Everyone has their own tips about how to boost their marks and get off to a good start this semester.
Here are Kangaruni’s top 10 tips to start your first semester of study in Australia.
Tell us what you think about the tips and add your own!
 

1. Get organised before semester

Sounds obvious, but so many students rock up to the first lecture without much of a clue about what the subject involves, what text book you need and so on. Get all the admin done early so you’re not wasting time in the early part of the semester.
 

2. Get familiar with the library and online set-up

Many international students already do this through university orientation programs, but it really pays to do a bit of extra work to get the hang of finding research in the library and other online uni services. Most uni libraries provide a free session on how to make the most of the resource. Know the transport timetables and other boring admin stuff well before you start. It makes a big difference!

3. Borrow the text books early

Here’s a simple tip: get in an early and borrow the required text book from the library. If the book is good, you might buy it later on. But why waste money on a book you may never read again. And borrowing it early means you can make an early start on reading it!

4. Do as much of the readings in one go as possible

We can hear you groaning already! But think about it. So many students do the required readings week by week when it’s much faster and easier to do them in one go. Lock a day or two away to read the text book and readings at the start of the semester when it’s quiet. Then when you go to lectures you’ll be way ahead of other students and things will make more sense.
 

5. Plan your attack as soon as you get the subject outline

Time to get organised. Read and re-read the subject outline. Look at the assessment carefully. Figure on what is required and plan when you are going to do the work. Of course, plans can change but it sure beats having a plan upfront rather than planning on the fly!

6. Meets students in your very first lecture
 

This is easier said than done for some students who might be a touch shy. But it really helps to find students who might form a study group with you or at least be there to ask questions or each other. Plus, knowing people in your course makes it more fun from day one.

7. Get to know the lecturer

How many students actually say hello to the lecturer before class or attend their visitation hours if they have them? Not many! Why not introduce yourself to the lecturer and ask them what they think it takes to do well in this course. It’s not about sucking up, but just making contact.

8. Get ahead

Okay, we sound like your parents, but it doesn’t hurt to start an assignment early. Yes, that takes all the fun out of “cramming” – but cramming is stilly (though we all do it!). Try to spread the workload rather than treat it like a mountain where you have to scale this enormous peak at the end. Your health will thank you!
 

9. Set some goals

What’s your goal for this subject? Just to get it over and done with? Why not decide what type of mark you want to achieve. Or, better still, what you really want to get out of the subject. Maybe a goal is making new friends and learning new stuff. Whatever! But it pays to have a goal, and maybe even a “stretch” target to really test yourself (for example, a high distinction).
 

10. Rest and relaxation

Make sure you plan some time for yourself – at least a day and an afternoon a week if not more. It’s easy to fall into the trap of feeling you have to study every day, only to become increasingly less productive. Take time to see your city, understand the culture, exercise, meet new people ... it’s up to you, but the best students always have time for work and play!