NEW STUDENTS: Struggling with something? Need help? Send in your questions …
Posted on August 4, 2009 by ED
If you’re a new student it’s almost guaranteed that something about your new study regime is bugging you. Now’s the time to post in your questions - if you’re having some trouble with an aspect of your study no doubt there’s someone else who’s trying to get their head round the same issue. Post away in the comments folks and we’ll post the answers for you.
Ed, Meredith & Frances - The Student Support Team
Email: studentsupport@une.edu.au
Filed under: NEWS. | Tagged: NEW STUDENT, Orientation
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Is anyone else struggling with the units that are entirely online - ie. not even a textbook or study schedule? I’m a distance education student and I’m studying full time, and NONE of my courses even have a recommended study schedule, saying instead that as people have different committments, you need to figure it out for yourself. I appreciate the “different committments” element, but it’s so hard to get started when you don’t even have a framework to start working with! Any advice appreciated!
Hi Peita,
I feel the same, I have all these modules, and assignments due, and yes… there is an assignment due by date, but there is no time line to assist to keep me on track, and I feel I am so caught up in the reading that I wont get my assignments completed in time… although I have good time management, it is more of having something to work by that seems to be an issue.
Yes, I too feel the same, I have two unit essays due date close together and I don’t know how I can cram everything in at once and write a good essay.I have other commintments that interupt my studies and I would like have more time to read and learn each unit. Is that possible?
Hi Peita, Mel & Lyn,
It can certainly be a challenge getting into the swing of things when you first start. Once you’ve done a couple of Units you’ll more than likely have your routine down pat.
The best advice I can give is get in contact with your Unit Coordinator and explain what’s going on. They should be able to give you some guide as to where you need to be.
When deadlines clash for assignments etc, make sure you notify your Unit Coordinators as early as you can. Let them know that you’ve got competing deadlines and ask for an extension if necessary.
We’ve found Unit Coordinators very supportive as long as you give them enough notice.
While it’s best to avoid extensions if possible (as they will then compete with other assignments/readings etc) it is an option and can pay dividends in the long run.
The Academic Skills office has some great tools & techniques to make the adjustment to uni study easier so have a look at: http://www.une.edu.au/aso and download some fact sheets and their study planners.
Hope this helps.
Ed - Student Support Team
P.S. Don’t feel alone, most new students feel exactly like you guys do when they’re starting out!
As a first semester student, I think a quick letter or email before study starts to explain that everything is online (and how to navigate sakai) would have been very helpful. There is very little advice and guidance provided online by the coordinators. I’m not sure the onus should be on each student to contact the coordinator individually. If most new students feel this way, then perhaps more information needs to be provided.