Top 3 questions about Studies
Your Top 3 Questions about Academics/Your Studies!
1. Books
How do I get my textbooks? Are they necessary? When do I need to bring them with me to Uni?
Required and recommended reading materials are listed under ‘Learning Resources’ in each electronic course profile (or "ECP") but wait until Week 1 to work out what textbooks you should get. Used textbooks are great for savings, but watch out for out-dated information.
- Buy: The School Locker or Second-hand Texts & Stationary
- Print: UQ Print
- Borrow: UQ Library
You rarely need to bring them to uni unless you are asked to by your lecturers, tutors, or group members.
2. Lectures & Classes
1. Can I skip lectures and are they available online if I can’t make it to class?
Yes, your lectures are generally recorded and available online. But here’s the thing: You learn better in person. Recorded lectures have some of the absolute worst results in terms of retention of information, and research shows that students who spend more time on campus generally (even with friends, for clubs, work, or volunteering) do better than those who don’t. It’s your call, but you’re paying big bucks so do watch out for the habits you form and set yourself up for success!
Bonus tip: A positive relationship with your lecturers and tutors can be really valuable – getting to know them can open all kinds of opportunities and you never know when you'll find yourself needing them to help you out.
2. What if I’m late to class or have to leave early?
Generally speaking, it’s not a big deal but try to be respectful. For instance, when you can, use the back entrance of a lecture room if you arrive late or need to leave early to create the least distraction to the Lecturer and other students.
3. What should I do if I miss a test or exam?
You'll need to look into a deferred exam ASAP, as time can be a factor. If you KNOW you are going to miss something, get on this beforehand. If something comes up and you miss it last minute, get on the differed exam process as soon as you're reasonably able to.
To help you, here is a great deferred exam breakdown complete with “Dos” and “Don’ts”
3. Your Degree/Programs
1. What do I do if I feel like I’m in the wrong major or degree and who do I talk to about it? Can you change degrees and/or majors?
Short answer – Yes! If you want to change majors, or even degrees you absolutely can. The HOW and the consequences of doing so depend on where you are in your studies and how structured your programs are. Some programs have room for electives, which increases the likelihood that classes you have already taken may still count toward your new program of study.
So, should you change? That’s up to you, but if you can swing it, studying something you love almost always has a better outcome than suffering through something you’re not into.
How do you change? my.UQ is your best friend here in sussing out what to do to change your program.
Who can I talk to for advice? Your major/program convenor and your school or faculty admin teams are great people to go for to get advice and support. Go to the academics for the ‘should I’ questions, and go to the school/faculty admin offices for the ‘how do I’ questions if you can’t find that answer on my.UQ.
2. Who do I talk to if I need help structuring my degree or timetable?
There are good self-help resources on the Program and Courses page (within my.uq.edu).
3. How does GPA work?
And if you want to get more detail, here is a good resource to help you get technical about the ins-and-outs of GPA at UQ.