Your first assessment at RMIT

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Your first assessment at RMIT

Your first university assessment can feel unfamiliar. Here’s what to expect and where to get support to start strong.

Your first assessment at RMIT might feel unfamiliar, especially if you’re new to university study. This page walks you through the key things to know, how to submit your work, and what to do if something unexpected gets in the way. Use it to get oriented and take the stress out of your first due date.

How university assessments are different

RMIT University assessments may be different to what you’re used to, especially if you’re starting tertiary study for the first time. Understanding these differences will help you prepare effectively.

Key things to know about university assessments

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Assignment instructions and rubrics explain what you need to do and how your work will be graded.

Tip: The rubric shows what markers are looking for — analysis, structure and use of evidence. Prioritise the criteria that carry the most marks. Presentation helps, but strong ideas and evidence usually matter more.

Getting started with assignments

Lectures and tutorials will help you understand the content and the assignment. You’ll complete most assessment work in your own study time.

Tip: Use assessment weighting to prioritise effort. Higher-weighted tasks usually need more research, drafting and revision. Break the task into weekly steps and add them to your planner.

Start using assignment planner

You’ll use books, journal articles and other sources to support your ideas. Referencing shows where your information comes from and is a normal part of academic study.

Tip: Keep track of sources as you research. Use Easy Cite for examples of referencing styles used at RMIT.

Start using Easy Cite

At university you’re expected to form your own understanding and support it with evidence from course materials and research.

Tip: Explain your reasoning, support ideas with evidence and connect concepts from lectures and readings.

Subject-specific resources

AI tools can support your studies in many ways, depending on your course and the assessment. They can help you explain concepts in simpler terms, generate ideas, plan your approach, create practice questions, proofread your work and organise your time.

Your final submission must reflect your own understanding of the task/assessment and comply with academic integrity requirements.

Tip: Use Val, RMIT’s private, secure and free to use AI tool, to understand assignment questions, improve structure and clarity, and get feedback on your draft.

Learn more about VAL

Your tutors and lecturers are there to support learning. There are also one-to-one study support, disability and neurodiversity library services, and referencing help.

Tip: Bring your assignment brief and questions to a consultation — it makes sessions more useful.

And make the most of RMIT's Ask the Library service, which provides quick guidance from our librarians on finding information, accessing resources, referencing and using the Library. Not sure what you need? Ask the Library here.

Get to know your study supports

Know your academic integrity requirements

When working on assessments, it’s essential to know your academic integrity responsibilities. In practical terms, academic integrity means developing and submitting for assessment your own academic work. Some breaches of academic integrity include plagiarism, collusion, and contract cheating, which all have serious consequences.

Be confident that you understand your responsibilities - find out more about academic integrity, what happens if you breach it and where to get help if you're unsure.

Learn more

Build your skills with the Learning Lab

The Learning Lab is your go-to resource for writing, assessments, referencing, maths, science and more. Use it to unpack your assignment, plan your approach, and build your academic skills.

Explore step-by-step guides for getting started on assignments, using the assignment planner, referencing correctly, or brushing up on maths and science skills. Using the Learning Lab early can save time, reduce stress, and give you confidence that your approach is on track.

Start with the Learning Lab

Types of assessments and submissions

The types of assessments you are required to complete during your studies vary widely, from essays and reports to creative projects, presentations, practical tasks, and exams. Most assessments will require some form of formal submission, either online or physically, depending on the nature of the task.

How to submit your assessment

Most assessments at RMIT can be submitted online via Canvas using Turnitin software. Submissions via Canvas include an online assessment declaration.

Go to the Canvas webpage for instructions on how to submit your assessments via Canvas. Or Login to Canvas here.

Some assessments need to be submitted physically, such as creative works or practical artefacts. Physical submissions should include a completed and signed cover sheet. If a course requires a different cover sheet, your School or educator will provide it.

More on assessment process and support

If something affects your ability to submit

If unexpected circumstances affect your ability to submit, you can request a short extension or apply for special consideration. Extensions are usually requested before the due date; special consideration is for more serious or unexpected events.

Extensions and special consideration

Quick checklist before submitting your assessment

Check the assignment brief for submission requirements (file type, file name, word limits).
Export or save as the required file type (PDF is commonly required for essays).
Upload and submit in Canvas — wait for the confirmation page or email.
If you have issues uploading an assessment, take a screenshot of the error with the time it occurred, send it to your teacher, then IT Service Connect.

Assessment Frequently Asked Questions

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Whether you can use AI depends on your course and the specific assessment. Guidance is usually outlined in your course guide or assessment instructions. Some tasks may allow AI for planning or feedback, while others may restrict its use. If the instructions are unclear, ask your teacher before using any AI tool.

If you use AI, you are responsible for ensuring your submission reflects your own understanding and follows academic integrity requirements.

In some assessments, you may need to acknowledge how you have used AI.

Take time to read the task and rubric carefully. Break the question into smaller parts and look for key action words such as analyse, compare or evaluate. If you’re still unsure, ask your tutor in class or post a question in Canvas. You can also visit the Study Support Hub or book one-to-one study help for more personalised support.

If submissions are still open, upload the correct file as soon as possible. If the due date has passed, contact your unit coordinator immediately to explain the situation. Always check the file name and format before submitting.

If you think you may miss a deadline, act early. In many cases you can request a short extension before the due date. If unexpected or serious circumstances affect your ability to complete the assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration.

If you submit late without an approved extension or special consideration, late penalties may apply in line with your course and assessment requirements. In some cases, this can affect your final grade.

If you have already missed the deadline, contact your unit coordinator as soon as possible to explain your situation and seek advice. Acting quickly gives you the best chance of understanding your options.

It is common to need time to adjust to university expectations. Review your feedback carefully to understand where you can improve. Speak with your teacher or book a one-to-one study support session to work through the comments and plan your next steps.

Student waving at someone on video call.

Get one-to-one study help

Drop in to the Study Support Hub for guidance from our Academic Skills Advisors, Maths and Science Advisors and Librarians. If you need more tailored assistance, book a one‑to‑one session.

Drop in or book a study session

More study support and advice

Plan ahead for assessment period

Find ways to feel confident and get organised to tackle essays, reports and group presentations with free tools and support services designed to help you get ahead.

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Top study tips from our Study Support Hub

Feeling overwhelmed by assignments or revision? You’re not alone. Whether you’re staring down a maths test, decoding a tricky essay question, or wondering what to do with that mysterious rubric — our Study Support Hub is here to help!

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Ways to look after your wellbeing during assessment period

Maintaining your physical and mental health during assessments is proven to improve your academic performance. Check out some free activities, food and resources to help you take a health break between classes and assignments.

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Five ways the Library can help you succeed at RMIT

When you’re just starting out at university, there is a lot of information to juggle. The Library is far more than a building full of books (although there are thousands across our campuses).

Need help?

Contact Student Connect for admin and general enquiries, student support and academic advice.

Contact Student Connect

Browse other support services

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

Learn more about our commitment to Indigenous cultures