School Students
When you decide to go to uni, you’re embarking on a major life-change. You probably know that already, but it’s the ways in which your life will differ that may come as a surprise.
One of the biggest changes will be that you will be treated as an adult. At university there are no parent-teacher interviews, semester report cards or any of the other links between school and your parents you now experience. It’s all between you and your lecturers and tutors, none of whom are going to ring home to see why you didn’t turn up or didn’t hand in an assignment.
With this new freedom comes significant responsibility to attend classes, to complete required work, and to sort issues which may arise in a mature and intelligent fashion.
This will all be much easier to achieve if the course you are doing is right for you.
The right course
Macquarie University offers a huge range of courses in a vast variety of subject areas. It may be difficult to decide correctly on a University course prior to finishing school, so be aware that Macquarie University provides flexible options which will allow you, within certain conditions, to transfer and change your study options.
Focus on your interests, what subjects you are good at and enjoy, and what opportunities particular courses will offer you after you graduate. Finding advice on careers and course choices is important for future success.
You should also look at Entry Requirements and UAIs and the University Admissions Centre website so you understand the minimum score or UAI for entry into particular bachelor degrees. International students should explore Macquarie International for details of their entry requirements and what else Macquarie University offers them.
If you find you don’t have a UAI high enough, there are alternative pathways to study at Macquarie University, including the Sydney Institute of Business and Technology (SIBT) which is located on the Macquarie University campus, or doing a certificate, diploma or advanced diploma at TAFE and then applying for entry to Macquarie University through UAC.
There are also other pathways such as vocational training, Non-award Study, the Lighthouse Scheme for those with special circumstances, and the Elite Athlete and Performer Scheme. People of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent may also be entitled to apply through the Macquarie University Warawara Alternative Entry Program for special admission. You may also wish to consider Domestic Fee-Paying Places or applying for a course with a lower UAI and transferring.
Regardless of your UAI, you can enrol in Open Universities Australian (OUA) and study units in humanities and social sciences offered by Macquarie University, along with units offered by other providers. This way you can complete a BA (OUA), awarded by Macquarie University.
While you are thinking of your future, working out the right course, and concentrating on getting the best UAI you can, keep in mind the dates for applying and enrolling. These must be adhered to strictly.
Paying for uni
There’s the matter of money: what payment option are you taking? Are you considering a domestic fee-paying place or a Commonwealth supported place? Do you qualify for assistance such as FEE-HELP? Are you eligible for a scholarship?
If money is an issue consider a part-time job or maybe going to uni part-time or one of the other study options available. Unlike school, university usually means lower face-to-face time and significant holidays so there is time to earn a reasonable income.
Living – how and where?
You will also need to consider where your accommodation is going to be. Macquarie University offers excellent accommodation options and convenient off campus accommodation is also plentiful and can be sourced through newspapers, the Internet, local real estate agents or the noticeboard around campus.
Whether on or off campus Transport and Parking is easy so there’s no hassle with getting to Macquarie University.
Getting Involved
One of the other major changes you’ll experience is that unlike school you won’t necessarily move through uni with the same group of people in your classes. Particularly early in first year you will most likely find yourself surrounded by strangers which can be lonely. Remember this difficult time will pass quickly if you get involved and take advantage of the whole university experience.
Macquarie University’s clubs and societies are a great starting point to meet like-minded people, have new experiences and pursue passions. Macquarie University Sport and Recreation (MURS) offers a huge range of sports as well as weights and fitness training, exercise advice, and training plans.
Check out the Students at Macquarie website to get a taste of the SAM bar and the Acoustic Lounge social scene. Parties and fun surrounding events such as Conception Day in September each year and Orientation week provide chances to meet new friends and learn more about campus life.
Once you start at Macquarie University you’ll find there are a huge number of opportunities for you to get involved. Who knows you may eventually join the Global Leadership Program or take up a Student Exchanges available through Macquarie University to more than 50 countries.
The wide range of activities on offer is as much part of university life as study. Creating a balanced, interesting campus life often results in better marks as work is more organised in order for it to fit in around other activities.
Importantly, remember Macquarie University understands changing from school to uni can be daunting so there are plenty of student support services on offer, ranging from a full transition program, library programs, learning support, welfare, medical and counselling services, and career development, in order to give you every opportunity to succeed.
Questions answered
Take advantage of Macquarie University’s Liaison Activities which include campus tours, school presentations and career markets. At these, ask lots of questions as the Student Recruitment are across the latest Macquarie University has to offer, and they understand you want to get the most out of university life.
To keep up with the latest Macquarie University innovations register to receive Connect, our eNewsletter.
If you have further questions check out the Bulletin Board and/or contact us.