Current Students The Learning Centre Preparing for your studies

Preparing for your studies

View our Orientation Workshops here

Welcome to university! Set yourself up for success by starting your study the right way. The Learning Centre has many great tips for success throughout your whole degree. Check out the videos and resources on this page to guide you through the first steps to studying successfully.

The Learning Centre also provides workshops, resources, and study help throughout the year to guide you and keep you on track. Check out our Services for Students page to find out what supports might be best for you.

Don't forget to get a head start with your study, meet your classmates, and build some academic skills during Orientation Week. Orientation activities and skills workshops are planned for trimester and semester orientations. Follow the link below to see your orientation schedule and register for essential skills workshops.

Tips and advice for preparing at university

Preparing for university

Preparing for uni infographic

Top tips for starting university

Here are some great tips to help you transition to university and get ahead with your studies.

Get organised – complete weekly, semester, and assessment planners.
Attend Orientation.
Develop good study habits.
Stay on top of assignments – start early, break larger assignments into smaller tasks and map on semester planner.
Build your support system.

Top tips from academics

JCU Lecturers discuss getting started at university

Hear JCU Lecturers discuss getting started at university. Their top tips are:

Study regularly, don’t fall behind.
Attend all lectures and tutorials.
Complete assignments on time.
Stay connected: Engage with other students, the university, and the broader community.
Ask for help: Connect with support services.

Study Planning

Planning your study is a great way to practice time management and project management. These skills are highly desired by graduate employers. Start by planning your assessments with our assessment planner templates and planning your study with our semester or trimester templates. Once you can see the big picture, try planning your week with our weekly planner template. Check out the videos below for a quick guide for how to plan your study.

Using semester planners

1. Download your study planner.

2. Write in your assignments and their due dates.

3. Break up your assignments into small, actionable tasks, and give each of these tasks their own due date.

4. Follow the plan. By making a plan you can see when your busy times are and plan for them.

Download your planner here

Study Planning Quick Guide here

Using weekly planners

1. Choose your planner. It can be physical or digital, or you can use our weekly planner template above.

2. Fill in important events such as your classes and work commitments.

3. Block out time for study. Aim for 10-12 hours per week for each semester subject, and 13-16 hours per week for each trimester subject.

4. Include leisure time. It is important to allow yourself time to unwind and relax.

5. Take time to review if your study is working for you, and make any changes you need to.

Want to know more?

Check out our Academic Success page.
Preparation for intensive courses

Learn how to use software via LinkedIn Learning

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Available to all current JCU staff and students

Additional resources you might find helpful as you get set up

During the study period