What I wish I knew...

Home I can do this! My journey to universityWhat I wish I knew... Find your 'why' Review of Module 1.

Not sure where to start?

With so much information out there about university, it can be really hard to figure out the essentials. What do you need to know now, and what do you need to learn for later? To help you out, we've asked some University of Sydney alumni and current students "what they wish they knew" when they were starting their journey to university.

  • Watch the next "Graduate Stories" video to listen to a range of University of Sydney alumni reflect on their time at university.
  • Watch current students outline the tips and tricks which they used to succeed in their studies.
  • Read the advice our student team has prepared for your first university semester.

Graduate stories: In this video, University of Sydney graduates discuss their time at university and provide messages of support to incoming students.

"What do you wish you knew when you started university?"

We asked University of Sydney students to reflect and think back to their first-year on campus. They came up with a number of handy tips that they wish they'd known as a younger student. By watching the video below, you'll have a better idea of how to prepare for university life is like, get to know some current students, and get ahead of the learning curve!

What I wish I knew: In this video, students discuss their experiences starting university.

012-teamwork.png Get Prepared Students

Our student-team prepared the following advice to help you get on top of your studies ahead of time!  

  • If you are a full-time student, apply for a Concession Opal card Links to an external site., especially if you have to travel more than an hour to get to uni.
  • There is nothing more useful than a timetable that you have customised to suit you. Organise your timetable to give yourself the flexibility to balance work/study time.
  • Use a diary (or the University wall calendar) to mark down all your assessment due dates, which you can find on your unit of study outlines.
  • Make friends a few years ahead of you by signing up for a mentoring program, attending faculty events, and joining societies.
  • University is a time to explore your interests, strengths and passions. Don't be afraid to change your major or degree - contact an adviser to get a range of options.
  • Make friends that challenge you! You know the person in your class arguing every topic? That's the person you want to be friends with. They'll help you think differently and give you study motivation.
  • UberEats will take your money if you let it. Cook for yourself once in a while!
  • Get a job in the field you are studying once you are confident managing your study workload. 
  • Take time for yourself - you don't need to do everything.It's physically impossible to do every task and still maintain a healthy work-life balance.
  • Download the University of Sydney Links to an external site. and University of Sydney Open Day Links to an external site. apps to explore the university from the comfort of your home.'
  • If you have Unikey access, try out the Getting Started Canvas site for a handy everything-you-need-to-know guide to starting at the University of Sydney.

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