Top tips for your first month on campus

TOP TIPS FOR YOUR FIRST MONTH ON CAMPUS

If you’re starting at Western Sydney University, you might be wondering what to do in your first few weeks to set yourself up for success.   

To find out, we spoke to Western student, Neharika Prasad. Originally from Fiji, Neharika is studying towards her Bachelor of Data Science.  

With her insider insight and learned experience, Neharika is perfectly placed to share some top tips for life at university and settling in during your exciting first month at Western.  

Do your research

Neharika’s main piece of advice for future international students is to research life in Sydney - ideally, before you arrive.  

“When I came here, there were a lot of culture shocks and lifestyle shocks,” she explains. 

In particular, she wishes she’d learned about the essentials, like how renting works.   

“It’s weekly here. In Fiji, we pay monthly. So, that was one of the biggest shocks I got here.”  

Prior to your move to Sydney, it’s a great idea to spend time learning more about core elements of your new day-to-day life, like how to use public transport, sun and beach safety, and Australian culture and slang. Then, in your first few weeks, you can put what you’ve learned into practice - soon, you’ll be swapping a “g’day” or a “no worries” with the locals like a pro. 

Explore your campus

Your first month of uni is the best time to learn all about your new campus.   

“I’m at the Sydney City Campus and the Parramatta South Campus,” shares Neharika. “When you go to the City campus, you’ll feel a modern vibe. When you go to the South campus, you’ll get this university feeling, with all the greenery around.”  

It’s a good idea to visit campus before classes start and locate key spots, like the library, lecture halls and labs. Attending Orientation events will also help you settle in and quickly adjust to life at university.  

Neharika advises, “I think it’s really important to attend orientations so that you know what you’re expecting.”  

If you can, try to join a tour. You can even ask other students for their tips - you might just discover a favourite study spot or café.  . 

Figure out how to get around

“I was not used to public transport before,” Neharika says. “If you’re an international student, you must know how to use public transport.”  

In Sydney, public transport is run by Transport NSW, and you’ll need to either get an Opal card to use the train, bus, ferry, light rail metro and coach, or use a contactless card or device to pay your fare.   

Living close to university means Neharika doesn’t need to catch much public transport.   

“When I have classes on the City campus, I usually walk. It takes around five minutes,” she explains. “When I go to the South campus, there’s always a free shuttle running from the City to the South.”  

The shuttle bus runs regularly between Western’s Hawkesbury, Parramatta, Penrith and Campbelltown. 

Find your locals

When you arrive in Sydney, you’ll want to find your ‘locals’ - the business, services and spaces in your local area that you’ll be frequenting.   

For example, seek out your closest supermarket or grocery store so you can stock up on necessities. Check what kinds of transport stops or stations are near you, find a local park or green space for when you need a break from city life, and figure out where to go for retail shopping.  

Additionally, ensure you locate a general practitioner (GP) - a doctor qualified in general medical practice - near you so you know where to go if you’re feeling unwell. If your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) includes GP visits, ask your OSHC provider how to find one in your network.  

Neharika says living near the City campus means everything she needs is on her doorstep.   

“I have a park right next to the building, and Westfield is right here,” she adds. “Westfield has everything: a local doctor, a dentist, and supermarkets.” 

Meet your supporters

When you’re starting at Western Sydney University, it’s a fantastic idea to take some time to explore all the services and facilities on offer so you know where to go if you need help.    

Neharika recommends international students check out the Student Services Hub, upcoming events and the MATES program, where first-year students are connected with peer mentors.   

All international students even receive full access to Western Success. Here, you can connect with Student Advisors who can give you invaluable resources and advice on anything from making friends to academic support and everything in between.  

Hang out at the library

Make sure you set aside a few hours to explore your library.  

The library isn't just a great place to research, but also has excellent services like research and referencing support and free printing facilities.   

Neharika recommends checking out the study areas, many of which can be booked in advance. Her favourite study space is the lower ground level of the library at Parramatta South.    

"There’s this silent study area, and you have these fancy ergonomic chairs, which you’ll absolutely love, and they have sleeping pods."  

Make some friends

Your first month is the ideal time to start meeting your peers and building your network.   

Neharika says the key to making new friends is having an open mind and being willing to initiate conversations.    

"You can’t just sit there and wait for someone," she explains. "You have to put yourself there. You have to introduce yourself first."  

She encourages international students to join societies and clubs, as these are fantastic for meeting people who share their passions and interests.  

Having joined many clubs herself, including the Indian Society and the Badminton Club, Neharika is looking into creating a new society for students from Fiji.   

In particular, she loves the weekend sessions offered by the Badminton Club:  "They’re very social, and you get to meet new people, learn new skills." 

Other advice

When it comes to words of wisdom, Neharika says international students should make it a priority to look after their health. Your first few weeks are a wonderful opportunity to get into good habits, like eating well and staying active.   

Neharika explains it’s even more important to take care of yourself when you’re living overseas.  

“I have a health condition called vertigo that could only be solved by yoga, so in the second week of uni, I joined the gym, and then I went for yoga sessions,” she adds.   

Finally, Neharika simply recommends saying yes to everything you can.   

“I think we need to put ourselves out there,” she expands. “When the opportunity comes, say yes. Grab it. It will never come again.” 

 Visit the Western website to learn more about International Student Life.