15 Things You’ll Regret Not Doing At The University Of South Australia

First year of university is exciting, but it can also be intimidating adjusting to a new place. Here are 10 tips for first years at Swinburne University.

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Your time at university is full of new experiences, new people and memorable moments. It is a common saying that university is the best time of your life. Make the most of it and take every opportunity. We don’t want no regrets around here! But to be sure you don’t miss anything, here are 15 things you’ll regret missing out on at the University of South Australia!

1. Halloween Party!

The UniSA Halloween party is known around Adelaide as the biggest and the best … I mean the scariest! Cheap entry, cheap food and cheap booze make this a must-do on your UniSA checklist. Party on campus and then head out to town with your ghoulish squad. Tickets sell out quick to this scare-fest, be sure not to miss it!

2. Unitopia

Stressed before exams? Have no fear, Unitopia is here! Each semester, UniSA promotes wellbeing in the stressful lead up to exams through Unitopia, a wellbeing day held at each campus. Baby animals, music, food, drink and relaxation activities … who wants to miss that? Better yet, Unitopia is a great way to catch up with your uni friends during the busiest time of the year!

3. Student Exchange

If there is one thing you will regret not doing, it is student exchange. You will laugh, you will cry, you will eat a lot and most of all you will grow … all while continuing your degree! UniSA has a range of exchange locations and time periods to suit you. It’s also cheap travel, with UniSA travel grants available to help you out!

4. Hawke Ambassador Program

The Hawke Ambassador Program is your chance to volunteer overseas while gaining credit towards your degree! You will volunteer with an NGO and support your studies while doing so. Who would regret that? This program is only available at the University of South Australia, so skip it and you will miss out!

5. USASA events

Events held by the student union, USASA, range far and wide, but all are a chance to kick back and hang out with other UniSA students. Pub crawls, concerts, barbecues … what’s not to love? These events give you cheap/free entertainment that you’ll miss when you’re out of uni, but still on that tight budget. Bonus? They almost always include a chance to snag some cheap or free food!

6. PASS Sessions

Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) are designed to do just that – help you pass! Held for individual courses by students who excelled in them, they provide a friendly environment to improve your grades and understanding of the course. Take advantage of this free tutoring while it’s available, because tutoring can be expensive! Why pass on a chance to bump your grades up?

7. O Week

O Week at UniSA is full of fun and free things, and a chance to look at all that the uni has to offer! Here you can seek out and sign up to sports and special interest clubs, volunteer programs, and meet new people. Go with your friends for a chill day, and see who can snag the most free pens!

8. Uni Games

Just like sports day in high school, these are a chance to dress up, have fun and prove your team is the best! Throw in week-long partying and making new friends, and you have the Australian University Games and Southern University Games! These are the chance to head interstate for a week and battle it out on the field during the day and in beer pong at night. You are sure to make some unforgettable memories.

9. Volunteer!

At UniSA there are so many opportunities to volunteer and you will regret not trying at least one! There are various options to fit volunteering around you. These include volunteering with organisations such as AIME or the Red Cross, with university clubs and gaining credit towards your degree with certain courses and placements. Volunteering is a great way to feel good, meet new people and better others’ lives while doing it!

10. Pub Crawls

Pub crawls are a staple of the Australian university life, so you’ll regret not making them a part of your experience! Pub crawls are a popular way to relax with friends and score some cheap drinks, and you get an awesome shirt to remember the night!

11. Penning your thoughts.

The university publications are an awesome way to pen your thoughts on all sorts of issues, and produce a published piece at the same time! For all you communications and art students, this is a great way to build your portfolio. Take the chance to show others your ideas and boost your confidence – why skip out on that?

12. Trying something different.

You have elective subjects for a reason – to follow your interests! Step out of your comfort zone and choose an elective that YOU want to do, even if it doesn’t fit with your degree. You will regret not taking the chance to learn about something that interests you, because outside of uni these courses aren’t always available!

13. Scholarships

Sure, you can load your uni fees onto a HECS debt to pay later, but where’s the fun in that? Try out for scholarships, and you may be surprised at what help you can receive. Many students don’t apply as they believe they will not have a chance, but you’ve got to be in it to win it. UniSA have a range of scholarships catering to all students, so go ahead and apply! Your future self will thank you.

14. Joining sports and special interest clubs.

Joining sports and other clubs is a great way to meet like-minded people outside of your degree, and participate in an activity you enjoy. By expanding you social circle you can avoid feeling lonely and isolated while at uni. Making these friends and memories is something you’ll miss, so make the most of it while you can!

15. Network!

Once you’re out in the big wide world of careers and taxes, it’s not so easy to land that job or promotion. At uni, you are surrounded by people entering the same industry as you, as well as professors and tutors who have experience in that industry. Better yet, at UniSA there are many chances for internships, guest lectures and networking events. Be proactive and network! You may just make a useful connection or two.