Get set for success How to prepare for uni 2021 - Charles Sturt University
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Get set for success How to prepare for uni 2021
The Charles Sturt difference Yindyamarra Winhanganha This is a Wiradjuri phrase meaning ‘the wisdom of respectfully knowing how to live well in a world worth living in’. It’s at the heart of everything we stand for at Charles Sturt University. Since day one, we’ve empowered people to make the world a better place. Because we believe in making a difference. When we connect people to their purpose, we make communities better. And when we make communities better, we create a world worth living in.
Contents First steps 5 The portal to success 6 Must do: Student card 7 Must do: Orientation 7 Must do: Accommodation 8 On campus v off campus 9 Must do: Enrol 10 Student Central 11 What are the different costs of uni study? 12 Getting HELP with fees 13 Must do: Submit your HELP forms 14 We know money matters 15 Grab a helping hand 16 The right equipment 19 Discounts and free stuff 20 Get in the zone 21 Get a head start with Study Link 22 Support every step of the way 23 Stay healthy and happy 25 Need a boost? 26 Weekly study planner 27 Uni speak decoded 28
Whether you’re about
to begin your first
degree or a postgrad
qualification, studying
at uni is a great
adventure! One that
comes with a mix
of excitement and
apprehension.
The good news is
when you become
part of our Charles
Sturt family, we’ll
help you dial up the
excitement and dial
down the nerves.
This guide should
do the trick. We’ve
packed it with useful
information to help you
prepare for uni and
make a strong start to
your study journey!
Charles Sturt University Get set for success - how to prepare for uni 2021 | 4
First steps
It’s so easy to get your
study journey started.
1. Activate your Charles Sturt
The most important step
is to accept your offer to
University account.
study with us. And that’s We’ll generate your username and email. Set up your password and
super simple. you’re good to go.
Once we send you an 2. Accept your offer.
email with your offer
Easy as. Just have your username and password handy.
details, just follow the
links.
Charles Sturt University Get set for success - how to prepare for uni 2021 | 5
The portal to success
From your first day through to graduation day, the Charles Sturt student
portal is your one-stop-information-shop. Even better, the portal is set
up to guide you, every step of the way. There are answers to common
questions, hints to help you study smarter and loads of information.
You can do a lot in
the student portal
• Get your student card.
• Enrol in subjects.
• Sort out your fees (pay upfront or defer).
• Organise textbooks and equipment.
• Plan for any residential schools (online
students only).
• Lots more!
Charles Sturt University Get set for success - how to prepare for uni 2021 | 6
Must do: Student card Say ‘cheese’ and get your student card Your card is your ID for exams and entry to campus buildings. It allows you to borrow from the library and access photocopying, printing and scanning services. Load your card up and you can purchase goods in most campus retail food outlets. Upload a photo of yourself through our student portal to get started. Your student card can be picked up from campus or mailed to you. Must do: Orientation Check out Orientation Whether you’re studying online or on campus, Orientation is the best way to meet academics and classmates, learn about your campus or online study, ask last-minute questions and check your enrolment. There’ll be lots of people from the Charles Sturt team ready to chat with you! Orientation is usually held a week before classes start. Charles Sturt University Get set for success - how to prepare for uni 2021 | 7
Must do:
Accommodation
Arrange accommodation
Living on campus, you’re at the very heart of
things. Surrounded by like-minded people!
We guarantee accommodation for first-year
students and there’s a range of different
options to choose from.
Accommodation offers are made on a weekly
basis, so you’ll need to get in quick to lock in
your choice.
accommodation.csu.edu.au
Check out our Living on campus booklet
and the Packing for uni checklist.
Albury-Wodonga Bathurst Dubbo
Orange Port Macquarie Wagga Wagga
Charles Sturt University Get set for success - how to prepare for uni 2021 | 8
On campus
v Off
campus
You’re relying on your neighbour’s
Dedicated security service
dog to keep watch
All utilities included in your
More power (and cost) to you
rental rate
Internet access included at Have you ever tried to get
no extra cost an internet service set up?
Dedicated Residence LIFE team
It’s your own two feet all
to give you a hand
the way
when you need it
Get yourself some
All communal areas cleaned
rubber gloves
All bills included Got to get a grip on
those spreadsheets
Everything is on your doorstep: You’ll have to set
lectures, library, facilities, dining your alarm earlier
Depends what the
All rooms fully furnished
op shop has in stock
No bond required You’ll have to cough that up
Must do: Enrol First up, don’t stress. Choosing what subjects to do, enrolling in them and managing your timetable can be done easily in the ‘Get started’ section of the student portal. And remember, we’re here to help. Just reach out to our Student Central team. For many first-year students – whether you’re doing a bachelor’s or any postgrad course – there’s a good chance we’ll have pre-enrolled you in some or all of your first semester’s subjects. Not sure what you should be enrolled in? Check out our Charles Sturt University official handbook. It’s a great reference that will explain your enrolment pattern (that’s the subjects to study and in what order) so you keep on track to graduate. Charles Sturt University Get set for success - how to prepare for uni 2021 | 10
Who you gonna call?
Student Central!
When you start, uni can feel like a whole new world. But we’ve
got your back. We have a team of experts in our Student
Central team who are ready, willing and able to help you.
What is Student What can they Contacting
Central? help with? Student Central
A group of enthusiastic and • Enrolling in the right subjects • Email ask@csu.edu.au
caring people who are the
• Adding or deleting subjects • Phone 1800 275 278
keepers (and sharers) of an
enormous amount of info on uni • Navigating the library system • Visit one of our Learning
life and services. Commons on campus
• IT issues
• Accessing timetables
• Exam information
• Facilities and support services
• Fees and scholarships
Charles Sturt University Get set for success - how to prepare for uni 2021 | 11What are the different
costs of uni study?
Subject fees* SSAF Study related
The money you pay for Most students will also costs
the course you’re going to have to pay the Student
There are some other
study. Services and Amenities
things to factor into your
Fee (SSAF).
• For each subject you study student budget.
you’ll pay a fee. • For each subject you study,
• Textbooks
• These fees will depend on you’ll pay a SSAF.
the number of subjects • Uniforms (if required for your
• As an example, the total 2020
you enrol in and the course course)
SSAF payable was capped at
you’re studying. (For example, $304 per student. • Computer
medicine subjects cost more
• Residential school costs
than communication subjects.)
(for some online students).
You’ll need to cover your
accommodation, food and
travel expenses during
*Subject fees are often also called course
your stay.
fees or tuition fees.
The good news? Many undergraduate and postgraduate students are eligible for a government
loan – called HELP loans – to make paying subject fees and SSAF easier. That means you won’t
have to pay anything upfront. HELP stands for Higher Education Loan Program.
There is a deadline for submitting your HELP loan forms, so it’s definitely a must-do!
You’ll need your tax file number (TFN) to complete the HELP forms. Don’t have a TFN?
Apply online. TFN’s could take up to 28 days to be processed, so organise it asap!
Charles Sturt University Get set for success - how to prepare for uni 2021 | 12Getting HELP with fees!
What are your fee payment
choices?
• In full. Pay your total each session.
• Make a part payment. Eligible students can make a
part payment and take out a HELP loan for the rest.
• Defer payment. Eligible students can defer their full contribution
and take out a HELP loan. Hoping to defer both your subject fees
AND your Student Services and Amenities Fee? Remember you
have to complete two separate HELP forms.
What are HELP loans?
Higher Education Loan Programs are offered by are offered by the
Australian Government to eligible students as a way to pay off uni
fees over time, so you aren’t stuck with a big bill all at once.
How do they work?
• The government pays your fees and registers them against your
tax file number.
• You pay the balance back when you start working and you’re
earning above a certain amount (currently around $45,881).
• The government determines how much you should pay and takes it
out through the taxation system.
What type of HELP loan can
you use?
• Undergrad students are likely to be eligible for a HECS-HELP loan.
• Postgrad students are likely to be eligible for a FEE-HELP loan.
Charles Sturt University Get set for success - how to prepare for uni 2021 | 13Must do: Submit
your HELP forms
How to apply for HELP.
Once you accept your offer to study with us hop
onto the student portal. Head to ‘Get started -
Organise my fees’. (Search ‘Get started’ to jump
straight to the menu!)
1. Select which type of student you are. What is census date
• Domestic, Commonwealth supported
student (mostly for undergrads)
and why is it so
• Domestic, full-fee paying students (mostly important?
post grad students)
Census date is the deadline for
2. If you’re not sure what category you fall into, finalising your enrolment for the
check your offer letter/email. Under ‘Payment session. It’s your last chance to:
options’ it will list whether you’re Commonwealth
supported or full-fee paying. • add or delete subjects from your
enrolment (after census you’ll have
3. Applying for a HELP loan means you’re going to pay fees for whatever subjects
to ‘defer your fees’. To do that you’ll have you’re enrolled in).
to follow the link to complete the Electronic
Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF). Have • apply for a HELP loan by submitting
your tax file number ready. an Electronic Commonwealth
Assistance Form (eCAF).
4. To be eligible for HELP, your eCAF has to be
submitted before census date. Check out more important uni dates.
Charles Sturt University Get set for success - how to prepare for uni 2021 | 14We know money matters
Tax deduction Student support Get a discount
If there’s a direct connection Apply for a student income If you’re one of our Charles Sturt
between your study and your payment (ABSTUDY, Austudy alumni, you’ll receive a 10 per
work, you may be able to claim or Youth Allowance) up to cent discount on the cost of
your subject fees as a tax 13 weeks before you start. your course.
deduction. Check your eligibility.
Get budgeting
Keep track of your spending for
a couple of weeks and plug the
info into a budget planner. Try
this one.
Need advice about
the financial costs
of university?
Call 1800 275 278.
We’ll work it out
together.
Charles Sturt University Get set for success - how to prepare for uni 2021 | 15Grab a helping hand
Did you know we offer
more than $3m in Our advice to you
scholarships at Charles
Sturt University? Apply, apply, apply
Make sure you’re in the running. Lots of scholarships get left on
the table simply because people assume they won’t get one.
Think only geniuses get
scholarships? Think again.
It’s easy as
Scholarships have all sorts of
The application process is easy. So don’t hesitate to apply. Hop
criteria and there are so many
online and see what’s available.
that you’ll qualify for.
All you need to do is apply. For Keep looking
as many as you like. Different scholarships have various application and submission
dates. Bookmark the scholarships page and keep checking in to
Trust us, it’s worth your while.
see what’s available - all through the year!
study.csu.edu.au/scholarships
Charles Sturt University Get set for success - how to prepare for uni 2021 | 16Tips for starting uni
with Grace
• Participate in everything you
can at the uni.
• Plan your time so you have
a balance of work, study and
friends. It’s important – you
don’t want to burn out.
• Use the support services!
I used the library service many
times through my first year and
it’s helped me with textbooks,
assignments and notes for
class. The library staff are
super helpful and kind. I also
used study support staff for
help with my assignments. That
helped me better my grades.
Charles Sturt University Get set for success - how to prepare for uni 2021 | 17Tips for starting uni
with Maurice
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help. • The team at Student Central
Whether it’s from a lecturer, a helped me settle into uni life,
peer tutor, someone from your particularly with timetabling
cohort or even a second or and little bits of advice from
third year student. the student casuals who also
work in there. They have a
• Plan, plan, plan! If you plan out lot of personal experience,
what you want to do every week so helped me space out my
it’s much easier to keep track classes really well. They made
of things and set goals. Don’t sure I had time in between to
forget time to relax, to socialise have a break, finish notes or to
and to exercise. ask my lecturers questions.
Charles Sturt University Get set for success - how to prepare for uni 2021 | 18The right equipment
You’ll need a computer or mobile device and proper
internet access. For some courses and subjects you might
need specific hardware or software. Check your course
or subject details page for information and follow up with
your lecturer or subject coordinator if you’re unsure. But
for most students, here’s what we recommend.
Desktop/laptop Tablet/mobile device
Operating
Windows 10 OSX 10.11+ IOS 7+ Android 4.0+ Windows 8.1+
system*
Computer* 4 gb RAM / i5+ Less than 1 year old
Network* High speed internet (NBN) High speed internet (NBN) or 4G+
Browser* Chrome, Safari, Chrome Chrome,
(latest version)
Safari Chrome
Firefox or Edge or Firefox Firefox or Edge
(*Recommended specifications)
Don’t forget
Staying organised throughout your studies will
make life a lot easier – so grab a diary and plot out
all important dates like assessments and exams.
Charles Sturt University Get set for success - how to prepare for uni 2021 | 19Discounts and free stuff!
Before you buy any tech equipment, check out what
discounts you’re entitled to from companies like Apple
and Dell. While you’re studying
with us, we provide
Not looking for a new computer? No worries! Some free software for you to
organisations provide free or cheap refurbished and download, install and use
on your computer/device.
recycled computers to eligible students. Want to know
more? Check it out. • Adobe Reader
• Antivirus Software
• As a student you can grab a bargain on lots of (Sophos)
different products and services. • Microsoft (MS) Office
365
• Think transport, gym memberships, movie tickets,
• Qualitative Research
food – the list is long!
(NVivo)
• Many retailers and websites (like UNiDAYS) happily • Reference
offer student discounts. Management
(EndNote)
• So, before you buy, always ask if you’re entitled to a
student discount.
Charles Sturt University Get set for success - how to prepare for uni 2021 | 20Get in the zone
Make the most of your study time by creating your
own space that’s super conducive to brilliant learning!
How? Try these ideas.
Let the sunshine in – and Kick out the distractions
air, too Don’t forget there are
You can’t get ‘in the zone’ if your
dedicated study spaces –
Aka, have plenty of natural light phone is pinging, you’re checking
open 24/7 – on all our
and good ventilation. Make sure social media, watching cat videos
campuses.
you also have a proper night light or catching up on Fortnite.
on your desk.
Need it? Get it!
Get out and about
Once you’re in the zone you
And here’s a top tip – if you’re don’t want to stop to look for
a really smart operator you’ll more paper, a highlighter, a
use a few different study zones. calculator or a pen. At the end of
Your brain will stay engaged and each week check your supplies
your study will be more effective. and if you need something, get
Study outside, at the library, at it. Now.
a friend’s house. Anywhere you
have the right conditions. Just
remember to stay disciplined and
not be distracted by your new
location.
Charles Sturt University Get set for success - how to prepare for uni 2021 | 21Get a head start
with Study Link
Want to start your course with confidence? We’ll help
you get prepped and get a head start on uni study. We
call it Study Link. You can brush up on a few areas –
like maths, science or academic writing – before your
actual uni course begins!
Study Link Study Link
subjects are subjects are:
super helpful • completely optional! Your
if you: results aren’t on your official
uni transcript
• have had a break from study • online – so you can do
• are starting a maths or them whenever suits you
science-based degree • short – between 14 and
and want to refresh your 40 hours
knowledge
• self-paced – take up to
• want to brush up on your five months if you need
grammar
• free – for all Australian
• need some pointers on citizens, New Zealand
academic writing and citizens or holders of a
referencing permanent visa.
• are new to online study. • supported by a real person
who can guide you through
the subject.
As well as maths, science and writing subjects,
you can try our Getting Ready for Uni Study or
Introduction to Learning Online – or both!
Charles Sturt University Get set for success - how to prepare for uni 2021 | 22Support every step
of the way
As soon as you accept an offer to study with Charles
Sturt University, we’ll be there to support you - every
step of the way.
Study support 24/7 IT support Student wellbeing
Our support team is dedicated You won’t need to worry about Healthy students are happy
to helping you succeed and can any tech issues, with IT support students. We have a great range
provide help in person, online or available around the clock. of services and information
over the phone. We’re available available to keep you in top
seven days a week, and it’s free. physical, mental and emotional
We’ll help when it suits you, Health support shape.
including in the evenings and
Your physical and mental health
on the weekends. Plus, you can
can impact upon your study.
use our range of other support
We’re here to help. Disability,
Careers advice
options like online workshops,
illness, injury or temporary From researching career options
online discussion forums or the
medical conditions (pregnancy and finding job opportunities,
assignment feedback service.
or broken bones) - whether to help working on résumés,
your condition is permanent or application letters and interview
temporary, we’ll provide advice, techniques - our Career
Academic support support and adjustments if Development Service will help
Whether you’re in your first needed. That way you can you land your dream job.
session of study, or your last participate 100 per cent in your
year with us, individual academic studies.
skills support is available. It Learning about the
can be face-to-face, via Skype, library
phone, online or through email. Spiritual support
Whatever works for you. Want We have our own library YouTube
We can connect you with channel to guide you through all
to get to grips with academic
religious and spiritual support you’ll need to know! Discover a
writing, or building literacy or
and access to community range of information sources and
numeracy skills? We can help -
resources and services, both on learn how you can use them for
and our advisers can even
and off campus. your studies. Take a virtual tour of
design you an individual learning
plan. our campus libraries and check
out our range of ‘how to’ guides
that can help you navigate our
study.csu.edu.au/support online resources.
Charles Sturt University Get set for success - how to prepare for uni 2021 | 23Students helping students In each subject of my course I’ve really appreciated the informal peer-to-peer learning from other postgrad students via online discussion forums in particular. Students are from a diverse range of organisations - and countries, too - which has brought diversity to my own perspective and enhanced my learning. Katherine Bell Master of Business (Social and Organisational Leadership) Charles Sturt University Get set for success - how to prepare for uni 2021 | 24
Stay healthy and happy
Life can be hectic. We Eat properly Keep moving
all cram a lot in. Family You know it. A balanced diet full Being active supercharges your
and friends, work, sport of fruits, vegetables and other body and brain, and every little
and study. healthy food is essential. Without bit helps. Get up from your desk
the right fuel your brain won’t and walk around the house or
So, how can you increase fire up properly. And while we’re the block. Exercise, do yoga, walk
your chance of study on the topic of healthy – drink the dog, dance like nobody’s
success? Getting into lots and lots of water. That’s watching – as long as you move.
a healthy and happy important, too.
routine, right from the
start will help you study
better, reduce stress and
enjoy life! Sleep Socialise
There’s only so many hours in the There’s a lot to get done when
Here are some important day. We get it. But, if your eyes you’re juggling uni with life. Keep
ways to help you be your are hanging out of your head balanced by staying connected
best. you won’t be at your best. Set with family and friends. Have
yourself a reasonable bedtime dinner together, have a laugh,
(and, no, anything past midnight watch a movie, or just chat. It all
is not reasonable). adds up to a mental break – and
who doesn’t love a break?
Balance Attitude
It is all about balance! Too much To successfully study you’ll need
of any one thing is just not to be ‘attitude ready’. Ready to
good for you. So, make sure you learn, ready to contribute, ready
maintain study-life harmony by to reach out for help, ready to
having enough time to do all that put in the hard work. It’ll certainly
needs doing. Get organised, stay be worth it!
focused and do a little every day.
Delegate and let slide the things
that don’t really matter.
Charles Sturt University Get set for success - how to prepare for uni 2021 | 25Need a boost?
Staying fit and healthy • basketball
is a great long-term
strategy for study • cardio Studying
success. Our fitness • cricket onlilne?
facilities are free for all
students. Each of our six • netball We’d still love to
campuses has a range see you on campus
of different ways you can • swimming
to use our fitness
give yourself a healthy facilities! Pop in
• tennis
study boost. whenever you’d like.
• weights
Charles Sturt University Get set for success - how to prepare for uni 2021 | 26Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
7am
8am
9am
Weekly 10am
planner 11am
12pm
1pm
Five steps for
staying healthy
and focused 2pm
• Move. Being active
supercharges your body 3pm
and your brain.
• Eat properly. Good fuel
means more energy and 4pm
better concentration.
Simple.
• Sleep. It’s helps you 5pm
recharge. Hell, yeah.
• Socialise. Stay connected
with your family and 6pm
friends.
• Escape. Give yourself
permission to take a 7pm
break. Watch TV, read a
book, play a game – you
need some time off. 8pm
9pm
study.csu.edu.au
10pm
CRICOS Provider Number for Charles Sturt University is 00005F © Charles Sturt University, 2020 C1638Uni speak decoded
University education comes with its own language. At
least, that’s how it can seem sometimes. This guide will
get you up to speed with ‘uni speak’.
ATAR GPA Session
Australian Tertiary Admission Rank. Indicates A student’s grade point average, calculated A period of time during which classes are held.
a student’s position relative to all the students from the results in each subject completed.
who started high school with them in Year 7.
One – but not the only – criteria for entry to
Subject
an undergraduate degree.
HELP A unit of study, with a number of subjects
Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) – making up a course.
refers to the Commonwealth Government’s
Census date HELP loan scheme, where eligible students
The deadline by which all students must can defer payment of their subject/tuition/
Subject points
finalise subject enrolments for each course fees each session via HECS-HELP A value assigned to a subject. At Charles
session, after which they are financially and or FEE-HELP. Sturt, a standard one-session subject is
academically liable for each subject that eight points.
remains on their enrolment.
Lecture
A regular teaching session for a large group
Student Services and Amenities Fee
(SSAF)
Commonwealth supported place (CSP) of students.
Most Charles Sturt students pay the Student
A place at university for domestic students
Services and Amenities fee (SSAF). This
subsidised by the Australian Government.
Most undergraduate students are enrolled in
Major study fee goes towards providing non-academic
An area within a course that allows in-depth support services and facilities for all students.
a CSP, and can benefit from HECS-HELP.
study in a particular field. A major usually It’s a small charge paid for each subject you
consists of eight related subjects. are enrolled in.
Core subjects
The subjects in a course that all students are
Minor study Study load
required to complete.
A grouping of between four and seven Depending on the amount of subjects and
subjects within a course, allowing students to the number of credit points that a student is
Course focus on a particular field. enrolled in each session, s study load will be
The degree or qualification being studied. classed as either full-time or part-time.
This may also be known as a program.
Non-tuition fees
Is any fees required for items not directly Study mode
Elective related to course/subject/tuition fees. This can be either online or on campus,
An optional subject selected in addition to Examples include: overseas student health depending on the each subject’s delivery
the core subjects of the course. cover, student services and amenities fees mode in each session.
(SSAF), library fees, campus accommodation
fees, campus facilities, late payment and late
Faculty Tutorial
enrolment fees.
A department within a university devoted to A regular teaching session for a small group
a particular area of study. Charles Sturt has of students, involving participation.
three faculties. Residential school
A short period of study, usually three to five
• Arts and Education Undergraduate
days, where online students come on campus
• Business, Justice and Behavioural Sciences A student in a university who has not
to complete units or assessment tasks for a
• Science completed a first degree.
subject.
Enrolment pattern
Workplace learning
The subjects you’ll need to study (and in a School
Time spent in hands-on learning. This may
suggested order) so you keep on track to A division of the university that administers
be in actual workplaces in the community, in
graduate. the courses in a particular area of study.
Charles Sturt’s clinics and enterprises, or in
specialist facilities on campus.
Charles Sturt University Get set for success - how to prepare for uni 2021 | 281800 275 278 (free call within Australia)
+61 1800 275 278 (callers outside Australia)
study.csu.edu.au
ask@csu.edu.au
insight.csu.edu.au
studyatcharlessturt
studyatcharlessturt
/charlessturtuni
/charlessturtuni
CRICOS Provider Number for Charles Sturt
University is 00005F.
© Charles Sturt University, 2020. C1615.You can also read
