Written by Jamieson Cummins
It’s that time of year again—the holiday period is ending, and it’s time to get ready for another big year of study.
Hi, I’m Jamieson, a fourth-year occupational therapy (OT) student from the Albury—Wodonga campus. Transitioning back into university life can be challenging for many, but it doesn’t have to be!
Here are my tips and tricks to help prepare for another busy year ahead!
Write a Shopping List
- Get all the essentials you need to be ready for session 1, such as stationary, devices, bags, emotional support drink bottles – IYKYK.
- If you need a new device, such as a laptop or tablet, make sure you get these before the session with plenty of time to avoid starting the year unprepared!
- Before you buy any equipment – always ask if you’re entitled to a student discount!
- Diaries and planners are good to use during the semester to stay on track with assignments and important dates.
- You can often get a free wall planner from the Charles Sturt Online SRC or they may be available to collect from the Student Central help desks!
Take Note of Those Important Dates!
- Use a calendar to plan out important information, such as session start/end dates, exam periods, assignment due dates, etc.
- I use Apple Calendar on my laptop/phone. But you can also use a hard copy calendar, Google Calendars or apps such as Notion
**Hot Tip** Use different colours, pictures, and digital reminders as visual prompts to prevent missing important deadlines!
Click here to find the important dates for 2025!
Make Studying a Breeze with a Fresh Study Space
Getting in the zone to lock-in and study can sometimes be difficult, but setting up an effective study space may help you stay on track.
- Choose a designated study area that is comfortable, quiet and organised.
- Clean up your desk – keep only the essentials in sight with minimal clutter
- Control the noise – some people like listening to music while others like silence, find what works best for you!
- Make it yours! – Studying can be challenging at times, so working in a space that you enjoy helps associate study in a positive light. I like to add some plants, nice candles and cute stationary to make it a space I actually want to spend time in!
Charles Sturt also has 24/7 study spaces available which you can access with your student card. Click here to find your closest library.
Looking for Study success? Look After Yourself!
Set up balanced routines from the start!
- Prioritising good eating habits, adequate sleep, moving your body and time to hang out with friends, family and yourself is the key to study/life balance.
- If you want to learn more about how to make good routines to suit you, check out one of our Charlie blogs here: Work, Study, Chill: Achieving Work-Life Balance
Before the session starts, remember to enjoy your holidays – whether that’s getting outdoors, chilling out, hanging with friends or your family, do what makes you happy and healthy.
Charlie blog is a SSAF funded initiative