Preparing for University in Australia: A Complete Guide

Preparing for university is an exciting yet overwhelming experience, especially if you’re unsure what to expect. Whether you’re a domestic student fresh out of high school or an international student moving to Australia, there’s a lot to organise before your first semester begins.

This guide covers everything you need to do before university starts, from choosing your course and enrolling to budgeting, finding accommodation, and preparing for university life in Australia.

1. Choosing the Right University & Degree

Before stepping onto a university campus, it’s important to ensure you’ve chosen the right university and degree.

• Compare universities based on rankings, reputation, and areas of strength. Some universities are known for medicine or law, while others specialise in engineering or marine biology. I’ve compiled a comprehensive guide on the top 10 universities in Australia and their best degrees – read it here.
• Check entry requirements, including ATAR cut-offs (for domestic students), prerequisites, or required English language proficiency tests (for international students).
• Consider location and lifestyle—do you prefer studying in a bustling city like Sydney or Melbourne or in a regional university town with a lower cost of living like Townsville or Cairns?

If you’re unsure about your choice, explore alternative pathways such as bridging courses, TAFE, or foundation programs that can help you gain entry into your desired course.

2. Understanding the Application Process

Applying to university in Australia varies depending on whether you’re a domestic or international student.

• Domestic students apply through state-based admissions centres, such as:
  • UAC (NSW & ACT) – Universities Admissions Centre
  • VTAC (VIC) – Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre
  • QTAC (QLD) – Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre
  • SATAC (SA & NT) – South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre
  • TISC (WA) – Tertiary Institutions Service Centre
• International students apply directly through the university or via an education agent. You will also need:
  • A student visa (Subclass 500)
  • Proof of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic)
  • Certified copies of their academic transcripts

If you didn’t achieve the ATAR you needed, don’t panic—many universities offer bridging programs or pathway courses through TAFE or private colleges.

2.5 Get a Head Start with the Uni Pro Accelerator Course

Applying for university is just the beginning—succeeding at university is an entirely different challenge. Many students struggle in their first year because they don’t know how to manage assessments, research efficiently, or write at a university level.

That’s where the Uni Pro Accelerator comes in.

This online course teaches you:
✔️ How to break down assessment outlines so you never miss key criteria
✔️ Faster research techniques so you spend less time searching and more time writing
✔️ Proven strategies for writing at a university level (without getting stuck staring at a blank screen)
✔️ Time management systems to stay ahead of deadlines and avoid last-minute stress

If you want to start university with confidence, the Uni Pro Accelerator course will help you skip the common mistakes and set yourself up for success from day one.

🔗 Click here to learn more about Uni Pro Accelerator

3. Sorting Out Finances & Scholarships

University tuition and living costs can add up quickly, so it’s important to sort out your finances before classes start.

• Domestic students can use HECS-HELP, a government loan that covers tuition fees for eligible students.
• International students pay full tuition upfront and should look for scholarships to reduce costs.
• Many universities and private organisations offer scholarships and grants based on academic performance, financial need, or community involvement.
• Budgeting for university should include:
  • Tuition fees
  • Rent and utilities
  • Food and groceries
  • Transport costs (public transport, fuel, etc.)
  • Study materials (textbooks, laptop, etc.)

4. Enrolling in Your Courses

Once you’ve been accepted into a university, the next step is enrolling in your subjects. This is crucial because some courses have prerequisites or limited places, meaning they can fill up fast.

• Plan your degree from day one—check your university’s course handbook and map out which subjects you need to take each year.
• Some subjects are only offered in specific semesters, so failing to plan could mean delaying your graduation.
• Know the census date—this is the last day you can withdraw from a subject without financial penalty.

If a subject is full, join the waiting list or email the course coordinator to see if more spots will open.

5. Finding Accommodation & Settling In

Where you live during university can impact your budget, lifestyle, and commute time.

• On-campus accommodation is great for first-year students as it provides a built-in community and convenience, but places are limited.
• Off-campus student housing is available in major cities, offering shared apartments or private studios.
• Private rentals and share houses are the most common option for domestic students and upper-year students.

In general, Sydney and Melbourne have the highest rents, while cities like Adelaide, Brisbane, and Perth are more affordable. Students in regional university towns often have access to cheaper housing.

If you’re renting, be prepared to pay a bond (4–6 weeks of rent) before moving in.

6. Preparing for University Life

University is very different from high school—there’s more independence, larger class sizes, and fewer contact hours.

• O-Week (Orientation Week) is a must-attend event where you’ll:
  • Get familiar with the campus
  • Meet new people and make friends
  • Learn about student clubs and societies
  • Attend info sessions about your course
• Most universities have student unions that offer social events, support services, and discounted memberships.

Joining clubs is a great way to network and make university more fun.

7. Buying Textbooks & Study Materials

Before spending hundreds of dollars on textbooks, consider cheaper alternatives:

• Buy second-hand textbooks from Facebook groups, Gumtree, or the university bookshop.
• Borrow textbooks from the university library (but be quick, as they get taken fast).
• Check if an eBook version is available—many universities offer digital access.

For tech, most students need:

• A reliable laptop (MacBooks and high-end Windows laptops are popular choices).
• Access to Microsoft Office (often free through university logins).
• A good note-taking system (OneNote, Notion, or traditional notebooks).

8. Managing Work, Study & Social Life

Balancing study, work, and social life is key to avoiding burnout.

• Many students take up casual or part-time jobs in retail, hospitality, or tutoring.
• Work limits for international students are 48 hours per fortnight during semester.
• Use time management techniques like:
  • The Pomodoro technique (study in focused bursts).
  • Weekly planners to schedule assignments and deadlines.
• Start your assignments early—procrastination is the biggest reason students struggle.

It’s important to prioritise well-being—take breaks, exercise, and get enough sleep. It can be tough sometimes when we are facing a huge workload but by taking regular breaks the university work will still get done and we will feel better too.