Recent arts graduate and 2023 Valedictorian, Darby Jones, asked his peers ‘what advice would you give to new students at UQ?’. As their time here comes to a close, discover the words of wisdom they’re passing on to the next cohort of students.
There is nothing quite like the first few days of your first semester at UQ.
The hustle and bustle, the smell of brand-new textbooks, tracing the cloistered sandstone halls. Everything is new, exciting, and full of wonder and promise. There is electricity in the air. Sometimes, the sheer amount of newness can breed a sense of uncertainty. Commencing students may find themselves feeling anxious. I know I certainly did. I remember rolling over an endless list of questions in my mind.
How will I know where to go? How will I meet and connect with like-minded people? How and where do I find information about my courses? What if I can’t handle the workload and the pressure?
In this, my final article as a UQ student, I’ve engaged a few of the friends that I met during my time here. Together, we hope that our words of advice will comfort and inspire you as you embark on your journey with UQ in 2024.
Here’s our advice for students starting university.
Join a student club or society
When it comes to finding your people at university, joining a student club or society is a great place to start. That’s how international studies graduate, Beatriz, made connections during her first year of studies.
I highly recommend joining as many clubs as you can, especially the fun ones you have an interest in.
UQ has over 250 clubs covering a huge variety of interests – everything from snow sports to street dancing, slam poetry and hand crafts.
“You won’t be able to go to all of their events, but by the end of your first year you are more likely to have found a group of friends,” says Beatriz.
If you’re lacking in spare time to commit to student clubs, Beatriz says taking up a language as part of your studies is another fun way to build relationships on campus.
“Learning a language is also a great way to make friends,” she says.
“You might not always have the same people in your other classes, but language classes are usually the same group until the end.”
Stay organised and informed
When you start at uni, you’ll be in charge of remembering your own deadlines. While your teachers may remind you when you have due dates approaching, it’s ultimately your responsibility to keep up with the work.
Bachelor of Arts graduate, Thomas, shares his one essential tip for being organised from the get-go.
All assessment dates are available in course ECP’s (electronic course profiles), so put them in your calendar from day one.
To keep track of where I was supposed to be and what I was supposed to be doing, I tacked a 6-month planner onto my wall and plotted every lecture, tutorial, and assessment date onto it. I found this to be incredibly helpful for not only keeping track of what was happening that day, but what I needed to plan for in the coming weeks.
When it comes to organisation, Thomas also suggests staying on top of your readings so you don’t fall behind. This will mean you can participate in meaningful discussions during your tutorials.
However, it’s important not to be afraid or too proud to ask for help if you’re struggling with the workload. The academic staff genuinely want to see you succeed.
The study skills and learning advice page on the UQ website is a fantastic resource to help you prepare for your academic journey. UQ also offers a wide range of academic support, such as learning advisers, who can help you develop your study skills and adjust to your workload.
Work hard and put yourself out there and you will do well.
Make the most of opportunities
Be brave. Attend the faculty networking events and strike up conversations with the people you meet there. Many of the opportunities I have received during my time at UQ started with introductions and conversations at those events.
Thomas urges new students to keep an eye out for employment opportunities at UQ, which is something I can attest to. For the past 2 years, I have worked as a mediator at the UQ Art Museum. I discovered the call for applications in a faculty newsletter. I don’t have a background in Art History, but I applied anyway and was pleasantly surprised when I was offered a position in the mediation team. During my time at UQ Art Museum, I have developed a range of transferrable skills that I will carry with me as my career progresses.
There are countless opportunities like this available on campus that cater to a range of different disciplines.
Check out UQ’s careers and employability website for a snapshot of the kinds of opportunities available to you as a UQ student.
Get out of your comfort zone
It’s okay to be nervous about starting your first semester, but the key to success is feeling the fear and doing it anyway. This is something both Beatriz and arts graduate, Liv, echoed in their advice for new UQ students.
“Get out of your comfort zone. UQ is the ideal place to explore not just your academic and professional interests, but to make lasting friendships and crazy memories,” says Beatriz.
Liv admits it might not be easy but agrees that the payoff is worth it.
Go to class and talk to people, even when you don’t want to.
“Even when you want to sit in the back corner and fade away into oblivion while pretending you don’t exist, say hi, make an awkward joke, die on the inside, and keep talking anyway,” she says.
Remember, in those first few weeks, many of the people in your classes are in the same boat as you. If you put yourself out there, you are bound to form lasting friendships.
Liv speaks fondly of the wide range of places on campus perfect for getting to know new friends in between classes.
“Forget the soggy sandwich at the bottom of your bag,” she says. “Beeline it to Bagel Boys, even though you can’t afford it.”
There are also many ways to catch-up with your friends over food, without breaking the bank. UQ Union runs a free breakfast bar, where you can get toast, muesli, cereal, fruit and assorted beverages. Kampus Kitchen also provides free meals on Tuesday and Thursday evenings in the refectory closest to the Great Court.
During stressful periods, Liv emphasises that it’s important to make time for fun with your friends.
“You’ll leave this place with a degree, but you could also leave alongside people who become some of your favourite humans,” she says.
“Find the people who can make you laugh hysterically even during exam block…and then laugh some more.”
Take it all in
There are countless places to study or relax on UQ’s sprawling St Lucia campus, such as the Great Court or the beautiful lakes. Recent graduate, Mel, encourages new students to carve out some time to stop and appreciate their new environment.
Walk through UQ’s picturesque sandstone buildings and natural scenery on a sunny day.
“It helps alleviate stress and reminds you that there’s so much beauty in life!” says Mel.
One of my favourite spots on campus is the bush tucker garden, where you can learn about Aboriginal culture and history through a range of native flora. As you explore and familiarise yourself with the UQ campus, your future favourite spots will reveal themselves to you.
Final word
I would like to reiterate the thoughtful and heartfelt advice from my peers: make the most of your time at UQ. There is so much beyond coursework at your fingertips!
Believe in yourself and never forget – even during late, stressful nights – what a privilege it is to study here. It will be over before you know it.
To students commencing their degrees this year: good luck! We wish you well.
Looking for more tips on how to survive and thrive in your first year at uni? Discover how you can make the transition from high school to university a smooth one.
