{"id":23456,"date":"2024-01-15T10:24:00","date_gmt":"2024-01-15T02:24:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/?post_type=advice&#038;p=23456"},"modified":"2025-12-10T13:56:21","modified_gmt":"2025-12-10T05:56:21","slug":"a-guide-to-succeeding-at-university","status":"publish","type":"advice","link":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/advice\/a-guide-to-succeeding-at-university\/","title":{"rendered":"A guide to succeeding at university\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>As an international student, you\u2019re embarking on the journey of a lifetime \u2013 one that extends beyond the classroom. You\u2019ll have the opportunity to broaden your cultural horizons, create lasting connections and grow as an individual.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At Curtin, we understand that your success is not limited to your academic career. That\u2019s why we\u2019re here to help you thrive in all aspects of university life. To support you in doing exactly that, we\u2019ve put together some of our top tips for achieving academic, professional and personal success at university.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Understand the Australian education system<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p>Before diving into your first assignment, it\u2019s crucial to familiarise yourself with the way academia works in Australia. The grading system, course structure and academic expectations may differ from what you\u2019re used to in your home country. Ask local students and lecturers questions, and do your research so you can set realistic aims while you are studying.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Australia uses a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/students\/essentials\/examinations\/results\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">grading system<\/a> that typically ranges from High Distinction (HD) to Fail (F), with various grades in between; other courses may operate on a Pass\/Fail model. It\u2019s essential to understand what each grade represents and how your performance will be evaluated. Become familiar with your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/study\/search\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">course structure<\/a>, including lectures, tutorials and assessments, as this will vary from program to program.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1366\" src=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/two-students-uni-success-article-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-23478\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/two-students-uni-success-article-scaled.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/two-students-uni-success-article-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/two-students-uni-success-article-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Set goals<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Success begins with clear goals. You may want to set <a href=\"https:\/\/www.indeed.com\/career-advice\/career-development\/how-to-write-smart-goals\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">SMART<\/a> (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-based) goals for your time at Curtin.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your goals could be related to academic achievements, personal growth or future career plans. For example, let\u2019s say you need to write a 1,500-word essay for one of your courses that is due in a month.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p>A SMART goal you could set in this circumstance is: <em>I will write 500 words per week over the next three weeks days to complete the first draft of my essay. This will then leave me a full week to proofread and edit my essay before submission.<\/em>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Because you\u2019ve noted the number of words you need to write, it\u2019s both specific and measurable. Given that 500 words equate to roughly two to three paragraphs, it meets the attainability criterion, and it\u2019s relevant because it relates to your degree and academic success. Finally, it\u2019s time-bound because you have specified the timeline on which you need to achieve the goal.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/INT-study-uni-success-article.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-23483\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/INT-study-uni-success-article.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/INT-study-uni-success-article-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>No matter your objective, having a clear vision will provide you with motivation and direction throughout your university journey.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Take advantage of the services around you<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Curtin provides a range of services to support your academic and personal growth. Whether you need academic advice, career guidance or emotional support, we have resources in place to help you succeed.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/study\/learning-experience\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Student experiences and support<\/a> section of our website to discover the help available to you, including counselling, academic workshops and disability services. We also recommend exploring our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/study\/learning-experience\/learning-support\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">learning support services<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/guild.curtin.edu.au\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Curtin Student Guild<\/a> also has a <a href=\"https:\/\/guild.curtin.edu.au\/advice\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Student advice<\/a> support and advocacy service, with guidance available on everything from academics to finances and accommodation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Stay on top of coursework<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>University life can be demanding, with multiple assignments, readings and exams to juggle. Additionally, unlike secondary school, you\u2019ll be expected to study more independently at the university level. As a result, staying organised and keeping up with your coursework is essential for success.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p>Create a study schedule that allows you to manage your workload effectively.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Curtin offers various resources to help you with <a href=\"https:\/\/uniskills.library.curtin.edu.au\/study\/study-habits\/manage-your-time\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">time management<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/students\/study-support\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">study<\/a>, so don\u2019t hesitate to seek assistance when needed.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you ever find yourself struggling to manage your coursework, you can also consider reaching out to your teachers, academic advisors or even your peers for some assistance. Whether it\u2019s creating a study group with your coursemates or attending your lecturer\u2019s office hours, you\u2019ll have diverse sources of support available to you.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" src=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/INT-students-study-uni-success-article-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-23480\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/INT-students-study-uni-success-article-scaled.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/INT-students-study-uni-success-article-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/INT-students-study-uni-success-article-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Enjoy your downtime<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While getting good grades is important, it\u2019s equally vital to take time for yourself. Socialising with friends, pursuing hobbies and exploring the vibrant city of Perth (Boorloo) can contribute to your overall wellbeing.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Prioritising both your academic commitments and downtime can help you achieve a healthy <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthdirect.gov.au\/work-life-balance\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">work-life balance<\/a> and avoid burnout.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Both the university and the Curtin Student Guild have a wide range of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/study\/campus-life\/sport-and-social-clubs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">sport and social clubs<\/a> covering a variety of interests. Sign up for a club, or discover a new hobby you never knew you were interested in.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1366\" src=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/INT-downtime-uni-success-article-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-23482\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/INT-downtime-uni-success-article-scaled.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/INT-downtime-uni-success-article-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/INT-downtime-uni-success-article-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Your time at university is an opportunity for personal development, academic achievement and lifelong memories. Your success at Curtin isn\u2019t just measured by grades, but by the growth you experience during your time living and studying in Perth.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Explore the diverse opportunities Curtin has to offer and make the most of your university experience. To learn more about services and resources specifically for international students, visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/students\/personal-support\/international\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">International student support<\/a> section of our website.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><sup><strong><em>Disclaimer<\/em><\/strong><br><em>This post is correct as of 27 May 2024, but is subject to change by Curtin University (in its sole discretion). Curtin University may change the content, and its location or blog, post, and web address. This post contains general information only. Users should consider how it applies to their personal circumstances and seek specific advice. This blog, post, and our website are not intended as, and shall not be construed as legal, financial, tax, medical, health, or any other professional advice.<\/em><br><em>\u00a9 Curtin University 2025.<\/em><\/sup><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As an international student, you\u2019re embarking on the journey of a lifetime \u2013 one that [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4451,"featured_media":23479,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_oasis_is_in_workflow":0,"_oasis_original":0,"_oasis_task_priority":"2normal","_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"4555,4600,7401,4673,8160,6492","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","wds_primary_category":3,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,114,87],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-23456","advice","type-advice","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-campus-and-global-community","category-international-students","category-perth-campus"],"acf":{"post_options":{"":null,"additional_content":{"title":"","content":"","image":false},"related_courses":[{"title":"","qualification":"","link":"","description":"","faculty":""}],"credits":{"author":"","photographer":"","media":false},"display_author":true,"banner":{"image":false}},"post_components":false},"featured_image":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/INT-succeeding-at-university-banner-image-1589x500.jpg","author_meta":{"first_name":"Curtin","last_name":"University","display_name":"Curtin University"},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/advice\/23456","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/advice"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/advice"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4451"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/advice\/23456\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/23479"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23456"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23456"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23456"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}