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Guide for new students

Get ready to study

Leading up to your first few weeks of classes, make sure you're aware of some key information and the tasks to complete that will help your journey run smoothly.

Check your personal details

It's important that we have your current contact and personal details. If anything has changed since enrolment, log in to Sydney Student to edit the information.

  • USI
    If you haven't already, add your Unique Student Identifier (USI) (go to ‘My details’ then ‘Personal details’).
  • Onshore status
    If you're an international student, check that your location status shows that you are onshore once you're in Australia (go to ‘My details’ then ‘Personal details’).
  • Address
    If your residential or permanent address changed update your address (go to ‘My details’, then ‘Address and residency’).
  • Contact details
    If your mobile number or personal email address changed update your contact information (go to ‘My details’, then ‘Address and residency’).

If you're a student visa holder it's a condition of your student visa that you let us know your residential address within seven days of your address changing.

Complete your Canvas training

Education and awareness

You'll automatically be enrolled in two mandatory online modules and you'll need to complete these by logging in to Canvas:

  • Consent matters
  • Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM).

Additionally, we encourage you to complete the Modern Slavery Awareness module which you'll also find in Canvas.

Important dates and deadlines

It pays to check dates and deadlines in advance, so you know when classes start, when your exams will take place and, of course, holiday breaks. If you're thinking of changing any of your units, you'll also need to be aware of these session deadlines:

  • last day to add a unit
  • census date, which is the last day to remove a unit without financial or academic penalties.

Get your timetable ready

With classes approaching, finalise your unit choices as soon as possible so you can get your final timetable. Check when and where your classes are and plan how to get between classes.

During the timetable review and adjust period, you've still got an opportunity to change some of your class times if suitable alternatives are available. Read our Timetables page for information on:

  • understanding your timetable
  • how you can change your class times and the deadline to do this
  • when it's OK to have a timetable clash, or how you can fix a clash if you need to.
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A beginner's guide to timetables

Create a class schedule that works for you
Timetable flexibility is one of the best perks of being a uni student. Here’s everything you need to know about our timetable system, so you can find the perfect balance between life and study.

Unit of study outlines

If you haven't already, now's a good time to read over all of your unit outlines. You can search for your outlines on the Find a unit of study page.

What's included

Outlines have information about:

  • weekly topics and required reading
  • your class attendance requirements
  • how you'll be assessed
  • the graduate qualities you'll need to demonstrate to successfully complete your course.

Textbooks

Outlines are also a good place to start for information about textbooks. This will be under 'Weekly schedule', then 'Required readings'. Some unit outlines list the names of the textbooks, however other outlines may direct you to check the unit's Canvas page as not all units require textbooks.

If you need to purchase or borrow books for your course, go to our Materials and equipment page for some options.

Your rights and responsibilities

The University has expectations around your personal and academic conduct while you study with us. The University also has obligations towards all students.

On our Student responsibilities pages you can read about all the rights and responsibilities and learn about the University's values. There's also some key policies to be familiar with. Find out more about:

  • The Student Charter
  • Support for Students Policy
  • Conditions of enrolment
  • Freedom of expression.

It's very important that you understand our core value of academic integrity and that you act honestly and ethically in all your dealings and relationships with other members of the University community.

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How to prepare for your classes

Set yourself up for success
The first few weeks of semester can feel daunting, but we're here to help set you up for a successful semester ahead.

Student Centre

Online

Phone

1800 SYD UNI (1800 793 864)
or +61 2 8627 1444 (outside Australia)

Find out more about how we can help

Last updated: 29 November 2024

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