Orientation is almost here! Do you have everything sorted?
Here are my tips and to-do items to help you get all you can out of your orientation period.
What to do
Have you checked these things off your list yet?
- Register for your Orientation sessions via your Student Portal
- Order your CSU Card
- Apply for any scholarships you’re interested in
- Access your online learning space – Interact2
- Check if you need to order any textbooks
- Check your enrolment and ensure you’ve enrolled in the right subjects as per the course handbook
- Join the CSUSocial Facebook Group
- View your upcoming fees and finances
Online students
Online Orientation runs from 13 to 27 February 2021.
Depending on your course, you might have a live online info session, a short recorded introduction, or the chance to chat directly with your Course Director.
You can also join heaps of online workshops to build your writing and referencing skills, work on your time management or pick up tips on student finances.
- Course Orientation sessions: To kick off Orientation, get your uni 101 with this session. Here you’ll get an overview of your course, learning environment, subject expectations and where to find help.
- Online Orientation workshops: If you’re new to uni, add this workshop to your list to find your way around online study like a pro! You’ll become familiar with your online learning tools and Charles Sturt’s services and support that can help you on your study journey.
- Academic Skills sessions: Ace your first assignments by knowing how to boost your study, literacy and learning skills. Register to attend the academic skills workshops to discover a host of handy resources and tips to develop your skills for studying, researching, writing, referencing and more.
On-campus students
On-campus Orientation runs from 23 to 26 February 2021.
For on-campus Orientation sessions, you’ll need to register before attending due to current COVID-19 restrictions. Once you’ve registered for an event, Charles Sturt will email you everything you need to know ahead of the big day.
There are three main Orientation themes:
- Academic sessions: Meet your Course Director or other academic staff, make sure you’re up-to-speed with all your course requirements and check that you’ve got everything you need for your first classes.
- Services and support sessions: Find out about the support team available to help you through your studies. There are dedicated teams to help you boost your study skills, manage your finances, look after your health and more.
- Uni life sessions: Get involved in our social program to make some of your first uni friends!
There are also lots of clubs to join, like sporting teams or activity clubs that are definitely worth looking into. Most campuses hold Clubs Day events, so be sure to keep an eye out!
You should also check out the essentials you’ll need to live on-campus. And don’t forget to take a look at your campus map to find out where your classes and facilities are.
Get social
It’s important to make friends through your course – even if you don’t see them face-to-face every day. Check out your suggested Charles Sturt Facebook groups via your Student Portal and connect with other students who are also studying the same degree or similar.
Regardless of whether you’re studying online or on-campus, just immerse yourself in the Orientation experience. Also, make sure you ask lots of questions! There are no silly questions, and I can almost guarantee someone else is wondering the exact same thing.
