A peek into the life of a university student

In this article you’ll find information about:

• Life as a uni student
• The difference between high school and uni
• The best things about uni
• How to adjust to uni life

What’s life like as a university student?

So you’ve decided to go to university, how exciting! Although it may seem daunting at first, the transition from high school to uni is a new chapter of life filled with exciting new opportunities, memories and friends.

As a uni student, you’ll not only find a new-found sense of independence in your studies, but in every other aspect of your life. This journey is about creating the person you want to be, so make the most of every opportunity that comes your way!

QUT’s culture allows you to get involved, hands-on, from day one - so come along to our O-week and talk to our current students about their life as a university student!

During O-week, you’ll also have the opportunity to:

• Attend essential orientation events dedicated to your area of study
• Meet the team behind our amazing HiQ support services
• Watch student life presentations delivered by both local and regional students
• Participate in student workshops and help sessions
• Attend tours of both Gardens Point and Kelvin Grove campus.

‘I would recommend taking full advantage of the peer support programs, academic support services at QUT. Peer programs allowed me to meet others and helped me take on content. Later I was able to volunteer within the programs that originally helped me.’ Joshua, nursing/paramedic science student

How is university different from high school?

It’s no secret that life as a uni student can come with some big differences to your life in high school. Although each experience differs from student to student, you’re given a newfound level of independence in your learning. When you enter university, you are treated as an adult and given the responsibility to take control of who you are, and what you want out of your university experience - become who you’re meant to be!

Much like high school, full-time university typically requires hours similar to a full-working week that needs to be dedicated to your studies. This however, tends to be where the similarities end and your university experience begins!

University attendance is an independent system, and requires students to self-organise schedules to suit their sporting, social and work calendars. Although class attendance may not be mandatory for all courses, active participation is a strong predictor for student success.

Say good-bye to strict timetables, most university courses offer flexibility around online and in-person learning as well as which session time you sign up for.

Instead of learning from teachers you’ll learn from academic staff, lecturers, tutors and guest lecturers who are usually industry professionals who bring their expertise into your classes.

Speaking of classes, you’ll have three main types  –

• lectures are generally big sessions that cover course content
• tutorials are smaller groups where you might have discussions about course content or readings and break down case studies, they may involve practical activities and take place in special facilities
• practicals and workshops could involve laboratory activities, clinical simulations where you practice skills on dummies, or could take place in health clinics treating real patients under the supervision of academics and clinical staff.

There are different delivery modes as well: online, on campus, and blended, meaning a combination of in-person and online learning. Some courses have compulsory on campus components, for example nursing students must complete on-campus simulations to prepare for their placements. Course delivery modes can vary, so make sure to check out what your course offers on the the QUT website.

You'll be able to apply what you've been learning through Work Integrated Learning experiences and practical placements. Placements involve going out to workplaces (like hospitals, clinics, care centres) and putting the skills you’ve been learning in class into action. QUT will help you find work placements that are compulsory to your course but you can also volunteer for internships and other opportunities.

At uni you're in charge of your own experience and that means if you need help, you just have to ask! QUT offers a range of support services to support the academic, financial and mental well-being of students. HiQ can help you figure out your timetable and settle in at uni. If you need help there are many ways to contact HiQ.

What’s the best thing about going to university?

‘Be sure to get involved in all aspects of university life, take advantage of the amazing student clubs and societies on offer from the first year!’ Sally, nursing student

The life of a uni student is founded on taking control of who you are, and the person you want to become. As a uni student, you are given endless opportunities to create new and amazing experiences, memories and skills. This however, is not just limited to your academic life! To make the most of your life at university, students are encouraged to get involved in the QUT community through social, sporting and volunteer roles.

‘The highlight of my QUT experience has been the Uni national games and Indigenous Uni games, I was able to play sport and make friends with heaps of people from different faculties and universities that I never would have met. I also enjoy the social activities the Oodgeroo unit organises including BBQs and social sport teams to participate in QUTs social sport competitions.’  Sarah, nursing/paramedic science student.

You can make friends and discover experiences by:

• Joining a student club! QUT has over 150 student clubs waiting for you to join!
• Showing your athletic skills in a QUT sports team
• Taking your studies abroad: You can apply for short-term or semester-long exchanges to elevate your university experience
• Saying yes to different opportunities that may come your way. A simple ‘yes’ can lead to new connections, skills and experiences.

‘Attending university events such as the Nursing Balls have been the highlight of university. I always look forward to them and they are always so much fun.’  Alyza, nursing student

‘I’ve attended board game nights as well as trivia nights, a ball, and meet and greet sessions where club members just eat food and socialise. It’s helped me to maintain that important balance between study and life.’ Natalie, radiation therapy student

‘I would highly recommend finding one or two like-minded students in your classes. Studying can be daunting, but a friendly face in class or in the library makes learning one hundred times better.’ Jacinta, recent psychology graduate

Finally, how can I adjust to university life?

So, you have O-week marked in your calendar, the student society website bookmarked and scrolled, and a list of five different ways to get involved in the university community. Preparation is the key to success, but adjusting to your new life can present a different type of challenge.

We spoke to our current QUT students to gather their best tips and tricks to adjusting to university life:

• Find out your optimal study method early: Attend workshops and classes to learn how to enhance your academic experience from day one.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Seek assistance from HiQ or your tutors when times get tough, they are there to support you. There’s also a range of support services available.
• Apply for student concessions ASAP! Cheap eats and half-price bus fares make the uni experience so worthwhile.
• Worried about finding a quiet study space? Find peace of mind in booking out a study space through the online library booking system!

So, there you have it! A quick run-down of what it’s like to be a student at uni, how to sign up for the fun stuff, and some current student tips for settling in.

Remember that adjusting to uni is strange for everyone, and in the first few weeks you’ll all be finding your feet together. The easiest way to get advice, find friends, and make connections is just to ask. You’ve got this! Take a deep breath and chat with the person sitting next to you. It’s all part of the experience.

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