Showing an interest in your family member's studies can both be reassuring and can assist them in consolidating new information.

For example, ask them to explain something new they have learned in their studies - through explaining they will actually gain a deeper understanding themselves.

University studies are very pressured and, given the short semesters (typically 13 weeks), things move very quickly.

Family members can provide support by suggesting a timetable or checklist that shows when assignments are due – and putting these dates on a family calender can also be helpful.

While staff are able to provide assistance directly to students, they are not permitted to give any information about a student under Privacy Laws.

However, all staff should have 'office hours' when they are available to meet with students and chat about their progress or any concerns they have. These hours are usually advertised in course outlines.

For students studying by distance or online, there will be information in their course or unit outline about how to contact their tutor.

It is great to help someone out but all students need to shop around for the essentials.

For example, buy text books second hand or use the computing facilities on-campus.

If getting to campus is not easy, local libraries offer free computer and internet access.

While it is great to have your own laptop or computer it is not necessarily essential unless the course or unit is taught largely or entirely online.

Government loans are available for Australian domestic students which are much lower in interest than bank loans.

Check out the ‘study now, pay later’ options on the university website or the Australian Govs Study Assist website:
http://studyassist.gov.au/sites/StudyAssist/

While not many scholarships cover fees, due to the generous Government loans schemes available, there are a number of scholarships, which cover other costs (text books, accommodation etc).

Search ‘scholarships’ on the university web page to see who can apply.

Universities want students to graduate, and provide a wide range of support services designed to help students achieve their goals. These include careers services, study skills support, counselling, student welfare services etc. (Try searching ‘student support’ in the uni’s webpage and see what comes up!).

Some students are hesitant to use these services, so do try and encourage the learners in your family to get in touch. (They are all free and confidential!)

There are a number of financial support schemes available to students – even if they are returning after a gap in studies. So it is worth finding out what is available based on the student’s personal circumstances.

While this may be true, it isn’t likely to ease the ‘fear of failing’ that first in family students often have. Better to focus on their strengths – after all, they got into university!

Being a cheerleader is a great way to support them and help them believe in their own abilities.

While we don’t want to dismiss your fears about this – if you are very anxious then the student in your family may pick up on this, and get even more anxious themselves. Try to reassure and encourage – chances are they will do very well!

Often small gestures mean a whole lot to stressed-out students – assignments may all be due close together which means that it can be a very challenging time!

If they’re living at home or close by there’s nothing better than having food and healthy snacks ready to eat, or knowing it’s okay not to do some chores during this time.

If they are too far away from home to do this, then checking-in with them by phoning, texting or emailing etc is a good way to let them know you are thinking of them.

University semesters are relatively short (usually about 13-15 weeks) but have intense bursts of activity, so while the household does not have to change permanently, temporary changes in terms of giving the student a bit of space or keeping noise levels down can be very helpful.

If they are not living at home, you could suggest they find a quiet place at university (such as the uni library . computer lab, student hubs), or if they are studying by distance or online, their local community library can be a quiet and welcoming place to study.

Students are expected to be independent adult learners. For on-campus students, most lecturers do not take a roll call or expect students to sign-in.

Also, for all students, university staff by law, are not permitted to give any information about a student under Privacy Laws.

It may be frustrating but recognising that a lot of uni work does take place away from the university means that students can still be working very hard (just not actually on campus!)

Universities expect students to become independent learners - this can be quite difficult for new students to master if they are used to a School or TAFE where expectations are different.

The uni provides suggested readings / activities/ group work etc but a lot of this needs to be done outside the lecture/tutorial/lab times, so it is up to students to organise themselves and make sure they are keeping up with everything.

Yes, sitting with a blank expression might mean someone is actually planning out a response to assignment questions, thinking through a difficult argument or reflecting on some new knowledge.

Research shows that such ‘down time’ promotes learning.

While this shows concern it may impact on a student’s productivity – constant interruptions can lead to lower concentration and so less activity.

Everyone loves a good cuppa and a shoulder massage but perhaps keep these in reserve!

Remember students spending a lot of time in the room might equal high levels of productivity!

Eating properly or having a break for short periods of time is important for productivity – suggest to the student that taking regular breaks and also building in some relaxing time into their study routine is a good idea. Research shows that such ‘down time’ promotes learning.

There are lots of resources about how to create effective study habits two examples are:

Study Tips for Succeeding at University
https://www.adelaide.edu.au/counselling_centre/resources/brochures/studytips.html

Blog Study Habits for college students
https://www.ecpi.edu/blog/top-10-effective-study-habits-college-students

This is a great way to show support – students who have the opportunity to talk about their studies may well experience much ‘deeper’ learning.

Often it takes two or three weeks to sort out all the different subjects and get into a study routine. The first assignment in most subjects is due within a few short weeks of commencing.

Finalising and submitting assignments (particularly if a number are due together) is very stressful. Usually assignments are submitted online and so last minute issues can often occur which adds to stress levels.

The dreaded exams! Again, exams can occur very close together and can result in high stress levels.

Sometimes it can be a few weeks after an assignment has been handed in before results are known. These can be anxious times for students as they await their fate.

Yes, typically the whole semester is stressful in different ways and once it starts some students have said that it can feel like a ‘rollercoaster’.

Students often drop a subject but before doing so they should consult with their lecturer or coordinator (make an appointment during their consult hours or email them if studying online).

All students need to be mindful of ‘census dates’ (usually around Week 4 of semester); if the subject is dropped after the census date then the subject fee will still have to be paid

Dropping subjects or deferring university (which basically means taking a 6 or 12 month break) is a much better option than giving up.

Again many students do this and the university will have clear procedures in place that allow this to happen.

Great idea and very important – this probably should occur in a meeting time (rather than at the end of a lecture) so ask the student to email and organise a time to meet, or to talk by phone or email if studying online.

Course coordinators are very used to discussing these kinds of issues with students

The university support services are designed to get students through their degrees and have a wealth of advice and suggestions that can assist with this. Information on support services and how to contact them will all be on the university website.