Making the most of orientation

Orientation Week (or O'Week) at  Monash University begins on Monday 25 February.

This is the first time on campus for many students, who get to take part in activities designed to help them organise their studies, familiarise themselves with the campus, find out about support services and staff, and, very importantly, meet other students.

An online Orientation e-Planner has been created for Monash students to put together their own personal O'Week schedule so they don't miss out on important events.

We've also put together some handy tips from current Monash students about what to expect from, and how to make the most of, the beginning of their Monash experience.

Erin Zillmann - Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
How do you make the most of O'Week?
“Obviously attending it is a good start. Collect all those pamphlets people are shoving at you and take the time to look through them - you may not need financial aid or career counselling now but if you do later at least you’ll know they exist.

"Do yourself a favour and print off your timetable and spend some time finding all your classes. It may seem dorky, but it will save you a lot of stress in your first week when your class is about to start and you just assumed that building 63 is right next door to building 64 (they’re really not).”

What is different about university to your time at high school?
“The freedom, both in positive and negative ways. You have a much greater opportunity to study and research specific topics that interest you and no one will chase you down if you miss a class, which can also be a negative aspect. No one will be reminding you to do the reading, or complete an assignment, or study for an exam – it’s all on you so if you don’t keep on top of things you could be in for a world of trouble and stress later on.”

Best advice for first year students?
“Social advice would include signing up for all the clubs you’re interested in and give them all a go, and don’t be afraid to say hi to the person sitting next to you in class – start of the semester is a good time to do this since pretty much everyone is as confused and unsure as you. Academically, try to learn good study habits now rather than later. And most importantly, don’t freak out! Your first year is designed for you to try new things, change your mind and make mistakes – take advantage of it.”

Jaymes Bonacci - Bachelor of Engineering/Commerce
How do you make the most of O'Week?
“Attend the O'Week carnival, join your faculty's society and the Monash Student Association, get excited and get involved! (There are plenty of activities including first-year camps and university wide functions, available.)”

What is different about university to your time at high school?
“There are a lot of people around and larger class (lecture) sizes. You will not receive frequent feedback and can expect varied forms of assessment and learning. Time is self-managed and time management becomes a vital and necessary skill. Most importantly, independent learning is key and you can't expect to receive constant reminders about submitting work. Depending on your course contact hours may be low and a large amount of independent study will be expected.”

Best advice for first year students?
“Attending lectures, tutorials and labs are key: if some are skipped or missed catch up ASAP or it can be a downwards spiral from then on. Familiarise yourself with your faculty's area and library so you are aware of the resources you have available (library tours are available during O'Week and will be very helpful). Faculty societies can be a useful resource and point of call for you throughout the year.

"Take advantage of the social outings, academic resources and sports facilities and don't forget to have fun!”

Sam Fischer - Bachelor of Science (Advanced)
How do you make the most of O'Week?
“Go to as many events as possible and get involved as much as possible. During O'Week there are dozens of events held. Some of the best things to try would be signing up for a few clubs and societies and attending Host Scheme events.”

What is different about university to your time at high school?
"The flexibility of how to spend your time; you don't live by the bell anymore. You can choose when to have your lunch break, when to study during the day, and even whether or not you have classes on a given day (scheduling all your classes so you have Fridays off is the best feeling)."

Best advice for first year students?
"Get to know people on campus, be friendly to everyone, don't be afraid to ask anyone for help if you're lost, and maybe wait until the end of the first week of classes before deciding to buy textbooks (not every class requires them)."

Kathryn Duncan - Bachelor of Arts, Double Major in Criminology and Behavioural Studies
How do you make the most of O'Week?
“New students can make the most of O'Week, and the rest of the year, by getting involved with a few of the many clubs the Monash has to offer and not being afraid to introduce yourself to others.”

What is different about university to your time at high school?
“There is no set break and lunch time at uni. Everybody having a different timetable makes it difficult to find a time when everyone is free for catch up, but it's pretty easy to work around if you're prepared to have lunch at 4pm.”

Best advice for first year students?
“Don't be afraid to say hi to the person next to you in a tute or lecture. What have you got to lose? You might make a new friend, or at least have someone to study with later when it comes to exam time.”

Rose Brazilek - Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
How do you make the most of O'Week?
“Use the O'Week planner to help you work out what you want to see, as well as making time for any compulsory orientation activities for your course. Participate in some of the activities designed to help you meet people, even if they're not from your course. For most people, the first friends they make at university are from the O'Week activities.”

What is different about university to your time at high school?
“For me, the major difference was the way you are expected to learn - in high school, you have a specific textbook for the subject and you are taught the information required to pass the subject. In university, it's your responsibility to read and understand the information, and lectures are designed to build on that assumed level of comprehension."

Best advice for first year students?
"Recognising when you are procrastinating is a must in uni - if you schedule time to study, and spend it all on the internet you're not really making the best use of your time. Instead, allocate time to study but identify when your mind needs a break and spend some time relaxing, not thinking about that 2,000 word essay that still needs to be written!"

Paulo Tangga - Bachelor of Science Advanced with Honours
How do you make the most of O'Week?
"Watch the O-show! It’s amazing every year. Take time exploring the campus and many of the available facilities. This can also be your chance to find ideal hang out spots with friends, food stores and their delicious selections as well as nice areas to kick back and have some alone time if you so desire."

What is different about university to your time at high school?
"University is diverse - it is a community of people coming from very different backgrounds. Gone are the days when you are viewed as immature teenagers. You are treated as adults, and along with that comes the joy of having more freedom as well as the expectations to work harder and act sensibly."

Best advice for first year students?
“Keep on top of your studies; uni is different, there are no teachers who constantly push you and closely coach you with your work. To do well, you must take the initiative whether it is self-directed learning using various resources as tools or organising study groups to help each other consolidate required knowledge. Find what works for you.”

Ashleigh Page - Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing and Human Resource Management)
How do you make the most of O'Week?
“Attend uni events and join the social clubs and societies. This will enable you to attend events where you can meet new people, have a bit of fun and break the ice. Definitely go on one of the society camps as these are a casual way to have loads of fun and gain some new friends.”

What is different about university to your time at high school?
“At uni you have a heightened responsibility for your actions including handing in your assignments on time, attending tutes and also making new friends. At school, teachers usually remind you constantly to hand in your essays and assignments whereas at uni lecturers may tell you once but if you forget to hand in your assignment or hand it in late, then that is your responsibility and you will receive a grade deduction.

"You won’t be with the same friendship group that you have been with for years at school, instead, you will have different groups of people in each class that you are enrolled in, and therefore you need to make an extra effort in meeting new people.

"By becoming members of some of the societies at university you can add a social and fun aspect to your university experience which isn't promoted or experienced whilst studying at high school.”

Best advice for first year students?
“Get to know and meet as many new people as you can within your first year as this will make your experience at university more fun and exciting and you might establish a really great group of friends. It is important to get yourself into good habits with handing in your assignments and projects on time as the marking system is very different to that in school and it is a lot harsher.”

 O'Week at Monash starts Monday 25 February and runs until Friday 1 March.