Your First Assignment: How to get started when you’re stuck
The transition to university life can be a jarring experience. From timetable management to academic writing skills, the experience is completely different from high school or the workforce. Then there’s the assignments.
Submitting that first assignment doesn’t have to be daunting. There’s a range of support services and resources available to you at UNE to make your academic journey seamless.
If you’re finding yourself getting stuck, don’t worry. Scan through the resources below and get over that first hurdle!
Academic Skills Office:
The Academic Skills Office (ASO) offers a free range of services and resources to all UNE students. Is there a specific academic skill that’s holding you back with your first assignment? Whether you’re uncertain about the conventions of academic writing, structure or referencing styles, the ASO can help you tighten up your skills.
Here’s a list of services on offer:
- Study Smart Sessions: Online group sessions targeting specific areas of academic life at UNE. From time management to drafting processes or assignment writing, these interactive sessions run by the ASO allow for hands-on learning. See what’s upcoming and register here.
- Self-paced Online Learning: Targeting the skills of critical thinking, academic reading, note making, time and stress management, the ASO has a collection of free online learning resources. Check them out here.
- Assignment Writing Resources: Breaking down questions, paragraph writing, adhering to the conventions of your study area; this collection of resources is specific to assignment writing. If you’re stumped on what standards your university work needs to meet, these resources can help you get there.
1st Year and Academic Advisors:
Depending on your area of study, UNE has a team of first-year academic advisors from each school of study. 1st year students can reach out to their advisor and receive advice for transitioning into study, success strategies, academic support, as well as study and assessment skills. They also offer discipline-specific advice, setting you up to excel in your specific area of study. Take advantage of this support specifically tailored to first-year students.
Study Gym Sessions:
If your academic struggles are more of a mental block, UNE’s Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS) may be for you. CAPS offers “study gym” sessions aimed at boosting confidence, overcoming procrastination, improving concentration and time management. These sessions are currently available face-to-face, by phone or via Zoom.
In order to access these services, you’ll need to do the following:
- Book a wellness check: Necessary if you’re contacting CAPS for the first time or recontacting after a 12-month period. This is a 30-minute introductory appointment that serves as a check-in to identify which CAPS services will best suit you. You can book a wellness check here.
- Book a study gym session: Following your wellness check, specify that you want a study gym session.
Call (02) 6773 2897, email studentcounselling@une.edu.au or submit an AskUNE request to get in touch with the CAPS team.
Academic Mentors:
For college residents looking for peer-based assistance, contact your college academic mentors. Senior students within their college communities, these mentors have been in your shoes before. They are selected based on academic merit within their subject area.
Academic mentors can provide support to students within the same discipline, providing specific advice, organising tutorial sessions or sharing study and exam preparation techniques.
Visit your college office if you need assistance getting in touch with an academic mentor.
Studiosity:
Studiosity is an online academic support service available to UNE students. Simply submit your draft to the service and receive constructive writing feedback in a matter of minutes. Studiosity provides feedback on your grammar, referencing, structure and argument. Access the service before you hit submit on your first assignment for free and reliable feedback.
Getting that first assignment done doesn’t have to be a challenge. There are plenty of free resources available to you, so you can put your best academic foot forward. Check them out and start your university journey off strong.
Still stuck? Reach out to Advocacy and Welfare. Our team of student advocates can point you in the right direction.
Call us on (02) 6773 3116, email us at advocacy@une.edu.au or visit our website to book a free and confidential appointment today.
