Your first semester can be a bit overwhelming. If you are a Mature Age student who has not studied for a few years it can be hard to juggle conflicting demands of classes, study, job, family, recreation. If you are straight out of school, on the other hand, it can be hard to manage the freedom to do what YOU choose – especially if you are doing a degree course where there are big classes and not a lot of contact with staff.

Here are some tips to help you become a successful student. Everybody is different, however, so they may not all be right for you. Get hold of the ideas, then make them work for you in your way.

1. GET INVOLVED. Make sure your course (TAFE or Degree) is an important part of your life overall, not something that you get around to when you can, or something that you just go through the motions with. Can you get some part-time paid or volunteer work in an area related your studies? At every opportunity, like staff-student welcomes, BBQs, or drinks, go along, talk with staff and students. Look for a student club or society to join. Form a small self-help study group of students, meet regularly, help each other.

2. MANAGE YOUR TIME ACTIVELY. Plan what you do rather than just reacting to whatever assignment is due in the next few days. Look at the Time Management resources and put them to use. Try-out different ways of working. Some students find it best to do a lot of work in the Library, and less study at home. Other students find the Library too noisy or too distracting and do most of their work at home. What is best for you?

3. BALANCE YOUR LIFE. Your course is important. But it cannot be your whole life or you are at risk of burning yourself out. Plan holidays. Eat and drink sensibly. Schedule exercise – some students find that they actually have to organise this by joining a gym club or playing a team sport. Spend time meeting new people. Maintain friendships.

4. BE SERIOUS ABOUT YOUR COURSE. It is costing you time and money. Read your Course Outline carefully. Make sure you read the textbook references or course notes for each lecture or tutorial or lab beforehand. Try not to miss any classes. If you have to miss a class get someone’s notes as soon as possible. In class, sit near the front – it is less distracting and easier to hear (most students who sit up the back do so in order to be able to talk to each other without the lecturer noticing!). Organise your notes from classes chronologically in folders.

5. USE THE RESOURCES SWINBURNE PROVIDES. Check out all the support services that are available. If you think you could benefit from what is available then contact that service. If things start to go wrong in life (illness of yourself or family, relationship stresses, financial or accommodation problems, etc) do not delay, get help immediately. If you are unsure what to do, contact the Counselling Service on your campus.