15 Jun 2020

The feeling of leaving the safety net of high school can range from slightly nerve-wracking to downright terrifying. Waving goodbye to the familiarity of those high school hallways and heading into a university that seems like a massive ocean in comparison to the small pond you’ve come from is definitely daunting, so your anxiety is totally understandable.

In saying that, there’s definitely a few things you can keep in mind to help make the transition from high school into university much smoother, so you can start living your best uni life as soon as possible.  

Go to a Few Open Days

Every university has open days for prospective students that give a glimpse into what uni life is going to be like once you start your degree. Open days are a great way to get the lay of the land of the university you’re interested in attending and it will give you a much better idea of whether that uni is going to suit you and your needs.

If you can’t get to open day, most unis are more than happy to book you in for a campus tour at a time that works for you.

Choose a University That is Right For You

To ensure your transition from school is nice and smooth, it’s really important to choose the university that will work best for you. Not for your mates, not for your parents, but for you.

The University of Notre Dame Australia offers a personalised educational experience that really makes you feel like part of a close-knit community, which is a big reason why Notre Dame is rated number one in Australia for Overall Satisfaction by its graduates.* The great thing about going to a uni like this is that you get to know your fellow classmates and your lecturers on a first-name basis.

Picking a uni that is going to nurture you and your education (and not just treat you like another face in the crowd) is a great way to ensure you feel settled in when you start out at uni.  

Join a Club, Team, or Society

Each university will have its own student-run societies that you can join. Getting involved in one of these clubs or societies is a great way to dive into your first year of uni, expand your horizons, meet awesome new people and do things you’d never thought to try.

These groups are always super welcoming to newcomers and they’ll organise events online and on campus, parties and even trips that you can get involved in. For example, Uni Games is a massive competition where unis from all over Australia come together to compete in sport comps and enjoy a week of social events and partying in Perth, Sydney or the Gold Coast (can confirm, it’s a banger of a time so definitely get involved if you can).

Hang On Campus or Get Online

You’ll likely find that your uni timetable will have time in the day where you’re not in class. While this time can feel like a great opportunity to head home and relax, it is always a good idea to hang around campus and utilise the facilities your uni has on offer.

It’s a great opportunity to get some study in, meet new people and develop friendships with your classmates. In Sydney, Notre Dame University’s vibrant inner-city campuses are located centrally in Broadway and Darlinghurst. The Broadway campus provides a welcoming social hub and is a short walk from Central Station. The Darlinghurst campus is just metres from public transport, and only minutes away from the Sydney CBD, and the bustling cultural centres of Surry Hills and Paddington. Notre Dame University’s Fremantle campus is located just 30 minutes from Perth (and just minutes from the beach!) and housed in historic buildings with a café on every corner.

Get the Most Out of Your Degree

Lots of degrees require you to do some practical work experience as a part of your education. It’s honestly the best way for you to learn the ins and outs of the industry you’re keen on and gain a glimpse into what your future in the field could look like.

The University of Notre Dame Australia is known for its emphasis on practical experience and placements throughout its degrees. Their grads are renowned for being incredibly hirable with Notre Dame’s graduate employment rate one of the highest in the country*. Getting out of the classroom and into the industry gives you invaluable experience and boosts you above the rest, so you’re job-ready as soon as you get your degree.


University is definitely a super different experience to high school, but in so many great ways. Make sure to keep an open mind and have a crack at all the opportunities your university throws at you – ultimately, diving in headfirst is the best way to ensure you feel comfortable in your new university life.

And if you want to learn more about what The University of Notre Dame Australia has on offer, you can find out more about them over here.

* GOS 2019, undergraduate category – see qilt.edu.au.