How to prepare for uni: common first week questions
Starting uni can be intense.
You’ve enrolled, your timetable’s sorted and you’ve got everything you need… but then week one hits and it’s suddenly the small stuff that feels stressful.
You’re not the only one. Here are some answers to the questions most new students ask in their first week so you can start strong. 💪
What do I do when I get to my first class?
Arrive 10 minutes early. Find the room. Sit anywhere. Open your laptop or notebook. Breathe.
Most first classes follow the same pattern:
- quick intro from the teacher
- overview of the subject and assessments
- where to find everything online
- what you should do before next class
You don’t need to “know stuff” on day one. You just need to show up.
Quick tip: how to read classroom numbers at VU
Rooms at VU are numbered in the following way: Building, floor number, room number. For example, at the VU City Tower you can find T1205 = Building T (for "tower"), Level 12, Room 05.
Another example at Footscray Park campus is G433 = Building G, Level 4, Room 33.
What if I’m late or I get lost?
It happens. Walk in quietly, sit near the back and catch up after. No dramatic apology, no spiral.
Quick tip: screenshot your timetable and campus map and leave with extra travel time in the first week.
How do I know what to take notes on?
Don’t try to write everything. Instead, focus on:
frameworks: steps, models, processes, formulas, “the 3 things you must do”
examples that unlock understanding: case studies, the “why” behind a rule
- anything you don’t understand (so you can ask or look it up)
A simple note taking method:
What (main idea/concept)
How (steps/method/example)
So what? (why it matters/where it’s used/link to assessment or key knowledge)
If it doesn't fit this three step method, it might not be worth noting.
I’m scared to ask a question. What if it’s dumb?
If you’re thinking it, someone else probably is too. Your teachers are happy to answer any questions in class – it’s never a waste of time to improve someone’s understanding.
Here are some ways to ask for clarity on something:
- “Can you give an example of that?”
- “Just to check I’m on the right track…”
- “What does a good answer look like?”
- “How much detail are you expecting?”
Why does everyone else seem to know what they’re doing?
They don’t. Some people are just better at hiding it. Others are more confident but are still just guessing a lot of the time.
In a lot of new situations, everyone thinks they’re the only one confused, so everyone pretends they’re not. The pretending makes everyone else look confident.
Your own (real) confidence will come in time. Focus on what you can control: attend, take notes, ask questions, start early.
The real secret is that “knowing what you’re doing” often just means “knowing what to do next.” Not the whole plan. The next step.
How do I stay on top of deadlines?
Use one system. A calendar and a task list is usually enough.
- put every due date in your calendar
- set reminders seven days before and two days before
- break each assessment into mini tasks (start, draft, polish, submit)
If you start the day the assessment drops, you’ll be on top of it
How much study should I do each week?
Small and steady beats heroic and panicked. Follow a consistent and simple rhythm, for example:
- after each class: 20-30 minutes to tidy notes and list what to do next
- one longer session each week to work on readings and assessments
I’m worried about the readings. Do I have to read everything?
Depending on how much you’re given to read, the aim is to do it strategically. Start with:
- the weekly learning outcomes
- anything labelled “required”
- summaries, intro and conclusion
- key headings and diagrams
If you’re short on time, aim to understand the main idea rather than memorising every sentence.
How do I make friends without being weird about it?
Start small. Strike up casual conversation about your shared experience, like:
- “Is this your first class too?”
“How’d you go finding the building?”
- “Have you worked out where everything is online yet?”
Sit in roughly the same area. Familiarity does half the work.
What if I feel overwhelmed in the first couple of weeks?
That’s normal. New routines feel harder before they feel easier. Don’t vanish. If you’re stuck:
- talk to your teacher
get study help (writing, referencing, time management)
- use counselling if anxiety is taking over
Need help fast? VU support services can help with study skills, wellbeing, accessibility and inclusion, and getting career ready.
A simple first-week checklist
- get to your first class early
- put every due date in your calendar
- start the first small task the day it’s set
- speak to one person
- ask one question (in class or online)
You don’t need to feel ready. You just need to start, then keep going.
You don’t have to figure it out on your own
Uni gets easier when you use the support that’s already there. Don’t hesitate to tap into the support services on offer, whether that’s advice from a student mentor, study help, wellbeing support, accessibility and inclusion support, or career advice.
If you’re unsure where to start, reach out early. A quick chat now can save you a lot of stress later, and that’s exactly what these services are there for.
