SCSS Useful Information and Links
How to study more effectively
Studying in Australia may be quite different to the study you have already undertaken. We have put together some helpful hints and websites to assist you to get organised and study more effectively. Many students fail to achieve the grades they want simply because they are not organised, don’t prepare well and leave everything to the last minute.
Remember these important points:
• Even if you don’t have assignments to complete you still need to study.
• If you don’t revise your lessons, 50% - 80% is forgotten the following day! One week later you will only be able to remember about 2% - 3%.
• If you are taking an exam, then be prepared. Make sure you have everything you need packed and ready the night before and arrive at the examination centre early. If you are late to the exam, you will not be permitted to enter and will fail.
Life will be very different for you in Australia and you will find that you will be required to manage many things like study, work, cooking and cleaning. It is easy to become overwhelmed, disorganised and find you cannot meet deadlines for assignments. Here are some suggestions to help you manage the time you have available and to give you the best chance at success.
Set goals: It is a good idea to think about all the things you need to do and all the things you want to do with your time. It is a good idea to make sure you have a balance between study, work and leisure time. Check out the ‘Top 10 best ideas for Goal Setting’ below. This will help you to set realistic, achievable goals.
Use a diary and wall planner: these tools will help to get you organised and then stay on track. Write down when you have classes and when you are required to attend your job. Then enter in the due dates for all your assignments and work requirements. Make sure you include the exam period. Then add in any appointments, additional classes or meeting times with friends. Using your diary and wall planner will remind you of events that are coming up and avoid things catching you by surprise.
Plan your projects/assignments: sometimes projects or assignments can be large and complex and it is easy to get lost trying to work out where to start. It helps to write a list of all the things you need to do in order to complete the project or assignment and then list them in order of what needs to be done first. This will help to give you direction and also a timeline so that you can plan everything that needs to be done.
Be flexible: your situation may change and you may need to re-adjust your goals or work plan to fit in with these changes. If you plan your study well then you will be able to allow for such changes easily.
Balance your time: It is a very good idea to have a balance between work, study and relaxation time with your friends. Spending some fun time with friends will actually help you with your studies – just make sure you plan it well to fit in with your schedule. Laughing with friends helps to reduce stress
Turn off the phone and email: while it is good to chat to friends on the phone or via email, sometimes this can become a distraction and prevent you from studying. If you have a deadline to meet, then turn off the phone and email. Don’t worry, your friends will call back or will leave a message and you can call them after your assignment is completed.
Talk to someone: Sometimes there are so many things to do that it might become very difficult to manage your time. Don’t worry. There will be people at your college or university able to help you. Speak to your teacher, lecturer, academic adviser or counsellor. These people have lots of experience helping students to cope with their studies and busy schedules. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Study Tips and Assistance |
Top achievement |
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Study guides and strategies |
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Note taking tips |
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Essay writing |
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Australian Government Agencies |
Department of Immigration and Citizenship |
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Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service |
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Australian Customs Service |
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Weather Services and Information |
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Australian Bureau of Meterology |
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Elders Australia |
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World Weather Information Service |
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Maps, Accommodation and Travel |
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City search |
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Metlink (Melbourne Trains) |
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Street level maps |
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Travel and tours |
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Travel bargains at the last minute |
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Telephone Services |
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International country calling codes |
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Australian telephone directory |
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Sporting Bodies |
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Australian Football League |
Basketball Australia |
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Confederation of Australian Motor Sports |
Cricket Australia |
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Hockey Australia |
Indoor Cricket |
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Australian Judo Association |
National Rugby Leage |
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Rugby Australia |
Soccer Federation of Australia |
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V8 Supercars Australia |
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