Written by Nick Garling
They say the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago; the second best time is now. My journey to finishing my law degree actually began in 1984. After a 30-year “detour” through the worlds of stockbroking in Tokyo and Hong Kong and gold mining in the Victorian Alps, I eventually found my way back to the law, and to Charles Sturt University.
As I prepare to graduate in February 2026, I’ve realised that while my “campus” is often a laptop screen at my farm in Gerringong, the university experience is as real as you make it. If you are commencing as an online student this Session 1, you might be feeling a mix of nerves and isolation. Trust me, that’s normal, but you aren’t alone.
Why the Digital Campus Works
I’ve studied elsewhere, and I can honestly say that the Charles Sturt online environment (Student Portal) is a game-changer. Everything is streamlined, and the support is genuinely present. You don’t have to “poke around” to find what you need; Charles Sturt has put serious effort into making us feel seen.
Making the Most of Orientation
Online Orientation isn’t just a series of administrative boxes to tick; it’s your “soft landing”. My recommendations:
- Registering for live Faculty sessions: Meeting your Course Director puts a face to the name and settles those “I’m not ready” jitters.
- The Academic Skills workshops: Learning tools like EndNote will save you hours of referencing hassles later.
- The Social Factor: Even if you’re shy, show up to the online welcome events. I’ve made friends across the country who have been invaluable for motivation when deadlines pile up.
Best of Both Worlds
Just because you study online doesn’t mean you’re not welcome at a Charles Sturt campus. Your Student Card is your golden ticket to 24/7 library access and on-campus events. It’s a great way to get that “traditional” uni feel while maintaining the flexibility of online study.
Tips from a “World-Weary” Veteran
Having balanced full-time work with part-time study since 2019, here is my survival guide for the time-poor student:
- Do the heavy lifting early: Map out your assessment and exam timetables the moment the session opens. They creep up faster than you think.
- Move before you study: A quick stroll or bit of exercise before hitting the books clears the mental fog.
- Front-load your effort: Put a serious amount of work into your early quizzes and mid-terms. A strong early result takes the crushing weight off your shoulders during finals.
- Connect with the Online SRC: I’ve served on the Online Student Representative Committee since 2025. We are here to ensure the online cohort isn’t overlooked. Following us on social media is the easiest way to find competitions, study tips, and a sense of community. Think Instagram, think Facebook, I’m even considering starting a podcast!
University is a slog if you do it in isolation, but a rewarding adventure if you engage. I’ll see you (virtually) via the Online SRC!
Charlie blog is a SSAF funded initiative.
