New student checklist

Our new student checklist will help you get started at university by guiding you through your first study period.

New student checklist

After you accept your offer

  • Activate your Deakin IT account

    Your Deakin username and password will give you access to Wi-Fi and key applications such as StudentConnect and DeakinSync.

  • Plan your course and enrol

    Use your course map to enrol for your first trimester. Following your course map means you will complete your course as early as possible.

  • Get your Unique Student Identifier

    Your USI is your lifelong individual education number. You’ll need it to maintain enrolment, access HELP loans and graduate.

  • Apply for RPL if eligible

    If you have previous study or work experience related to your study, you may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning.

  • Get your Tax File Number

    If you have a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or wish to use HECS-HELP, FEE-HELP or SA-HELP, you'll need a Tax File Number (TFN).

Prepare for uni and study

  • Check your Deakin email

    All official correspondence will come to your Deakin email address. Check your email regularly or forward it to your preferred account.

  • Set yourself up for success

    You will be enrolled in UniStart (undergraduate) or Preparing to Succeed (postgraduate). You'll be ready for study with these great resources.

  • View textbooks and reading lists

    Each unit guide provides you with a list of resources and readings. Visit the library website and search for your readings.

  • Build your Orientation itinerary

    Orientation starts with pre OWeek. Download your itinerary and view your full list of OWeek sessions and events.

  • Order your Deakin Card

    Your Deakin Card is used for printing, access, and identification while on campus. Order online and have your card posted to you.

  • Where to go for course help

    If you need course advice, help with information or access to Deakin’s services, visit Student Central. A student adviser will be happy to assist you.

  • Set up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

    Set up MFA on your smartphone so you can login to the student portal and access a range of applications.

  • View and check your invoice

    View your invoice each study period and after any changes to your enrolment for accuracy and amount to be paid or deferred.

  • Explore important dates

    Be sure to add key important dates to your calendar. You’ll find key dates in the Handbook including information about census date.

  • Explore DeakinSync

    Check out DeakinSync, your personal online portal including access to your learning. It’s your one-stop-shop for success at Deakin.

  • Getting to Deakin

    When it comes to planning your trip to campus, it’s important to know the best ways to travel to campus, parking requirements and where the bike hubs are.

  • Book a campus tour

    Our campuses are vibrant environments where you can enjoy events, meet other students and make the most of our many different learning spaces.

  • Prepare for OWeek

    There’s lots you can do to get ready for study before OWeek begins. Set up your study space, plan your timetable and more.

  • Find accommodation

    Thinking about your accommodation? Consider living on campus or find somewhere to live with Houseme.

  • Know your rights and responsibilities

    When you enrol as a Deakin student you agree to adhere to a range of Deakin legislation, policies and procedures.

Orientation

Week 1

Weeks 2–6

  • Get to know the library

    Learn how to navigate the library, book a study space, watch some library videos or get some speciality guidance from library staff.

  • Get help with your studies

    Find out where to get support for questions about essay writing, understanding academic integrity, referencing, plagiarism and more.

  • Learn about referencing

    Referencing is integral to writing at university, but most students have trouble with it at the start. Here are some resources that will help you.

  • Learn how to write essays

    There are many types of essays, but they have several common features that make them straightforward to plan and execute.

  • Find casual or part-time work

    We can help you find a casual or part-time job to support yourself while you’re studying. We can also help you with your application.

  • Get involved in sport

    There are lots of ways to get involved. Join a gym or sport club. It’s a great way to make friends and you don’t need to be competitive!

  • Discover our on-campus medical services

    Each campus has a Deakin Medical Centre that provides free, confidential services to students. Read more about our services and book online.

  • Report sexual harm or other concerning behaviour

    We’re committed to preventing sexual harm and problem behaviour. Contact our Safer Community team for compassionate support.

  • Complete our Respect at Deakin module

    Help us eliminate discrimination, sexual harm, and violence in the community.

Weeks 7–9

  • Meet with a counsellor

    Struggling with uni, a relationship, loss or some other aspect of your life? Find compassionate support through our counselling team.

  • Get help with writing or maths

    Need help with your assignments? We’ve got trained student mentors who specialise in writing and maths to help you.

  • Learn from your assignment feedback

    Initially, it can be hard to know how to interpret feedback from your marker. Here are some tips.

Weeks 10–12

  • Manage your stress and anxiety

    As a student, a bit of stress is normal – what’s important is learning to manage it in a productive way.

  • Get ready for exams

    Sometimes it’s hard to know where to start to prepare for exams. We’ve got some simple strategies to make sure you perform your best.

  • Browse Ask Counselling

    Find help online. Search real questions asked by Deakin students and answered confidentially by Deakin counsellors.

  • Special consideration

    Special consideration is intended to help you deal with short-term setbacks. View information on grounds for applying, how to apply and where to go for help.

  • Stay on campus for exam-time and placements

    Take the stress out of your end-of-trimester study period or placement by staying only a short walk away from campus.

  • Get your results fast

    Want your results ASAP? Register to get them sent to your phone. Plus, how to understand your results and where to go for help.

Need help?

Our student advisers are here to help you with course advice, enrolment and general enquiries.

Visit Student Central