VU Kick Start Program

Get the best start at Victoria University (VU) with Kick Start!

VU Kick Start is a free program for new first-year students who are the first in their family to attend university. The program gives you the resources to help you feel prepared, connected and ready for university life. If neither of your parents attended university, you are eligible to join the program – even if you have siblings who have been to uni ahead of you. 

During Kick Start you will learn more about university life and undergraduate study, so that you feel more confident starting your undergraduate journey. The workshops are run just like VU classes, so you will know exactly what to expect on day one. 

Eligibility

Kick Start is specifically for students who are first-in-family, which means that neither of your parents attended university (but you might have a sibling at university).

Is this for me? 

First in Family students come from all sorts of diverse backgrounds. Whether you're coming straight from school, returning to study after several years, changing careers, or balancing study with work and family commitments, Kick Start is designed to help you feel prepared, connected and confident before classes begin.

This free program is open to domestic students of all ages who are in their first year of a university degree.

Unfortunately, we are not offering the program to international or TAFE students at this time.

What happens

I feel more prepared, and my mind is at peace as I know there are more students who are feeling the same as me.
 –2025 Kick Start student

During the workshops you’ll meet other first-year students just like yourself. Over the 3 sessions, you’ll connect with our friendly teaching staff and experienced student mentors, who have been through it all before and can answer any questions you may have. 

If you want to know what classes will be like, this is your chance. The workshops involve small groups of students and have a similar format to standard classes. There are presentations, group discussions, campus tours, and other activities to get you moving and connecting with other students.

By joining VU Kick Start, you’ll gain valuable skills and insights into:

•    How university classes, assignments, and tests work
•    Strategies for balancing study, work and personal life
•    Navigating campus with confidence - from finding classrooms and essential services
•    Build your confidence as you transition into university life
•    Get a sneak peek at university workshops in a relaxed, supportive space
•    Meet and connect with other first-year students and create a strong support network

Feeling more confident to approach my studies due to having more information about their services, as well as advice for life in uni.
 –2025 Kick Start student

Dates

Kick Start lasts for three days.

Dates: 13, 14, 16 July 2026
Time: 11am–1pm
Location: Footscray Park Campus

Kick Start runs over three days. If you cannot attend one of the days, please register and then get in touch with us at  kickstart@vu.edu.au .

Register now

Find out more

VU Kick Start began in 2019 and was developed and run by Dr Laurie Chapin and Dr Bert Oraison. The program was recognised with the Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Learning and Teaching in 2020.

VU Kick Start has been featured a number of media outlets:

• The Australian: Victoria Uni Kick Start Program lends a hand to first-in-family students (article requires The Australian subscription)
• The Age: Jasmine is part of an under-recognised group. Now her university is tackling the stigma
• ABC Radio National: Being the first university student in the family.

VU has a 5-star rating for first-in-family admissions (Good Universities Guide 2024) and almost 40% of our domestic undergraduate students are the first in their family to go to uni.