Get started checklist

New to UOW? Here's a full checklist of what to do from the moment you receive your offer, through to your first weeks at uni.

Once you've received your offer

1. Accept your offer and enrol

Have an offer to study at UOW? Firstly, congratulations! You've made a great choice.

Let us know that you're coming by enrolling online in your course and first-year subjects.

2. Plan your travels

Coming from overseas to study at UOW? Read this important information about travelling to Australia, and what to do if you can’t.

Need somewhere to call home while you study? Explore our range of UOW accommodation options.

3. Register for your student ID card

Register online for your student identification (ID) card to be able to borrow from the library, complete your exams, apply for concessions and more.

4. Save the date for orientation

Your Orientation is a must-attend event that is normally held the week before session starts. See orientation dates and times.

Before orientation

1. Find out when tutorial enrolments open

This is where you will set your session timetable by enrolling in class times for each of your subjects. These classes could be called tutorials, seminars, practicals, workshops, computer labs or studios. Opening dates and times vary for each Faculty and subject, but they normally open up to 5 weeks before the session starts. Learn more.

2. Complete these modules

As a new student, there are a few compulsory modules you should complete before you start. If you do not complete these by the end of your first session, your results will be withheld. These will appear in Moodle and you can also access them here.

Orientation Week

1. Attend your Orientation Day

On your Orientation Day, your faculty or school will run a welcome session with important information about your course. This is a great opportunity to meet your classmates and ask any questions you have about starting your studies. Your Orientation Day is also a great opportunity to explore your campus and its facilities, connect with services and make new friends.

2. Choose your tutorial times

Remember, you may have to enrol in tutorials for each of your subjects. Make sure you are at a computer at the exact time enrolments open to increase your chances of securing your preferred class times.

3. Get familiar with UOW systems

There are a number of student systems and online resources (like SOLS and Moodle) that you'll access regularly during your time at UOW. Learn what they are, what they're for, and how to use them.

Tip: Be sure to check your SOLS and UOWmail regularly for important messages from your Subject Coordinators.

Your first class

1. Plan your trip to campus

Select your campus below for directions, campus maps and transport options:

Wollongong | Eurobodalla (formerly Batemans Bay) | Bega Valley | Innovation Campus | Shoalhaven | Southern Highlands | Sutherland (formerly Southern Sydney - Loftus) | Liverpool (formerly South Western Sydney) | Sydney CBD

2. Find out where to go

Take the stress out of your first week by working out exactly where your classes are and how you’re going to get from A to B. The free MyUOW App has a campus map to help you find your way.

3. Read your subject outlines

Your subject outline will include attendance requirements, assessment details and your Subject Coordinator's contact details. This can be found on your subject site in Moodle. Moodle is also where you can access other subject material like lecture slides, readings, live streams and recordings. Learn more about how to use Moodle.

4. What to bring

A copy of your lecture notes and something to take notes with like a notebook and pen, a laptop or tablet - the choice is yours.

5. Textbooks

Your set textbooks will be listed in your subject outline. Your lecturer will specify the books you need to refer to regularly, and the ones that will only be referred to a few times (and if they don't, ask them!)

Textbooks can be borrowed from your campus Library, or purchased from the UniShop. For second-hand books, you can visit the Alumni Bookshop in Building 15 at Wollongong campus, or online sites like the Wollongong Students Buy and Sell Facebook page.

Your first weeks of uni

1. Note down important dates

There are some key session dates you should pop in your calendar, like when classes are on, when fees are due, and when exams are running.

2. Get ready for census date

Census date occurs each session, and is the last date you can pay or defer your tuition fees for that session, change your billing type, or withdraw from a subject without paying for it. Learn more about preparing for census date.

3. Get to know the library

You'll be spending a lot of time here during your studies. Learn more about the resources, study spaces and expert services available at the UOW Library.

Your first assignment

1. Plan ahead with our Assignment Planner

Use this guide to help you plan and schedule your assignments.

2. Nail your referencing and citing

Learn how to correctly reference and cite to strengthen your arguments, add credibility to your ideas, and minimise the chance of plagiarism by acknowledging the sources used.

3. Don't fear Turnitin, conquer it!

Electronic text matching software? Originality report? Here is Turnitin 101.

4. Apply for Academic consideration, if needed

Has something happened that has prevented you from sitting an exam or submitting / completing an assessment? You might be able eligible for academic consideration.

5. Get feedback from Studiosity

Want constructive feedback on your work? Simply upload your written draft and in less than 24 hours a Studiosity consultant (specialising in the English language) will respond with relevant comments, suggestions and encouragement for how you can improve your own work. Studiosity also features live one-on-one sessions if you prefer to talk your assignment out. 

6. Get support 

Improve your academic performance and study skills by accessing UOW's extensive range of free academic skills and study support services.

7. Develop your skills with Digital Skills Hub

The Digital Skills Hub helps you evaluate your digital capabilities and develop new skills so you can feel confident to thrive in your future career.