Mature Study

Many tertiary institutions have a Student Association that offers members a wide range of services and facilities to make student life easier and more fulfilling. To be a member of a Student Association most tertiary institutions require students to pay a compulsory fee. Examples of the services provided by a Student Association may include student loans and recreation activities such as clubs and societies and sports groups.   Participating in sporting and recreational activities is a great way to meet new people, make friends and get more out of your study experience.

TAFE often have a student activities officer with the Student Association or Services Services Office that organises social activities, newsletters and/or accommodation. Questions that you can ask a student activities officer include:

• what are the major off campus social gathering spots?
• where is the primary shopping area for students?
• are these places accessible?
• what clubs and societies are on campus?
• are there any extra curricular activities?
• is transport provided to and from these social activities?
  

Most tertiary institutions will provide students with a free and confidential counselling service to assist students understand and resolve any issues causing them concern.  Examples of the reasons that students may visit a counsellor include:

• time management / procrastination
• exam anxiety
• presentation anxiety
• support for extensions and supplementary examination applications
• assistance with retrospective withdrawal and HECS remission applications
• academic planning
• disability accommodations
• relationship breakups
• low self-confidence
• depression
• anxiety
• stress management
• problem solving / decision making
• managing a crisis

Larger tertiary institutions often provide medical and health services to students and staff. Examples include  emergency and routine medical care in addition to other services such as:

• first aid health screens (pap smears, skin checks, cholesterol, STDs)
• staff medicals
• minor surgery
• health education vaccinations (both for health care work and travel) referrals

The medical staff at these centres are also familiar with the policies and procedures of the tertiary provider and can support applications for extensions for assignments and supplementary examinations by students. Other health and medical services provided by these centres may include a community health nurse that provides individual health counselling and information, health and promotional activities around campus and liaison with other health organisations.

Career planning services, resources and advice for students are offered by careers staff at tertiary institutions for students, recent graduates and alumni to provide them with guidance and information on career planning, job-seeking and preparing for the workforce. The services include:

• choosing courses
• career planning
• networking
• covering letters
• selection criteria
• resume writing
• interviews
• application forms
• job search strategy
• work experience
• further study
• self employment

Many tertiary institutions provide on campus child care facilities for staff and students of the education provider. Some also provide vacation care and parent programs in addition to advice on claiming welfare/child care rebates. To find out about the services available at your tertiary institution contact the student services office or look at their website under childcare and welfare services.

Some tertiary institutions have accommodation for students on and off campus. Living on campus can be a good choice for students with disabilities as it can create a base from which to attend classes. Tertiary institutions that provide housing and accommodation usually make arrangements for access to residential colleges for students with disabilities. It is important to find out about student accommodation before you apply for your course so you know the facilities available and the closing date for applications as competition for places is strong. The price of accommodation will vary according to the services provided and the number of people sharing facilities.

To find out if your tertiary institution offers student accommodation contact student services or look at their website. Education providers that do provide 'on or off campus' student accommodation will have a Housing Office that facilitates places. It is important that you identify your personal living needs when assessing the suitability of student accommodation. Factors that you will need to consider include private or shared room and bathroom, meals, location in relation to your campus, public transport and wheelchair accessibility. Note that some education providers require a fee to apply for student accommodation.

Many tertiary institutions have clubs and societies that are formed around a specific activity such as waterskiing, chess, poetry, scuba diving, science fiction and hiking. Participating in clubs gives students the opportunity to organise fun activities, to socialise with other students and to ensure that their needs and those of other students in their course of study or interest group are met. In addition to the social aspect, the process of running clubs provides students with the opportunity to implement, develop and learn useful administrative, managerial and business related skills. To join a club there is often a nominal joining fee to cover administrative costs.

To find out about the different clubs and societies available contact the Students Association. During enrolment students are often given a booklet with details on how to join each of these groups.