Starting your studies

Welcome to the University of Melbourne!
This is an introductory resource for commencing undergraduate and graduate coursework students who are studying at the University for the first time.  
It will take approximately 15 minutes to read and watch.

Listen and watch the video as these students share their first impressions of what it was like to start studying at the University of Melbourne.

What's university like?

Starting a university degree involves change, new experiences and surprises. Compared with your previous studies at school or other institutions, at the University of Melbourne you may have:

  • A greater responsibility for your own learning; the expectation to be an independent learner
  • Fewer hours of scheduled class time
  • Less individualised attention from lecturers and tutors
  • More opportunities to join active discussion with your new classmates.
Watch the video to hear what other students say about study expectations at the University of Melbourne.

Study expectations

The transition to studying at university may also involve a change for you to a more independent style of studying, learning and researching. Being an independent learner sets you up for study success and career development. It encourages you to:

  • Be self-aware and reflect on how you learn as a student
  • Get involved as an active participant in class and study activities
  • Take personal responsibility for managing your time and tasks
  • Develop your personal and professional networks and connection to the broader student life at university
  • Know when and where to get help to support you through your studies.

More ways to get set for success

As a new student, you are off to a great start by engaging with resources like this page. There are also lots of other ways to continue developing as an independent learner, including

You can also get off to the best start at uni by getting set up with the digital tools you need for study. A range of software is available to download for free for all enrolled students at the University. Visit Student IT for more.

Use the module menu to go the next section: Attending classes, where we explore types of classes, and hear students' experiences and tips for your first semester.