Good Careers Guide
  • Courses
  • Rankings
  • Institutions
  • Scholarships
  • Studying in Australia
  • Blogs
  • Events
    1. Home
    2. Blog
    3. About Australia
    4. Survival tips for first year international students

    Survival tips for first year international students

    Starting uni can be a challenge for anyone, especially if you’ve just moved to Australia to study. While it can be a challenge to adapt to a new course, country and culture. Your uni years may be some of the best you’ll have — and they’ll probably go very quickly. We offer our best tips to help you make the most of your first year.

    Get involved

    University isn’t just about getting a degree. Embrace the new world you’ve stepped into, do your best to enjoy being on campus in a new culture, and take advantage of the societies and events that your university provides. This will ensure you have more memories of your time in Australia than just the inside of lecture theatres.

    Set goals and plan a schedule

    There will be no school teachers chasing you for assignments and making sure you get to class — it’s all on you. Freedom feels good, but it also means you need to take responsibility for getting your work completed. Use your calendar and enter all your due dates and extra-curricular events. Break up assignments into smaller goals to prevent the need to stay up all night the day before they are due.

    Seek support when you need it

    While you are expected to take control of your education, there is support available if you need it. Talk to your lecturers and tutors if you’re struggling with the coursework. If you are experiencing personal issues, universities also have counsellors and support services on campus, which are often free of charge for students. If you need to miss a class or don’t think you can meet an assessment deadline, chat to your lecturer or tutor ahead of time.

    Allow yourself some downtime

    Most degrees are a minimum of three years and will feel even longer if you don’t take some time out to recharge. Include time to relax and enjoy life as a student in your schedule, whether it’s a regular night out with friends, or doing non-uni related activities.

    Useful links:

    • Enhancing your Australian study experience
    • Five tips to help you prepare for the new academic year
    • Preparing for your studies in Australia
    • Five tips for doing well in your course

    Related blogs

    5 places to find cheaper textbooks


    10 Feb 2020

    read more

    5 tips for planning your uni timetable


    01 Jun 2021

    read more

    5 tips for settling into student life in Australia


    03 Jul 2024

    read more

    Categories
    • Australian education news 91
    • Life after study 59
    • Study tips 90
    • About Australia 129
    Tags
    First yearinternational student

    Subscribe to our newsletter

    Join the conversation

    Universities in Australia

    • Universities in Canberra/ACT
    • Universities in Sydney/NSW
    • Universities in Brisbane/QLD
    • Universities in Adelaide/SA
    • Universities in Hobart/TAS
    • Universities in Melbourne/VIC
    • Universities in Perth/WA

    Scholarships in Australia

    • Scholarships in Canberra/ACT
    • Scholarships in Sydney/NSW
    • Scholarships in Brisbane/QLD
    • Scholarships in Adelaide/SA
    • Scholarships in Hobart/TAS
    • Scholarships in Melbourne/VIC
    • Scholarships in Perth/WA

    Courses in Australia

    • Courses in Canberra/ACT
    • Courses in Sydney/NSW
    • Courses in Brisbane/QLD
    • Courses in Adelaide/SA
    • Courses in Hobart/TAS
    • Courses in Melbourne/VIC
    • Courses in Perth/WA
    © 2025 Studies in Australia
    About us | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | Enquire now!
    Good Education GroupAbout | Contact | Bookshop
    Good Universities GuideGood Schools GuideStudies in AustraliaACIR