Getting ready for your first day

Information Guide for New Indigenous Students

Welcome! This page has all the information you need to prepare for your first day at university! If you've just enrolled, or want to know what it takes to begin your student journey, we can help, whether you are studying internally on campus or externally online. Our student support staff and services offer an in-depth understanding of the challenges and excitement of university life. The IERC’s Indigenous Student and Academic Support Advisors have expertise in developing academic plans and strategies, as well as assisting our students with accommodation options, managing finances and general health and wellbeing. We are here to mentor and guide you.

More Information...

From our website, you can also learn about:

• How you can set yourself up to succeed at our Welcome and Orientation Days
• Our free one on one Indigenous Peer Assisted Learning (IPAL) tutoring program
• Moving from home to JCU
• Fees and financial support including scholarships
• Information for new and current Indigenous students
• How to expand your social life and build your resume
• How to stay connected through news and events, as well as Facebook and Instagram

There is also an Information for Families page designed specifically for family members so they can be part of their loved one’s university journey. Included on this page are Frequently Asked Questions and our student highlights to make the transition for prospective students and their families as smooth as possible.

There is also a new students page for all JCU students. It goes through how to accept your offer, finalise your enrolment and decline or change your enrolment. It also has important dates, student checklist, scholarships and accommodation.

It's ok if you're still feeling unsure. We were all new once! Please contact us, via phone or email, or pop into one of our centers and we will help you!

See what you can access

Curious about what support and spaces are available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students at JCU? Take a guided video tour of our Bebegu Yumba (Townsville) and Nguma-bada (Cairns) campuses with our friendly Indigenous Student Ambassadors. These short videos are a great way for students and families to see the facilities, resources, and welcoming environments available to help you feel supported throughout your studies. Make sure you check out the heart of what makes the IERC our students’ home away from home!

What can I study?

Here at the IERC, our learning and teaching team has put together Undergraduate Studies (Indigenous) which are designed to build your understanding of the everyday experiences and knowledges that are shaped by our Indigenous people and communities. As electives, they can also be used to enhance your placement experience with the confidence to work with communities across Australia.

JCU also has a wide variety of areas for you to study. The Study page will take you through all the courses JCU has to offer from Allied Health and Pharmacy through to Veterinary and Animal Science.

How to enrol in your subjects

Congratulations on your new journey as a student of JCU! After accepting your offer to study at JCU, you now need to enrol in your subjects. Setting up your Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to confirm your student identity will allow you to use JCU platforms and resources. You can contact the Central Service Desk if you get stuck or have any questions.If you haven't yet applied to JCU, this link will help you with this step.

If you get stuck, please contact us and we will assist you. This is your first time, so it’s ok if you’re feeling unsure; this is what we’re here for!

Academic calendars

The academic year was once only split into two semesters: Teaching Period 1 (first six months of the year) and Teaching Period 2 (second six months of the year). Some disciplines are now aligned with the refreshed academic calendar which is split over three study periods (trimesters) during the calendar year.

This page outlines the timetables and important dates for both semesters and trimesters. If you have any questions about trimesters, visit the Trimester FAQs page.

Student ID card

JCU student ID cards allow students the on-campus and off-campus benefits. This is because this card provides proof that you are a JCU student and are entitled to JCU services and discounts. If you want to know when you can pick up your card from campus or when it has been posted to you, contact enquiries@jcu.edu.au.

Click here for find out how to apply for one and what these benefits are.

Have a question?

If you have any questions, whether you are an interested student or a family member who wants to know more, just contact us!

Get in touch - We're here to help!