Written by Tianna Parubotchy
Starting uni can be stressful: new course, new place, new people… but don’t worry your Orientation Coordinators have got your back!
They are there to answer any questions, help you adjust and make some incredible memories in your first week at Charles Sturt.
We asked our Orientation Coordinators 5 quick questions so that you can get to know them and get some helpful advice before you start!
Albury-Wodonga
Abby Wason
What degree are you studying?
Currently studying a bachelors of physiotherapy going into my 3rd year.
Where’s your favourite spot on campus?
My fav spot would be the basketball courts, a lovely sunny spot, central for all accommodation locations and hosts so many campus functions social and educational as well as being the starting point for the Albury Wodonga Charles Sturt run club.
What’s your favourite memory from uni?
One favourite memory and tradition is house dinners with all our friends cooking for each other and spending a night together to just chill and reminisce on all the other great memories
What did you wish you knew when you started?
I wish I knew Everyone was in the same boat and to reach out because it’s a small world and 9 times out of 10 you will have a link to everyone whether that is a common friend or a shared hobby.
If you could give our new students one piece of advice, what would it be?
My advice is to set goals but remember to throw yourself into every new opportunity because you never know what it might lead to.
Archie Storer
What degree are you studying?
Bachelor of Physiotherapy.
Where’s your favourite spot on campus?
I love to spend a bit of time in the Gums, playing pool with my mates or having a drink. I also don’t mind spending a bit of time in Red House with my friends and winning the social mixed netball championships.
What’s your favourite memory from uni?
Probably last year’s O Week. Meeting heaps of new people, and finding friends with similar interests to me. But it’s pretty safe to say that I have enjoyed myself at lots of the social parties with all my new mates.
What did you wish you knew when you started?
I wish I knew that the study happens so quickly, but you always get your well deserved rest. If you put in 100% effort for the semesters, you earn your holidays and are happy with results.
If you could give our new students one piece of advice, what would it be?
Work hard while you can, and enjoy the breaks that are given to you. But also, put yourself out there ‘be comfortable with being uncomfortable’ – Nedd Brockmann.
Bathurst
Emily Billiards
What degree are you studying?
Last year I studied exercise and sports science, but have decided to change courses into nursing starting this year.
Where’s your favourite spot on campus?
For a cheeky snack would have to be pulse cafe or my other spot would have to be the gym to workout or just shoot hoops with friends.
What’s your favourite memory of uni?
It would either have to be the nights that my hut would get together and have a big sit down dinner or any uni event where we all got together and had fun
What did you wish you knew when you started?
The library is not just there for doing assessments, there are so many resources that you can use and are available for you. Another would be that make sure you use your time well, even with planning it may go sideways. But in saying that it will go sideways and it’s okay, your not the only one that’s happened too 
If you could give students one piece of advice, what would it be?
Uni life can be hectic and it will be filled with stress and anxiety, but at the end of the day it is so fun and enjoyable. Get around the clubs and just enjoy it, we only live once and first year is the year to learn everything and then it somewhat gets easier (or so I’ve been told). Another big point would be that it is nothing like school, you have control over your learning and if you don’t do it, it simply doesn’t get done. Your lecturers are there to help, but they aren’t going to remind you to do content or assessments. You have to take charge! But most importantly, just have fun!
Ella Shipton
What degree are you studying?
I’m currently studying for a Bachelor of Education (Primary), which I’m passionate about. I’m excited to eventually work with students and make a difference in their education.
Where’s your favourite spot on campus?
My favourite spot on campus has to be upstairs on the top level of the library. It’s a quiet and peaceful place to study, but I also love the tennis courts for some late-night kick tennis with friends. It’s a great way to unwind and have some fun after a long day of studying.
What’s your favourite memory from uni?
Some of my favourite memories from uni come from living with my housemates last year. We shared many fun moments, such as dorm dinners, movie nights, and Just Dance sessions. It helped make the transition of living away from home a lot easier. I’ve also had a blast with the campus nightlife and events organised by the university and social groups. Some highlights were the John Oxley Village wedding and the Mungoes Space Cowboy night with the mechanical bull!
What did you wish you knew when you started?
I wish I had understood earlier just how many resources are available to students and how approachable and willing teachers are to offer support. They take the time to help you get a deeper understanding of your subjects. Additionally, I was initially stressed about finding friends at the start, but looking back, I wish I knew everyone here is so down-to-earth and friendly. It’s so easy to meet amazing people!
If you could give our new students one piece of advice, what would it be?
My advice would be to keep a calendar or planner with all your assignments, exams, and other commitments. It helps you stay organised and give yourself enough time to complete everything to the best of your ability. It’ll take much stress off by managing your time and help you stay on top of everything!
Dubbo
Although Dubbo campus has no Orientation Coordinators there will be plenty of Orientation Leaders there to make sure you get the best start to your uni experience!
Orange
Ellen Bolger-Rowe
What degree are you studying?
Pharmacy, 3rd Year
Where’s your favourite spot on campus?
The booths at Banjo’s.
What’s your favourite memory from uni?
Meeting my best friends in Semester 1!
What did you wish you knew when you started?
Where to go for help, both academically and to be involved in clubs.
If you could give our new students one piece of advice, what would it be?
Don’t put too much pressure on yourself! University may be a level-up in your education, but that doesn’t mean your mental and physical health has to suffer. Do schedule some time in to look after yourself 
Stephanie Kowarzik
What degree are you studying?
Bachelor of Pharmacy, fourth year
Where’s your favourite spot on campus?
Banjos is my favourite spot, it’s a good spot to study with friends with close proximity to food when I want a snack.
What’s your favourite memory from uni?
My favourite memory from uni is all the extra curricular activities I’ve been a part of like OPSA and Orientation.
What did you wish you knew when you started?
When I started I wish I knew to try and be a part of everything and make the most of all opportunities at uni, they really do make being at uni more enjoyable and worth while. You get to meet so many people who otherwise you probably wouldn’t meet and step outside your comfort zone.
If you could give our new students one piece of advice, what would it be?
Make the most of every moment at university. Sometimes it’s easy to fall into a mindset of just wanting to graduate and be done with it but for so many people this is one of the last opportunities to have the freedom to try so many new things in the space of a few years.
Port Macquarie
Connor Ratcliffe
What degree are you studying?
Bachelor of Paramedicine
Where’s your favourite spot on campus?
My favourite spot of campus would have to be the paramedic prac rooms.
What’s your favourite memory from uni?
My favourite memory from uni would have to be after a long week of study, my friends and I all got together for a BBQ on campus and some laughs.
What did you wish you knew when you started?
I wish I knew how welcoming everyone is, from the students, staff and academics. Everyone is always willing have a chat and answer any questions you have.
If you could give our new students one piece of advice, what would it be?
The piece of advice I would give any student is that to put yourself out there and give anything a go.
Keely Prasalowski
What degree are you studying?
I’m about to begin my 3rd year of Paramedicine.
Where’s your favourite spot on campus?
My favourite spot to study on the uni campus is in the courtyard outside the quiet area of the library. I love sitting on the bean-bag lounges under the trees.
What’s your favourite memory from uni?
My favourite memory from uni would definitely be taking silly photos in the photobooth last year at the CSUSPA Paramedic Ball. It was a great night!
What did you wish you knew when you started?
I wish I knew when I started uni that its okay to take time to make friends. I didn’t meet some of my some of my great uni friends till halfway through my first year.
If you could give our new students one piece of advice, what would it be?
My ultimate tip for new uni students could be to create a colour coded study plan and assessment calender. Time flys at uni and the worst feeling is realising you have a big assignment due tonight!
Mia Kamand
What degree are you studying?
I am in my third year of Bachelor of Paramedicine
Where’s your favourite spot on campus?
My favourite spot on campus is the outdoor study tables on the second level because they are often drenched in sunlight, and as a bonus each table has a power point to charge your laptop!
What’s your favourite memory from uni?
My favourite memory from uni is all the spontaneous hallway chats I had in my dorm during first year, these conversations are what made my friendship group so close, and we have only built on those relationships. I am very lucky to still be good friends with the people in my dorm from first year.
What did you wish you knew when you started?
When I started uni I wish I knew how accommodating and welcoming the academics are, they truly want us to succeed and always put extra time into helping students who may not fully understand a concept.
If you could give our new students one piece of advice, what would it be?
A piece of advice I would give to new students is to put yourself out there, go sit in the common rooms and watch tele, you’d be surprised about how many people will come talk to you, these small actions can be what founders your closest friendships!
Wagga Wagga
Bailey Nielson
What degree are you studying?
Bachelor of Veterinary Biology/Bachelor of Veterinary Science
Where’s your favourite spot on campus?
My favourite spot on campus would be the top floor of the Wagga Wagga campus library.
What’s your favourite memory from uni?
My favourite memory from university is too hard to choose. Maybe my Halfway festival rugby game and dinner with my veterinary year.
What did you wish you knew when you started?
I wish I knew just how much better university is compared to high school.
If you could give our new students one piece of advice, what would it be?
One piece of advice I would give to new students is to get out there and make friends with people through their courses, subjects, clubs and social events throughout the year.
Courtney Ford
What degree are you studying?
Animal science
Where’s your favourite spot on campus?
Hanging out at the pool on a hot day or Beres Oval playing res-sport or rugby on the weekends
What’s your favourite memory from uni?
There are too many favourite moments to choose only one! From O week to my first ever uni ball. Going to the river on a hot afternoon with new friends, my first ever WAC weekend. There are so many memories to choose from in this chapter, I can’t only choose one.
What did you wish you knew when you started?
It takes time to settle in and get the hang of it, don’t let yourself feel like a failure just because you haven’t worked out uni life and study in the first week. Keep trying new techniques and strategies until you find one that works for you.
If you could give our new students one piece of advice, what would it be?
Run your own race! Don’t feel like you have to keep up with or be better than everyone else. Make uni your own journey unique, have fun, make mistakes, learn new things, embrace every opportunity. Enjoy the small wins, enjoy making new friends and spending time making memories with them. Focus on a healthy social life and study balance!
Jenson McIntosh
What degree are you studying?
Agricultural business management 3rd year
Where’s your favourite spot on campus?
The Deck always good to get a cheap feed and a coffee before class.
What’s your favourite memory from uni?
WAC (Wagga Agricultural Club) Weekend is really a highlight with the WAC ball on Friday, the races on Saturday and the recovery on Sunday. You have a great time with all of your mates and everyone gets around it.
What did you wish you knew when you started?
I wish I knew how to cook before coming to university because I had to learn the hard way but luckily, I had a lot of my friends in my first year who helped me out a lot.
If you could give our new students one piece of advice, what would it be?
Really get involved in O week as it’s the best opportunity to make new mates and find one of the many clubs the university has to offer. Clubs at Charles Sturt range from rugby to cheerleading to meat judging so there is something in there for everyone. The people you make friends in O week could very well be mates you have for the rest of your life so get in there and make the most of it!
What’s next?
Well there you have it! Make sure to register for your orientation events, check out our other blogs about starting uni and get ready to have an absolute blast!
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