So, you’re about to make the very exciting jump from high school to university. As exciting as it is, it’s understandable if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed or nervous at the same time. To help you start the academic year off right, here are six easy steps you can take before uni commences to ensure your first week goes as smoothly as possible.
Plan your route
Finding your way to university from Lincoln College is pretty breezy. However, it’s still good to explore the route before classes start to avoid turning up late to lectures. This is particularly important if your campus isn’t in the CBD – you might need to take a bus or train and will need to understand their schedules. Travelling on public transport will also require a metroCARD. You can purchase one from Foodland in the North Adelaide Village, or at the Adelaide Railway Station.
Remember that as a full-time tertiary student, you are eligible for a concession metroCARD, which offers discounted fares. You’ll just need to keep your student card on you when travelling – inspectors will ask for it.
See if there is anyone else from College heading to your campus. That way, you can walk, carpool, or take public transport there together!
Attend your university orientation.
One of the best things you can do to get ready for uni is to attend your faculty’s orientation during O’Week (plus, you can use this as an opportunity to try your planned travel route).
Each faculty’s orientation might be a little bit different, but you can expect to hear from lecturers, tutors, and current students on what’s expected of you in your course. You’ll meet people in your degree and get to know more about the structure and composition of university learning.
Explore your campus
While you’re at uni for your orientation, get some of your friends together and take the chance to discover more of the campus.
Good things to look out for include bathrooms, food and drink stores, and a student enquiry desk. Use your uni timetable and start to learn when and where you need to be throughout the week, so you don’t get lost on the first day. If you haven’t already done so, you can pick up your student card as well!
‘Uni Walks’ are a Welcome Week activity run by College’s academic team to all the different uni campuses. They are a great way to get a free guided tour of your campus, and also find out if you’ll be crossing paths with any of your College friends. Keep an eye on your Welcome Week schedule for when these will take place – you won’t want to miss them!
Purchase the things you’ll need
This one can depend on your degree. Generally, everyone will need a laptop and basic stationery, including notepads and pens/pencils.
However, it is good practice to check your course outline to see if you require any special software or equipment for your class. For example, you may need to bring your own lab coat for science practicals. Your uni should recommend where to purchase these special items.
While you’re looking at your course outline, check if you need any textbooks. If so, be sure to see if the College library has a copy. If they don’t, it can be ordered in!
Familiarise yourself with College life
Having a seamless first week at uni is very achievable, especially if you’re across all the services College provides you.
Knowing how to get in touch with your Academic Tutor (AT) and Residential Advisor (RA) is a big help. They are here to help ensure your experience at uni and College is a positive one. Be sure to get in touch with your RA if you have any issues relating to your wellbeing, and your AT if you need help with your studies or anything uni related.
Don’t be afraid to explore the College grounds either! Take the time to learn where the computer barn is, the printers, the gym, the laundries and all the different study spaces and meeting rooms.
Drop into College Central and get to know the admin staff (they will be your best friends), memorise mealtimes (including supper at 10pm) so you can make sure you don’t miss them, and make note of the College calendar, that way you know when all the fun events the College Club have organised are happening.
Getting involved as much as you can during College’s Welcome Week is one of the best ways to learn everything there is to know about College life!
Remember…you are not alone!
As we’ve mentioned, starting uni can be a lot to take in. But don’t forget, everyone started somewhere! Not only will you be alongside many first years who are in the same boat as you, but everyone else at College and uni were first years once, too! You’ll soon find most people are happy to help you out if you need it.
Well, there you have it! Six steps you can take to ensuring your first week at uni goes as seamlessly as possible.
Written by Clem Stanley, current Lincoln College resident and 2022 Professions Academic Tutor.
