Starting university is exciting. New experiences… and responsibilities. One of the biggest is staying on top of admin tasks which are the key to keeping your academic journey smooth. These might sound boring (after all… admin), but knowing the ropes can save you a lot of hassle down the line. From understanding what census date is, to not missing enrolment deadlines, being in the know is your ticket to managing uni life like a pro. This post will break down the must-know admin tasks to help you breeze through your first year and beyond.

1. What is census date?

The census date is one of the most critical dates in your academic calendar. It’s the official cut-off date by which you need to finalise your enrolment in courses and units. By this date, you must confirm your enrolment choices, which means deciding whether you want to continue with all your enrolled units or drop any that you’re unsure about.

The importance of the census date cannot be overstated – it’s the last day you can withdraw from a course without incurring financial or academic penalties. If you’re still enrolled in a unit after this date, you’ll be liable to pay for it, even if you choose to drop it later. Additionally, withdrawing after the census date may result in a ‘Withdrawn’ mark on your academic transcript. Therefore, it’s crucial to review your course load carefully and make any necessary changes before the census date of a session to avoid unwanted consequences.

Census date is typically around three weeks after the start of a session. However, we recommend bookmarking the important dates page so you know exactly when.

2. Enrolment deadlines

Enrolling in courses is one of the first tasks you’ll face as a new student, and getting it right is important. After all, you don’t want to lose your spot in key classes, especially if they’re prerequisites or have limited capacity. Late enrolment can also lead to extra fees, adding unnecessary costs.

You’ll want to check that the subjects you need and want to do are available within a session and then add or delete them before census date. You can request to add subjects post census date, but if approved you cannot defer payment for these subjects as a Commonwealth supported student; you’ll have to pay your subject fees upfront.

So, get on the front foot with enrolment. Research your desired subjects, check their availability and note any prerequisites. Set reminders to ensure you don’t miss out. Being proactive with enrolment deadlines secures your spot and keeps your semester stress-free.

3. Fee payment deadlines

It’s important to pay fees on time, particularly if you’re applying for HECS-HELP. We’ve got your back though. We’ll send you an email when your fees for the session are due. The deadline for paying fees? You guessed it – census date.

Remember that if you’re applying for HECS-HELP, you need to do that before we send you your invoice.

So, without further ado…

4. HECS-HELP and financial aid applications

Financing your education is a key part of university life, and for many Australian students, the HECS-HELP scheme is vital. HECS-HELP lets eligible students defer university fees until they’re earning above a certain income. To benefit from HECS-HELP, you must be enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place (CSP). Good news: almost all places in bachelor’s degrees for high school leavers are CSPs.

Applying is straightforward: submit your Tax File Number (TFN) and Unique Student Identifier (USI) with the online form on the university portal before the census date. The form is called an electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF). When you enrol, we’ll ask you how you want to pay for your student contribution amount. That’s when you notify us you want to use a HECS-HELP loan. Miss the deadline, and you’ll have to pay upfront.

Beyond HECS-HELP, scholarships, grants, and bursaries can further ease the financial load by covering tuition, living expenses, textbooks and more. Start early, keep an eye on deadlines, apply for as many as you’re eligible for, and secure your financial support so you can concentrate on your studies without the stress of funding them.

5. Orientation

A fun one to end with. Mark your diaries for Orientation. Yes, it’s a few days of fun activities to get to know your uni and fellow students. But it’s also an essential part of your transition into uni study. You’ll be able to take part in a range of events designed to help new students acclimate to their new environment. These include campus tours, workshops, social events, and information sessions that cover everything from how to access the library and use the student portal to understanding your timetable and meeting your academic advisers.

You’ll also receive important information about your course structure, key dates, and the resources available to help you succeed academically and personally. Moreover, Orientation is the perfect time to join clubs and societies, which is, you know… fun.

Even if you’re feeling nervous about starting university, attending Orientation can help ease those nerves by giving you a clearer sense of what to expect and how to navigate your new environment.

Typically, Orientation takes place one or two weeks before session starts.

We’ve got your back

Navigating university admin can seem tricky at first. But master it and you’ve got the key to a smooth uni experience! Staying informed and proactive can help you avoid stress. So, mark important dates in your calendar, check your uni emails regularly and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you’re unsure about anything.