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How to get work experience during your course

There’s no doubt that gaining work experience during your course will come in handy when you’re applying for jobs after graduation. Not only will it improve your job prospects and help you stand out among a sea of eager graduates, but it can also give you valuable insight into the type of job you might enjoy once you’re out in the workforce.

Uni myths debunked: getting in

With the application period fast approaching, we’re on a mission to set straight any untruths that may be troubling your mind. You may find yourself pleasantly surprised.

Your mature age study options

There’s a lot to think about when making the decision to return to study — what you’ll study, where you’ll do it and how you’ll fit your studies into your schedule are just a few examples. So how do you sort through your options?

Everything you need to know about mid-year entry

If you’re thinking about mid-year entry, you’re certainly not alone. Thousands of students apply for the mid-year intake each year — some because they’ve extended their summer holidays to do some overseas travel, while others just want a more flexible start date for their course.

How to do well in your course (and still have fun)

If you think that student life is all work and no play, forget what you’ve heard! Even in the most theory-heavy and time-consuming courses, it’s still possible to do well in your classes and have fun at the same time.

Tips for using a higher education pathway

You may have come across the 'pathways' term before, but do you know how to use these pathways as alternative routes to the course and career you want? If you don’t achieve the ATAR that you need or are looking to re-enter education after a long break, then a pathway could be your key to tertiary study.

How to cope with the transition to tertiary study

If you’re finding the transition to tertiary study a little difficult, you’re not alone. It’s perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed as you adjust to a new teaching style and a new course. Then there’s everything else that’s new — teachers, friends, buildings… perhaps even a new city!

Top tips for getting top marks

With the academic calendar now in full swing, it’s time to start thinking about how you’ll get through the rest of the year (and how you'll excel at your studies while you're at it!).

How to deal with your institution's admin office

No matter what you’re studying or which institution you attend, there will be at least a few instances during your studies when you’ll have to deal with the admin office — whether to make adjustments to your enrolment, submit applications or otherwise. Don’t feel daunted; administration offices are there to help you smooth out any bumps you might experience in your studies, and many provide helpful services that you might not even know about.

Your guide to O-Week

With classes just a month or so away, it’s normal to feel a little anxious if you’re starting uni for the first time. Luckily, Orientation Week (commonly known as O-Week) offers you an introduction to uni life.

University offers: what to do if you didn't get into your first preference

With most course offers out this week, there’s plenty to be excited about. But for some students, it can also be a time of stress — particularly if they haven’t been offered a place in their preferred course.

To defer or not to defer?

As course offers begin to arrive, you may be asking yourself whether it’s worth taking some time off before starting your studies.

The benefits of the Asian Century for tertiary students

Tertiary education is one of the key areas where the government aims to forge stronger ties with Asia according to the recently released White Paper. Read on to find out how students can benefit from the 'Asian Century'.

How to approach the change of preference period

With the arrival of Year 12 results comes the start of the change of preference period, which gives students the opportunity to adjust their course preferences before offers are made.

How to choose your student accommodation

One of the most exciting things about beginning tertiary study is the opportunity to move out of home and start making some of your own choices, including where you will live. If you’re at the very start of the process and need a few pointers, we have four tips that will get you through the process.

Why take a gap year?

Are you one of the many students weighing up the option of taking a nice long break from the rigours of study after finishing secondary school? New research from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research reveals why students choose to take a gap year.

What to do once you graduate

Finishing a course means different things for different people. Some graduates may be ready to enter the workforce the minute they graduate, while others might find the decision a little more difficult. If you’re not quite sure where you’re heading once you finish studying, we explain your options.

Tips for exams

If you're heading into the exam period, there are a few things to remember once you're in the exam room. Read on for six tips to help improve your exam performance.

Choosing a research degree

If you’re coming to end of your undergraduate degree or have already dabbled in research through an honours program, you may be one of the many students who consider completing a higher research degree.

What is a direct application?

If you’re in the midst of researching courses, you’ve no doubt come across institutions with different application methods. Some may ask that you apply through the local Tertiary Admissions Centre (TAC), while others will specify their own method — a direct application. If you’re not sure what direct applications are all about, read on as we answer some of the most common questions.

How to deal with loss of motivation in Year 12

With the school year drawing to a close, it can be easy to lose motivation and wonder if your hours of study will pay off in the end. If this sounds like you, we have five tips to help you regain motivation.

Vocational or higher education?

There’s a lot of choice involved when you decide to pursue tertiary study — which specialisations you’ll pursue, which study mode will best fit your lifestyle and which campus has the most to offer, just to name a few. But what about choosing the type of education provider?

Tips for choosing course preferences

Choosing course preferences can be tough. You want to choose a course that you’ll enjoy and that will bring you one step closer to your career goals. To get to that point, you need to have researched your choices and assessed what you like about each course (and what you don’t).

The pros and cons of immediate postgraduate study

When you’re finishing uni, there are probably a few things on your mind — how you’ll enjoy your newfound freedom, whether you’ll travel, when you’ll start looking for a job and so on. But what about a second degree?

How to choose a course if you're not sure what you want to do

If you’re getting ready to leave school, it’s likely that everywhere you go you’ll be asked what you want to be ‘when you grow up’. If you’re still looking into possible courses, tossing up between two fields or have no idea what kind of career you want, you have three options.

Returning to study as a mature age student

Going to uni for the first time is tough for all students, but if you’ve been in the workforce for a few years or have kids (or both), it can be downright scary. Luckily, there are ways to help ease the stress of jumping back into formal study.

Why choose a double degree?

If you’re looking at courses, you’ve probably heard of double degrees and know (roughly) what they involve. But why would you choose one?

Preparing for university open days

Each year, universities and other education providers throw open their doors to prospective students. These usually begin in the middle of the year, with most finishing up two or three months before Christmas to ensure you have plenty of time to make up your mind before the new year rolls around.

How to keep to a budget while at uni

If you think being a student means being poor, think again! With careful planning and a little self-restraint, you can learn to keep to a budget and not skimp on life’s necessities.

How to get the most out of your course before you graduate

If you’re in the last few years of your degree, you have no doubt begun thinking about what life will be like in the ‘real world’. If the end is scarily near, you might like to read about some of the initiatives taken by higher education providers to make sure you get the most of your course.

An update on Victoria's TAFE budget cuts

The Victorian TAFE budget cuts were announced in May as part of the state budget, causing controversy among institutions and education unions alike. It is estimated that the budget cuts will amount to almost $300 million and will impact on Victoria’s 597,000 or so TAFE students despite healthy and growing enrolment figures.

Five uni myths debunked

We hear myths and clichés about uni students all the time, but how much truth is there to them? Read on as we get to the bottom of some of the most common myths going around.

News for apprentices and trainees

If you’re thinking about beginning an apprenticeship or traineeship — or are already midway through your training — read on for an update of what’s been happening in the sector.

Why you should consider mid-year entry

If you haven’t previously studied or if you feel that you’re ‘stuck’ in a course you hate, beginning a course midway through the year may be for you. Mid-year entry is a great option for students and is available in a number of courses, across all education sectors and levels.

The facts about private VET and higher education providers

When thinking about where to study, many students consider just two options — TAFE or university. A third option, often not considered by prospective students, is to study at a private tertiary education provider.

Australian graduate employment prospects

Whether you’re nearing the end of your degree or have just begun university study, you’ll know that graduation is usually synonymous with job hunting. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure about your chances of gaining employment, read on to see how recent graduates from your field of study have fared after course completion.

Why you should (or shouldn't) drop a subject

Now that you’re a few weeks into classes, you should know which subjects you like and which ones you don’t. If you’re stuck in a subject you hate, remember that it’s not too late to change your enrolment.

Getting the most out of your university's student services

If you find yourself running out the door the minute class ends, think again. Most universities run events throughout the week where you can meet new people and mingle over cheap (or even free) food, or clubs and societies to help you pursue an interest.

How to beat the post-holiday blues
With semester one just around the corner, we’re sure that some of you are feeling the ‘post-holiday blues’. Whether you’ve spent the summer buried in part-time work or you’ve taken a well-deserved break, it can be difficult to get back into the swing of things after having a few months off.

Uni offers — first preference is not the only option

You’ve just received a university offer. Unfortunately, the offer is not from your top-choice uni, so doubt has crept in. But don’t despair — students who miss out on their first preference can rest assured that high-demand universities (often a top choice) are not the only ones that can provide a top-quality educational experience and positive graduate outcomes.

Change of preference tips

With students around Australia receiving their ATARs, many have been in a state of confusion — particularly those who have the option of changing their preferences. Here, The Good Universities Guide answers some of the most common student questions that crop up in this exciting time.

How to prepare for a job interview

Whether you’re on the lookout for a job to pay your way through uni or you’ve just finished your degree, it’s likely that you’re starting to think (or fret) about job interviews. Luckily, interviews don’t need to be stressful, so long as you prepare beforehand. So if you’re in the midst of job applications, read on and keep these points in mind before attending your first interview.

The benefits of a gap year

Deferring is becoming an increasingly popular option for students wanting a well-earned break, a chance to set themselves up financially for the coming years and an opportunity to gain some real-world experience before hitting the books again. When your high school exams finally wrap up, it’s time to start making some plans for next year before you receive your offers.

How to avoid committing plagiarism

With many students’ final essays due in the coming weeks, plagiarism will no doubt be an issue for many. Plagiarism (passing off someone else’s intellectual property as your own) can be deliberate, but in many cases students commit plagiarism by accident — often by copying and pasting chunks of text without rewriting; by paraphrasing incorrectly; or by forgetting to add references.

The top five study apps for university students

If you own a smartphone then you are probably already aware of the huge range of apps available, not to mention their time-saving and life-changing possibilities (news apps, weather apps, Facebook, Skype, Twitter and mobile banking just to name a few). But have you ever thought about how the apps on your phone can optimise your life as a student?

Financial assistance for regional students moving away from home

If you are living in a regional or rural area and need to move away from home to study next year you are probably feeling anxious about the big move. While metropolitan students are usually able to stay at home until they find their feet, many country students are forced out of their comfort zone as they try to adjust to the student lifestyle, living in a city and the new responsibilities and expenses of living away from home.

The benefits of student exchange

Universities offer excellent opportunities to experience life and learning in another country through student exchange programs. More and more students are participating in these programs every year, leaving Australia for one or two semesters while continuing on with studies that contribute to their degree in another country. And it’s not hard to see why these students are taking advantage of the programs when you think of the benefits they offer…

Living on campus

If you are heading to uni next year then it is highly likely that you have been considering your accommodation options. Residential colleges and halls of residence are the most popular options, and ones which are commonly associated with the university experience.

Five tips if you're planning to drop out of your course

Dropping out of your course may have a domino effect: having to start a course over again, paying more fees in the long run and delaying your career, just to name a l few. But in some cases it is worth it, so read on for our tips on making the right decision.

Five tips for tackling open days

For aspiring higher education students the August/September period can only mean one thing: OPEN DAYS! Whether you’re in Year 10, Year 12 or even a mature age student looking to expand your qualifications, open days are a fun way to gain a taste of university life, find out the information you need and narrow down your options.

New media technologies at university

The Australian university experience is certainly not what it used to be. As technology evolves, so too does the flexibility of teaching at universities. As a result, the capability of students to complete their studies outside the classroom is increasing.

Five benefits of completing an internship

Internships are where higher education meets employment; they allow students to gain experience working in an organisation while studying at university.

You can also keep up to date with information on university open days .