Geographic transition
Getting used to a university campus, a new city or even a different country can be tough for new students, but it's good to remember that everyone can feel lost when they are in a new and unfamiliar place.
Below is a list of the more common issues faced by students - have a look and check if there are any that you wouldn't have anticipated - and some links to helpful resources.
| Common issues | Tip | Resources |
- Size of campus: Depending on which uni you choose to go to, you will have to get used to the size of campus. The main University of Melbourne campus (Parkville) is huge, spread across several blocks and with a staff and student population larger than many towns.
- Class locations: Having classes all over campus leaves many feeling lost and rushed.
- New city or country: Feeling lost is an issue especially significant for students who have moved away from home and who are also becoming oriented to a completely new city, country or even new language.
- Travel arrangements: Most students will also have to negotiate a new transport system.
The advantage of being in such a large place like the University of Melbourne is the variety of services available to you: cafes, sports centre, theatre, health service, chemist, libraries and a few lawns to just lie around and relax on. There are also maps everywhere - including in the cover of your student diary - and you can always just ask someone! If you find yourself lost, head to the Information Centre on Swanston Street, or the Info Centre in Union House. Union House also has a map of lecture theatre locations, right near the ground floor stairs.
Tip: If you're worried about being able to get from one class to another straight after, when it might be on the other side of campus, remember that most lectures are actually supposed to be 50 minutes long, rather than the full hour, giving you 5-10 minutes to get between classes.
- Campus maps: Maps of the Parkville Campus and associated rural campuses.
- Housing Services: Assisting students to find and maintain affordable, safe and appropriate housing.
- Lecture theatres: Alphabetical listing of most of the lecture theatres at Parkville Campus.
- Studying & Living in Melbourne: Information for international students.
- Life at Melbourne: Information for rural and interstate students.
- Public Transport in Melbourne: Information on Melbourne's trains, trams and buses.