Transition to University

Orientation – Attend, Participate, Enjoy!

Starting university can be a time of excitement and anticipation, but it can also be a time of anxiety and uncertainty. “What will it really be like?”; “How easily will I make new friends?”; “What am I supposed to do in a lecture/tutorial/prac. session, etc?”; “Will l cope with the standard of work?”; “Who can I ask for help if I don’t understand something?”; and, “What can I do if I’m having problems?”.

Such questions are quite normal; these are concerns that many other first-year students share with you. At Monash, staff and current students are always happy to show you how things work, where facilities are, and how to access the resources you're likely to need – don't hesitate to ask; that's perhaps the important aspect about being at uni – taking responsibility for yourself and asking! Make sure you ask for help, otherwise no-one will know you need assistance. Support from university staff and students, especially in the early days, will be of invaluable assistance in making you feel part of the Monash community.

Attend

At Monash, we expect all first-year students to attend Orientation on the scheduled dates of activities on your campus. It is an important time to get faculty information so that you have a successful start to the year, meet new people, familiarise yourself with the campus and start to feel that you really belong at Monash University.

As the official commencement of the academic year for new undergraduate students, Orientation is focused on helping students adjust to university. You will find that staff in all faculties use Orientation to introduce you to the teaching and learning practices that are unique to your particular discipline/s (subject area/s), in addition to welcoming you to the university. This initial experience will be an important aspect of the partnership you form with the university and will help you feel at ease.

Making the transition to university life and study is a social and academic experience – both aspects are important in the process of your adjustment. Faculties are responsible for academic transition, while student associations and support services help students achieve social transition. During Orientation, as well as faculty-based information sessions you will find numerous stalls and activities on campus encouraging you to join clubs (social, sporting, political, religious, etc.) and offering valuable contacts, advice and information. It is useful to get to know the range of resources and facilities your campus of the university has to offer – you never know when you may need them. Participating in these activities will help you feel part of, and comfortable in, your new environment. Each university campus is a community that looks after and supports all its members – by attending Orientation you will very quickly feel part of this community.

Centrelink supports the value Monash University places on Orientation by making an additional week's payment to eligible first-year undergraduate students, so they can attend and benefit from the academic and social activities on offer.

Participate

Becoming involved in Orientation activities will enable you to familiarise yourself with the campus, its staff and other students. Make sure you investigate the location of lecture theatres and computer labs; go on library tours; identify “essential services” such as food outlets and toilets; open an email account and organise your Authcate password; explore the potential of your personal gateway (my.monash) and customise it to suit your needs; pick up course handbooks; and, buy textbooks.

Use this time to get to know your way around campus and become as organised as possible before scheduled classes begin. Having the opportunity to do all of these things (and more) during Orientation means you will be well prepared to start your studies. In a semester that lasts only 13 weeks, this is crucial!

Take part in Host Scheme – this is a program run by current students for newly enrolled undergraduate students. It involves social functions, including a camp, which will give you the opportunity to get to know other students before classes start and make you feel at home studying at Monash.

Involving yourself in these activities means you will be well prepared for the start of your academic life at Monash.

Enjoy

While there will be many new things to learn and lots of challenges to face as you adjust to university life and study, it is important to enjoy yourself too. Start the year with a positive attitude and confident outlook. This will give you a sound foundation on which to build your university experiences and make your time at Monash memorable and rewarding.

Transition to university is an experience unique to each student. Although people you know may be able to tell you what being a uni student was like for them, no-one can say what it will be like for you. Try to take advantage of all the opportunities that a university education provides – enjoy it as a life experience, not merely an academic one.

Orientation is the start of your tertiary education so make it a positive beginning – attend, participate and enjoy!

Good luck in your studies at Monash University!

For further information, visit the Monash Transition Program web site.