Things I wish I knew before starting uni

Before I started uni I wish I knew of the support systems in place stop me from feeling left behind! I’ll admit it, coming to uni was scary. I moved out for the first time, I was the only one from my high school here and I really didn’t know anyone. I didn’t even find UMSU until the second half of my first year, don’t be like me! The amount of resources UMSU has to offer to ensure students stay afloat is incredible.

guideguide-page-2guide-survival

Before I started uni I wish I knew of the support systems in place stop me from feeling left behind!   

I’ll admit it, coming to uni was scary. I moved out for the first time, I was the only one from my high school here and I really didn’t know anyone.    

I didn’t even find UMSU until the second half of my first year, don’t be like me!   

The amount of resources UMSU has to offer to ensure students stay afloat is incredible.

It took me awhile to find Union Mart which provides free groceries for students but that helped me whilst I was trying to figure out how to balance a budget.    

I attended UMSU ball and a lot of BBQ events with friends I’ve met in class or at sports.   

I was at Bla(c)k Collective every single week enjoying free food and a game.   

I’ve played video games and board games in Rowdy Library.   

So many of these things I wish I had found earlier and got engaged with at the start of my uni journey.    

Trust when I say, there's so much more to see, do and get involved in!

I also didn’t realise how many free food events would be happening on campus. If you play your cards right, you can get a free lunch from an event almost everyday...    

You may be interested in...

Students' Council

Students’ Council is where decisions are made about UMSU’s departments and governance. All students are invited to come along, move motions,

George Paton Gallery

UMSU has plenty of opportunities for you to get creative, whatever you study. Running since 1975, the George Paton Gallery is a contem

Southbank Department

UMSU Southbank represents all students studying at UniMelb’s Southbank campus.   Our mission is to ensure that you get the most out of yo

UMSU Inc
Wurundjeri Country
Building 168, University of Melbourne, VIC 3052

UMSU acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands on which we work and pay our respects to Indigenous Elders past, present and emerging. Sovereignty has never been ceded. It always was and always will be, Aboriginal land.

ABN: 78 125 531 707

Recite Me User Guide


© 2026 UMSU

Additional photography by Peter Casamento and Richard Timbury / Casamento Photography