What students get told about uni (and what's actually true)

Everyone finds friends immediately 

You may hear that making friends at university happens straight away, but everyone's experience is different. Some students build connections quickly, while for others it takes a little more time as they settle into their new environment. 

The good news is that there are plenty of opportunities to meet people and find your community. Many students make friends through classes, clubs and societies, sport, volunteering, or social events.  

Living in student accommodation and joining UniActive activities can also be great ways to connect with others who share your interests. Building friendships is a journey, and there are lots of ways to get involved along the way.

You can't work and study at the same time

The thought of studying and working at the same time may feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Many students find going to work is a good way to have a break from study and clear their mind.  

Working while studying is a great way to gain experience in the workforce, earn some money and try different things.  

It's also a great way to make friends off campus and immerse yourself into the community.  

Once you pick a degree, you can't change it

Changing your mind is completely okay. What matters is finding the right path for you. 

If your course no longer aligns with your career goals, you’re not stuck. Current students at UOW can apply for a course transfer after completing at least one session of study in their original degree. You will need to meet entry requirements for the new course.

In some cases, you can receive credit for prior study, so the time you’ve already invested still counts. You might also find that studying part-time suits you better. You can complete your degree at a pace that works for you, and adjust your study load as your circumstances change  

It’s a good idea to check key dates, especially the deadlines for subject withdrawal, and speak with an academic advisor or AskUOW to explore your options. 

You must have your life planned at 18

Many people believe that you need to know exactly what you want to do when you turn 18.  

However, this isn’t realistic. 

In Australia, around one in five students choose to change courses or pursue a different pathway during their first year of University. 

Taking a gap year to gain work experience or travel can also help you find your passion. 

Going to uni means giving up on travel

University provides many opportunities for students to travel. Going on exchange or studying abroad is a great way to see the world and meet new people while studying.  

UOW has partnerships with more than 250 universities in 45 countries, meaning students have a large range of travel options to choose from.  

Studying abroad also enhances your employment prospects after graduation with a truly global experience. 

You must live on campus to get the full experience 

UOW offers a vibrant and welcoming community that extends far beyond on-campus living. You don’t have to live in student accommodation to enjoy everything university life has to offer. Simply being on campus is enough to feel part of it. 

UOW has a wide range of clubs, events, and social activities, there are countless opportunities to get involved, meet new people, and make the most of your time at uni.  

You can also check Pulse’s What’s On page to see what you can get involved in.

Your teachers don't care about you and won't support you 

UOW provides a wide range of support services, with dedicated staff committed to helping students succeed throughout their university journey. 

Students can also access a range of both academic and personal support services through the Student Success Portal, where they can explore available services, book appointments, join programs, connect with mentors, and more. 

Support services are only for students in crisis 

Support services are available for all students for guidance, wellbeing, academic support or everyday challenges.  

At UOW, they are there to help you feel supported, build confidence and stay on track throughout your entire Uni experience, not just when things go wrong. 

Students are able to reach out for support via the Student Success Portal, where you can view services, book appointments, sign up to programs, chat to mentors, and much more. 

Postgraduate courses won't help my career

If you’re worried you won’t learn anything new or that it won’t make a real difference to your career, postgraduate study at UOW is designed to do the opposite.  

You can gain specialised skills to become a leader in your industry or diversify your knowledge to broaden your career opportunities. 

With a strong focus on real world application and current industry insights, our courses are relevant to your career, whether you’re looking to move up, change direction, or expand your opportunities.