By Notes2u
You’ve crossed the finish line — final exams are behind you, and your ATAR is in. Now what?
Starting university can be exciting, confusing, freeing, and overwhelming — all at once. If you’re a recent HSC or VCE graduate staring down your next chapter, this blog is for you. We’re breaking down the key differences between high school and university, what you can expect, and how to set yourself up for success.
One of the biggest shifts from high school to uni is how much more independent it is. There’s no roll call, no one chasing you up for homework, and definitely no weekly reminders from teachers to start that assignment early. In fact, you’ll find that…
Attendance may not be mandatory (though still recommended!)
Deadlines are firmer — no extensions unless you apply for special consideration
Study is self-directed — you’re expected to keep up with weekly readings, lectures, and prep work yourself
This kind of freedom is amazing for some students — and a trap for others. It’s all about finding the rhythm and responsibility that works for you.
Uni isn’t just “school but harder” — it’s an entirely new format of learning. Depending on your degree, you’ll find yourself navigating:
Lectures — often large and info-heavy (some pre-recorded, some in-person)
Tutorials — small group discussions where you apply what you’ve learned
Labs and practical classes — especially for science, health, and engineering students
Placements or internships — hands-on learning experiences built into your degree
Independent research or projects — particularly in later years of specialised degrees
This variety keeps things fresh — but it also means you need to stay organised. Keeping track of different types of assessments, prep tasks, and deadlines across units can be tricky at first, but you’ll adjust with time and tools.
Surprisingly, most uni students spend less time in class than they did in high school. A typical full-time load is around 10-20 contact hours per week — but that doesn’t mean you’re doing less work.
You’re expected to put in 2-3 hours of independent study per contact hour. So, if you’ve got a 3-hour law lecture, you’re supposed to spend another 6–9 hours reviewing readings, writing notes, or working on your essay. That’s why time management is one of the most crucial skills to master.
Here’s where university really shines. Uni is about more than just academic growth — it’s where many people find their communities, try new things, and expand their world.
You’ll have access to:
Student clubs and societies — from sport and culture to niche hobbies and activism
Campus events — parties, fundraisers, free barbecues, film nights
Exchange programs — study overseas for a semester or two
Volunteering and leadership roles — develop new skills and give back
Networking events — meet people from your industry before you even graduate
These can be amazing ways to build your social circle, pad your resume, or simply have fun.
At uni, no one gives you neat handouts or tells you what will be on the test. You’re expected to:
Take your own notes — from lectures, tutorials, readings, and textbooks
Keep your own schedule — with assignments, exams, and class prep
Review and consolidate content regularly — especially in content-heavy courses like medicine, law, or business
That’s where having strong note-taking methods (see our note-taking blog here) becomes essential.
University is a broad term — but your experience will be shaped by your degree. Doing a Bachelor of Arts is a world apart from studying Medicine or Engineering.
Here’s what varies based on your degree:
Contact hours (some degrees have 30+ hours per week, others have 10)
Assessment types — from essays to lab reports to exams
Internships or placements — essential for some courses, optional in others
Study intensity — some courses are spread out, others are full-on from Day 1
So, when choosing preferences, don’t just pick the uni — look at the degree structure, assessments, and even the individual subjects offered. Think about how you like to learn, what environments you thrive in, and where you want to end up.
Use your ATAR strategically — don’t feel pressured to choose the “hardest” or “highest ATAR” course if it doesn’t suit you
Do your research — talk to current students, read course outlines, check job outcomes
Stay flexible — many people change degrees in their first year or even later (and that’s totally okay!)
Balance is key — academic success is important, but so is your wellbeing, social life, and personal growth
Whether you’re still prepping for uni entry or you’re already enrolled, Notes2u has your back. We’ve got:
🌟 Condensed study notes for HSC and VCE
🧠 Note-taking guides for every learning style
📚 Subject-specific strategies to help you build uni-ready study skills
🧑🏫 Insights from students who’ve been where you are
Check out our full range of resources at Notes2u, and get ahead before uni even begins.