Whether you’re coming straight from high school or you’re a mature aged student returning to study, beginning university for the first time can feel daunting. That’s why having a mentor to help guide you through your first semester can be so helpful to answer your questions and give advice.
Here are just some of the ways you can best utilise your New to Curtin mentor this semester:
Get help navigating Blackboard. Throughout your time at Curtin, you will be logging into Blackboard more times that you will remember. It can be a bit confusing to navigate a new system when you first start, so ask your mentor if they’re happy to share their tips and tricks on how to use it properly.
Get advice on what to expect at practical work placements. Before going on a practical work placement you may be asking yourself – what do I wear? Should I pack my lunch? What tasks will I be expected to do? Your mentor has been through all this before and should be able to easily answer your questions.
Find out about the different types of support services. There are so many support services available to students at Curtin that it can be difficult to know where to go when you need help. Ask your mentor for some advice and they can guide you to a support service that suits your needs.
Get some tips on how to balance work and study life. University study can make a huge impact on how and where you dedicate your time throughout the week and it can sometimes feel overwhelming when you’re starting out. Chat to your mentor and find out their strategies for finding the right balance between work, study and play.
Your mentor can also give you tips on more than just practical study advice, they can tell you where to find the best coffee on campus, which food trucks you must try out and the extra-curricular sports and clubs that would be worthwhile getting involved with.
More information about the New to Curtin Mentoring program, including how to sign-up to receive one in your first semester, can be found here.
