Success strategies

Studying effectively

Some people seem to be natural students while others have to work hard at it. But everyone can use a little help, especially when moving into a completely new study environment where the expectations are very different.

Our Student Learning Centre helps students adjust to the academic demands of university life and develop techniques for more effective study. Trained staff provide advice on such issues as taking lecture notes, problem solving, critical thinking, writing essays, making presentations and conducting research.

You can sign on for a specific program or just get some advice.

The Centre is on the lower ground floor of the Student Centre. Phone (08) 8201 2518. Email: slc@flinders.edu.au.

If you're having trouble with a specific topic, speak with the relevant topic coordinator in the first instance. If you need help with being a student, get some tips from the Student Learning Centre or simply talk with the Student Assist Office.

If you are unsure about the career path (and therefore the course) you have chosen, talk with our Careers and Employer Liaison Centre. They have plenty of ideas and contacts.

If you have any questions about your rights and responsibilities as a student, whether academic or personal, contact the Student Assist Office. If you want help with the study process and how to cope with your workload, contact the Student Learning Centre.

Keeping perspective

The many competing demands on your time require balance. Keeping fit, eating well, getting adequate rest are important. If you need assistance creating the right balance in your life seek advice. Health and Counselling or Flinders One Sport and Fitness are a good places to start.

It is also important to remember that your university studies are a passport to future opportunities. From the early stages of your career, explore where your studies can take you. If you want to discuss these issues make an appointment with someone in the Careers and Employer Liaison Centre.

Staying healthy

This is perhaps the best advice we can give you (but we can't protect you against the flu!). Starting uni is an exciting time but it can also be a stressful time and if you push yourself too hard and don't look after yourself, things can start falling apart. Just as importantly, if you get sick - or feel like you're not coping - do something about it.

The University's Health Service offers a wide range of confidential support and referral services, including medical, dental, physiotherapy and massage. Counsellors can help you develop skills such as time management, coping with exam anxiety, managing relationships and other personal issues.

Flinders One Sport and Fitness not only offers you the opportunity to stay healthy with its many exercise options, it does this with the added benefits that being active provides such as a great means of stress release and a chance to meet and mix with others who are Flinders students.

Tips from students

Here are some tips from students on how to make a successful transition to university.

Simone, Bachelor of Science

‘Become familiar with the uni like the Library and the Plaza etc as it makes you feel more comfortable if you know your way around the uni.

‘Be prepared to study - uni is easier (and less stressful) than Year 12 but getting good grades makes you feel better about being at uni and makes you strive to do better which will enable you to be in the running for some good scholarships if you apply for Honours.’

Josh, Bachelor of Arts

‘Be prepared to be proactive in your own study and to take matters into your own hands.

Know where to go for help and who to ask if you have questions.

Don't stress, it's not that hard!’

Many students have experienced transition difficulties and negotiated them successfully. Their comments are useful and probably echo some of your own feelings.

‘I think you just have to push yourself a bit in the first couple of weeks. It is hard to make friends and meet new people but once you get past that barrier it gives you a real confidence boost.’ Jen

‘I found it tough at first. I really missed home ... It was also hard to find my way around but now I feel pretty settled. I am glad I rode through it.’ Mark

‘I hated the first few weeks ... I knew no one, I didn't know where my lectures were ... I kept getting lost and I wasn't even too sure about the course, now I love it. I am really getting into it and I can see how I can make this degree work for me.’ Rebecca