First Semester 101: Missed Orientation? Here’s how to catch up

Starting semester after Orientation can feel like arriving halfway through a movie. You might be learning a new campus, new systems and new faces at the same time as classes and assessments begin. If that’s you, take a breath. Late enrolment is more common than you think, and you can get up to speed quickly with a few practical steps and the right support.

Even if you have already started classes, it is worth taking ten minutes to confirm the essentials are sorted. Access to your RMIT email and organising your student card make everything else easier, from checking announcements to using campus services.

Start with the free online onboarding module How2RMIT and use the key tasks list to make sure you are set up to study, submit work and stay on track.

Get familiar with your campus by finding your classrooms, learning how to read room numbers and working out the practical stuff like where to grab a bite or take a quiet break.

Think of Canvas as your digital classroom. It is where you will find course content and announcements, submit assignments and check grades and feedback.

If you cannot access Canvas or something does not look right, contact Student Connect for support.

Finding your community at RMIT does not only happen during O Week. Connection is something students build across the whole semester, and there are plenty of low-pressure ways to meet people, especially if you are new to Melbourne or arriving from overseas.

Whether you want to meet new people, explore your interests or try something different, joining a student-run club or society is one of the easiest ways to get involved.

If you are looking to prove or improve your skill on the court or on the canvas, you can get involved in social sport and representative sport, or join in creative activities to meet people and get involved.

At RMIT, support is part of your study experience, and you should always feel comfortable asking questions to find the help you need. If you are juggling work, caring responsibilities, a new city or a new country, there are free services that can assist with academic skills, wellbeing, money questions and career planning.

If you are looking for accommodation, managing cost of living, or feeling unsure about where to start, Student Welfare Advisors can help you work through your next steps. They can support you with things like setting up an Australian bank account, understanding important academic dates, or navigating student accommodation options. Advice is free and confidential, and available whether you have a quick question or need ongoing support as you find your feet. 

The Moving to Melbourne page is also a great place to begin, with information on cost of living, student accommodation and working in Australia.

If you get stuck, don’t try to troubleshoot everything on your own. Contact Student Connect and they will point you to the right next step, whether that is Canvas access, enrolment questions or finding the right service.