This blog is written by our Semester 1 intern Min.
Starting uni? Exciting! Overwhelming? Also, yes. Whether you’re just kicking off your degree or taking on your final year, these first few weeks are your chance to set the vibe for the rest of the semester.
Speaking from experience, finding your rhythm early makes life so much easier (and way less stressful!).
Stephen Covey once said in his book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, “You must prepare the ground, plant the seed, cultivate and water if you expect to reap the harvest.”
Sounds like gardening advice, but honestly? It applies to uni life too, the effort you put in now will pay off big time later. So, let’s talk about how to get off to a great start and actually enjoy these first few weeks.
1. Study hacks you can’t ignore
✔ Use the Assessment Planner to stay ahead of deadlines and avoid that “oh no, that’s due TODAY?!” panic. Check it out here.
✔ Find your perfect study spot. Love the quiet? Head to the library. Need fresh air? The gardens or park are great. Prefer staying in? Create a cozy study corner in your room.
✔ Tap into academic support: the Library Services, Maths Hub, Coding Hub and Science Hub have awesome tutors who actually want to help you (seriously, they’re great!).
The reality is, last-minute cramming is nobody’s idea of fun. Want to avoid it? Start planning your workload early.
Pro Tip: Need help? Ask early! The librarians and tutors are friendly, patient and actually know their stuff. Explore resources here.
2. Find your people & have fun!
Uni life isn’t just about lectures and assignments, it’s about meeting new people, making connections and actually having fun! Whether you’re looking for study buddies, career advice or just cool people to hang with, putting yourself out there makes all the difference.
✔ Join a club — because making friends is way easier when you already have something in common.
✔ Say YES to workshops and hackathons. These are where opportunities (and friendships) start! Check out upcoming activities here.
✔ Instead of just zoning out before class starts, try a simple ‘Hey, have you done this reading yet?’ or ‘What do you think of this subject so far?’ You’d be surprised how many people are looking for someone to break the ice! They could be your next best mate, study partner or even future colleague.
Pro Tip: No idea where to start? Just pick something from the list of clubs and just dive in! Explore the clubs here.
3. No burnout zone: balancing uni & life
Between classes, assignments, and social life, it’s easy to burn out. But uni is a marathon, not a sprint—you got to pace yourself and take it easy!
✔ Prioritise mental wellbeing. La Trobe offers free counseling and well-being services when you need extra support. Check out services.
✔ Make time for YOU, whether it’s hitting the gym, taking a walk or binge-watching your comfort show, self-care is key.
✔ Sleep & eat well because running on caffeine and vibes alone won’t get you through the semester.
Pro Tip: Did you know La Trobe has student gym memberships? A great way to blow off steam (and feel like you’ve got your life together). Learn more here.
Final thoughts: You got this!
Like Covey says, the habits you build now will set the tone for the rest of your uni experience. Stay organised, put yourself out there and take care of YOU, your future self will be grateful. And don’t forget, you’re not in this alone! There’s a whole community here to support you every step of the way.
What’s one thing you’re doing to start strong this semester? Tell a friend or write it down, it helps to commit to it!