Coming in with Credit?
Welcome to UoN and to continuing your learning with credit. Commencing studies at UoN can be an exciting and challenging time for all students. Your credit has helped you to minimise the time you need to complete tertiary qualifications, however may mean that you are starting Uni in second or third year without having attended a class at Uni, or at a uni in Australia.
What does this mean for your studies?
Firstly this may mean that you are completing subjects from second and/ or third year. If you are completing subjects at both a 2000 and 3000 level please be careful when planning your enrolment. There are often conditions associated with enrolling in a subject. These conditions are known as either subject requisites or assumed knowledge. Information on these conditions can be found in the course handbook for each subject.
Before enrolling it is worthwhile looking at your program enrolment checklist and highlighting the subjects you have already done. Your program enrolment checklist can be found in the program handbook under ‘further information’.
Secondly, depending on your program you may be required to undertake a placement in your first semester at University. If you need to undertake a placement you need to ensure that you have completed appropriate documentation.
You may be required to take placements that are out of the local area. This means that you may need to be aware of the areas that placements may occur.
For the Faculty of Education and Arts, placement information can be found here.
For the Faculty of Health, information on placement can be found here.
What can I do to improve my chances of success at Uni?
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Understand the difference between University and TAFE (or equivalent)
There are many differences between University and TAFE learning. Uni is not 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Students at uni have more independence and need to manage their own time and learning. Full-time students generally need to put in around 40 hours of study time per week. This includes your lectures, tutorials, labs, etc., as well as personal study time.
While there is often freedom in attendance at lectures and some other sessions, it is important that you choose to attend your classes. This does make a difference in your understanding of key concepts from the courses you are enrolled in. It also provides an opportunity to socialise with people in your degree, or those with similar academic interests.
While there is plenty of support available for first year students, you will need to manage your own timetable, get assignments in on time, and seek assistance from lecturers and tutors when you need it.
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Understand Uni terminology
Uni language can be confusing, especially if you have come from another institution that uses the similar language with slightly different meanings. Have a look at the uni glossary or Ask UON site for definitions of words such as course and program.
What is the difference between a lecture and a tutorial?
A lecture involves a member of the academic staff presenting themes and concepts to students, relating to a particular course. Generally students attend one lecture per course per week.
A tutorial is normally a forum for discussion and consolidation of the themes and concepts introduced in a lecture. It is like a classroom at school. In many cases, tutorials give you a chance to practically apply course content and ask questions.
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Know who to contact
If you have questions about your program or placements, it is worthwhile speaking to your Program Officer or Placement Officer. A good place to start is the Student Hubs. The Student Hubs provide a one-stop shop for you to access essential student services at four of our campus locations. Each Hub offers a place for you to work on, submit and collect your assignments, meet friends, buy something to eat and get advice and referrals from trained staff about issues relating to your studies.
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Speak to your course coordinators
Your Course Coordinators and Tutors will not be aware that you have been awarded credit. It can be worthwhile to identify that this is your first semester at uni otherwise they will assume that you are in your 2nd year of studies at uni.
It is important to ask questions if you do not understand what is expected of you. This will in turn make your uni experience more productive.
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Connect to Services
The University of Newcastle has a wide range of student support services that exist to help students – just like you! If you are unsure of the correct service to help you, why not complete one of our quizzes or make an appointment to see a Connect 2 Success adviser.
You can also elect to receive fortnightly emails that are aimed at helping you achieve your best results.
