Getting started at Deakin
Current students
Having your son or daughter, parent or partner starting a new qualification can lead to as many questions for you as it does for them. Please feel free to contact Deakin if you have any questions. This page contains some frequently asked questions.
What fees apply? How does HECS work? What support is available?
The Fee Information page contains details about fees and HECS and the implications for domestic and international students.
Student Life processes student loans, but also offers a range of additional information about financial assistance. International students can also access information about fees and finance issues online.
How much are text books going to cost?
Text books can be expensive. To check the prices of text books you should first look up the unit requirements on Books4U. This bookshop is a service of DUSA, Deakin's student association. Discounts are available to members and DUSA also have a second hand book facility on each campus. Other options include checking availability of texts from the library, although maximum loan periods apply. Ebay is another option for checking for second hand texts.
What support is there for students to find part time work?
Deakin has a comprehensive careers and employment service. Students can build a resume online as well as access the thousands of jobs each year which are targeting Deakin students. We advise students to bookmark Jobshop and check regularly for local employment opportunities. From time to time jobs become available on campus, but these usually target students in later years rather than commencing students.
Deakin prides itself on being supportive and responsive to students needs. Faculty student centres, Student Life and DUSA4U focus on delivering services to support student success.
What help is available for study success?
Language and Learning Advisers offer a comprehensive range of online resources to help students develop good study habits, write in an appropriate academic style, prepare for exams and develop good skills and practices for academic success. There is also a comprehensive workshop timetable, drop-in facilities and individual support available. Our counselling service offers assistance in dealing with the stress that some students feel as they prepare for assignments or exams.
Deakin library staff are available to help students locate resources from books to electronic journals. Students can ask at the help desk on campus or access assistance online through the library site.
DUSA offer an advocacy service, which is of great value to students who fail units and are involved in 'show cause' or disciplinary procedures.
What if the student gets ill, distressed or homesick?
Student Life and Deakin International offer a range of support services to students. Personal counsellors are available on each campus, as are medical staff. Our transition program is designed to provide senior student support and faculties are alert to signs that students are not coping well to the change to university life.
Students living on residences have the benefits of peer mentoring, academic support and each
unit has an allocated residential assistant, who is the first point of contact for student queries and concerns.Chaplains on campus provide great support for students who want some spiritual guidance or a listening ear. It is not necessary to belong to any religious faith or to attend worship anywhere in order to use the chaplaincy services.
What assistance is available for students with disabilities?
The Disability Resource Centre (DRC) is here to assist students achieve their academic goals. Whilst some students have a disability which is enduring, others can be temporarily disabled by accidents or illnesses and need support to continue studying successfully. The services available through the DRC include:
- Electronically delivered study material
- Academic support workers such as note takers and sign interpreters
- Alternative assessment arrangements, for example extra time, rest breaks, or computer use
- Extended library services such as additional loan time and use of off campus services
- Assistance with technology training and access to adaptive technology laboratories
- Referral to other University staff and services
- An orientation program
Security Officers are on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and are based at all campuses. These officers are easily identified by their uniforms, which have a Deakin Security badge on them. Deakin Security Officers are trained on Deakin security policies, procedures and emergency arrangements as well as to Level 2 First aid.
What sort of computer and internet connection will they need?
Deakin requires its students to have access to a computer and the Internet. This does not necessarily mean that students must own a computer. Deakin provides on-campus computer facilities and computer laboratories. Access minimum computer standards through our IT services site.
What about software?
Deakin University students access their units through Deakin Studies Online. Some units also need special software requirements. Deakin offers this software to students to download to their computer through the Deakin Learning Toolkit which is sent out to all commencing students. This software and others are also available online.
