
- Check out the Research Skills Tutorial with the Library
- 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
Week 7 - time to Check-In
Stop, take a breathe 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
- RUOK? Day. Check out the Campus Life events to see what's happening at your 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.
- Connect your study skills with future jobs with Developing Employability Skills workshop.
- Who do you chat to about your mental health? Check out this video by Health and Wellbeing.
- If you need alternative arrangements for exams, make sure you registered with AccessAbility by Week 9.
R U OK? Day might only be one day a year but we should all start making 'are you OK?' part of our everyday. This year, we asked USC students to share how they ask 'are you OK?' and why it's important, especially as a student.
This week's focus aligns with the following Graduate Attributes: Communication, collaboration, ethical, engaged and empowered
Week 8 - explore
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
- 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.
- Enhance your graduate skills through co-curricular opportunities with Making the most of your Uni experience online workshop.
- Learn how to shine in your next interview with Ace your interview workshop.
- Learn about USC's Mentoring program
- Check out the quiz, test and exam preparation.
- 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
Week 9 - stay motivated
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's 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
- 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.
- Explore how to search the library's catalogue and databases in their researching for your assignment workshop.
- Need some extra learning support? Explore how you can engage with support at USC.
- Check out motivation techniques and tips.
- Did you know that you can use the online assignment calculator to help you manage your time better?
- About to start placement? Explore managing your wellbeing on placement.
- Learn more about balancing your studies to get the most from your efforts.
This week's focus aligns with the following Graduate Attributes: Sustainability-focused, empowered and engaged
Mid-semester break - relax and reset
Time to give your mind a quick break and reset for the rest of the semester. We've listed a few resources to help you focus on mindfulness during this time.
What's on this week
- Nothing this week - take a break and we'll see you back on campus next week!
- Nothing this week - take a break and we'll see you back on campus next week!
- Learn about mindfulness and applying 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
Week 10 - reconnect
Time to get back into your weekly study routine, reconnect with your study plan and start incorporating feedback to help you progress for the rest of the semester.
What's on this week
- 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.
- Check back soon to see what's taking place online this week.
- Received feedback about reference? Check out the referencing guides and academic integrity.
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.
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.
Week 11 - create order and take care of your mind
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
- Drop-in! Come armed with your questions about exam preparation. Check out Drop-in times at your campus.
- During QLD Mental Health Week, check out what activities are taking place on campus to help you relax, connect and give your mind a little break.
- Learn how to create an incredible resume that grabs employers' attention with Resume Hacks that Work.
- 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 Advisor.
- It's Mental Health Week! Explore the Health and Wellbeing services available to USC students.
QLD Mental Health Week is a good reminder to take some time for yourself and your mind!
This week's focus aligns with the following Graduate Attributes: Organisation and problem solving.
Week 12 - perform at your peak
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 on preparing for exams.
What's on this week
- Drop-in! Get some extra exam prep tips at the drop-in. Check out Drop-in times at your campus.
- Check back soon to see what's taking place online this week.
- 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 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.
Week 13 - Revise and review
You're nearly there! This week is all about reflecting back 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
- 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.
- Check back soon to see what's taking place online this week.
- 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
Study Week and Exams - focus and celebrate
Exam week is here and you've 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!