Academic Orientation for Adult Students

Study Notes

As a new student, you'll go through a transitional period that includes:
- Academic integration: reading academic texts, writing assignments, developing study skills, and sitting tests and exams
- Integration of university, family, and workload demands
- Social integration: feeling like you belong, making friends, and adjusting to new habits
To succeed, you need to look after your basic physiological needs, which are essential for academic success
Physiological needs include:
- Keeping warm and comfortable on campus
- Looking after your physical health: UC Health Centre, fitness centre, and food outlets
- Staying safe: UC Security, help point towers, and parking facilities
- Accessing childcare services: Early Childhood Learning Centre

To study safely and securely, you need to:
- Enrol and complete course requirements
- Set up IT access: printer, computer, and IT login
- Access course materials: AKO | LEARN, course outlines, and UC student email
Be sure to check your enrolment, finance, and course information
Ask for help: Te Pātaka, Student Advisors, and IT support

To love your courses and feel like you belong, you need to:
- Understand your course schedule and requirements
- Access online lectures and course materials
- Connect with your cohort: talk to classmates, ask questions, and study together
- Seek help from teaching staff: office hours, email, and forums
Take care of your grades: understand the UC grading scale, assessment weightings, and where to find feedback

To feel confident academically, you need to:
- Seek help when needed: Academic Skills Centre, Peer Assisted Learning Support, and Assistive Technology
- Access support services: UniLife, Rainbow Student Advisors, and Student Care
- Take care of your mental health: UC Health Centre, Counselling Services, and Student Wellbeing

Study tip 1: Get necessary information early
- View your class schedule and choose tutorial/lab streams
- Find your courses on AKO | LEARN
- Check course outlines and requirements
Study tip 3: Get on top of note-taking
- Take your own notes in lectures
- Organise, summarise, and review your notes
- Maximise your learning after lectures

Organise, optimise, and actualise your time
- Mark due dates and plan your time
- Monitor your time usage and track your progress
- Divide your time into chunks and set deadlines
- Beat procrastination: break tasks into smaller pieces, set realistic expectations, and be flexible

Understand academic expectations:
- Research: use academic sources, citation, and referencing
- Critical thinking: read, write, and argue critically
- Writing: use clear, concise, and formal language
Seek help: Academic Skills Centre, workshops, and online resources
Take care of your assignments: break down tasks, plan, and seek clarification when needed