Prepare - Social Journey

You might arrive here straight from school. Perhaps you've taken a gap year, studied at TAFE, worked or raised your family first. Many of our students are first in their family to study or mature age (over 21). You may live locally or have moved from another city, a rural area or overseas. Perhaps you're leaving home for the first time.

Mature age students

• Tip sheet for mature age students.

• Read about some of the challenges mature age students have overcome.

• See details of the book: "Stepping Stones: a guide for mature-aged students at University"At a time of new beginnings some relationships will inevitably change. Think about your current network. You might need to say goodbye to some old workmates and friends or plan future catch ups with them.

Friends and family will also need time to get used to your new student role because you're probably going to be much busier. You can help them by sharing your experiences. Let them know what you need from them along the way.

At uni you're going to meet people from all over the world and from a diverse range of backgrounds. Uni is a lot easier and much more fun if you can spend time with new friends. Be open to getting to know people in the first weeks. Like other new students, you can develop your sense of belonging by making connections here.

Student Comments

"Some of my friends came to Uni too. We decided to go along to as many social events as we could in the first few weeks. Check out Campus Life."

"I played a lot of sport at home so I signed up for volleyball and the gym."

Student Tip: Join in

"Think about what you like doing. I went to the trivia nights and met people."

"I put myself out there as much as I could in the first few weeks."

Get to O week activities and don't be shy when it comes to meeting new people."

"Talk to your student mentors."