BCom First Semester Guide
A step-by-step guide to help you thrive in the first semester of your BCom
Get organised
Explore University platforms and plan your Orientation schedule.
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Get started
Accept your offer, plan your course and enrol in your subjects.
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New Student Checklist
Complete critical admin and explore University platforms and systems.
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BCom Orientation
Your Faculty events are the best way to get to know your FBE community, find out what support and enrichment opportunities are on offer and prepare you for your first week.
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BCom Handbook
The University of Melbourne Handbook is the official source of course and subject information. Understand your degree structure, core subjects and major requirements.
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Accommodation
Apply for university-owned student accommodation and explore your options.
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Scholarships
There are plenty of opportunities for you throughout the duration of your course to be awarded a scholarship. So, don’t count yourself out. Check out the extensive list on offer.
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Student Services Directory
All the handy links for Student Support in one place – you'll want to bookmark this one.
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Key dates
Get an overview of the important dates during the semester, like census dates, exams and public holidays.
Your Bachelor of Commerce journey starts at BCom Orientation!
Your dedicated Faculty event is the best way to get to know your FBE community, find out what support and enrichment opportunities are on offer for you and prepare you for your first day of class.
Join us at BCom Orientation
Get to know your campus, the Faculty of Business and Economics (FBE) community, and prepare for your first day of class.
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Meet your Peer Mentor
Navigating the first few weeks of university can be tricky. That's why you'll get matched with a peer mentor, someone who has been in your shoes and can help guide you as you settle in. Making friends is key to creating an enriched university experience.
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BCom First Year Essentials
Get practical information on your degree and navigating your first year: sections cover assessment, mentoring, employability opportunities and more. The Orientation Hub section provides a recap of your BCom Orientation.
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Find your way around campus
Need to get to The Spot for a lecture, but don’t know where it is? Hint: it’s the spotty building.
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Safer Community
We’re all part of a community working to create a safe and welcoming environment. The Safer Community Program provides advice and support if you ever feel unsafe.
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FBE-affiliated clubs
Get involved, make new friends and gain industry connections with one of our FBE-affiliated clubs or societies.
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UMSU
Sometimes you need to step back from the books and experience the other side of university life. The University of Melbourne Student Union (UMSU) hosts a range of events from comedy shows to competitions and exam support.
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Stay up to date and connect on socials
Stay in the loop on all things FBE, from social activities to programs and learning opportunities. Keep an eye on your inbox for the weekly BCom Newsletter for all the lowdown. Plus, you can follow FBE on socials.
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Wi-Fi
Let’s face it, it’s the life blood of the modern world. Get connected to Wi-Fi on campus.
See you at BCom Orientation
Your dedicated Faculty event is the best way to get to know your FBE community, find out what support and enrichment opportunities are on offer for you and prepare you for your first day of class.
Get started
As you attend your first classes, remember that everyone is in the same boat, so don't be afraid to say hello.
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Connect with your Peer Mentor
Your Peer Mentor sessions are now underway. These sessions will provide support and friendship through fun activities and help you to feel more connected. Find out when your next peer mentoring session is happening.
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Finalise your subjects
Let's say you've picked a subject but realise after the first class that it’s not what you're after. What can you do? You can still make changes to your enrolment and class timetable before 5pm on Friday, in Week 2.
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Your FBE Community
There will be new faces and names in your first few weeks. FBE is a wonderful community, and there are plenty of opportunities to help connect you with other students. All you have to do is show up.
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Need help?
Stop 1 can answer your questions and connect you with the right support. Their building is located on the corner of Swanston and Grattan Street.
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Time management
Pick up a poster-size yearly planner from a university library or Stop 1, or download a copy. Keep track of dates, break down tasks and meet your deadlines.
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UMSU student welfare
Your student union offers a diverse range of services and benefits that are designed to connect students and promote physical and mental health well-being.
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Food and retail
One of the best things about being on campus is exploring the food options. Oh, and did we mention coffee? So many choices. Have fun exploring and finding your favourite places.
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Diversity and Inclusion
We aspire to be a place where all people are valued and respected, have equal access to opportunities and are encouraged to fulfil their talents and potential.
Discover secrets to thriving at uni at your next peer mentoring meeting
Get involved
Finalise your enrolment in Week 2 and explore future Employability pathways in Week 3.
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Employability
Alongside your core studies, you can tailor your degree through a wide range of opportunities, including for-credit subjects, co-curricular programs, industry events, and university-wide resources.
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Find enrichment opportunities
Learn about opportunities on offer, inside and outside the classroom. Access our catalogue of opportunities and map them using the FBE Engagement Planner.
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See your FBE Student Calendar
Stay in the loop with our exciting lineup of Faculty community events and employability opportunities. Come along to 'Chats & Snacks' or an Employability Drop-in session to connect with your peers and staff.
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Don't forget census date
For whatever reason, you realise that you can’t complete a subject. You can withdraw from a subject before a certain date. If you withdraw before the census date, it will be as if you were never enrolled. The subject will not appear on your transcript, and you won’t be charged for it.
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Check in with your Peer Mentor
It's not too late to attend your peer mentoring sessions. Your peer mentor sessions are a great resource for meaningful connections and learning to thrive, and not just survive, in your first year.
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Academic Skills
Develop the academic, English language and professional skills you need for your studies and beyond with Academic Skills. Access one-on-one advice, workshops and resources.
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Library access and use
The Giblin Eunson Library is on the Parkville campus. Its collection specialises in business, finance, economics and more. It has bookable computers and project rooms, audio recording facilities and an after-hours study zone.
Find out what is on offer for you and design your own path to career readiness and connection
Adjust and take a break
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Adjust to change
Change can be challenging, and it's good to access support. You can reach out and have a confidential chat with someone through the counselling service, or explore the online resources.
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Refine your study habits
Want to develop your study skills or polish your referencing and writing skills? Academic Skills offers a range of support options, including individual appointments, writing skills workshops and English language programs.
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Extensions
It’s getting to that time when you need to submit assignments. But what if you are unwell? You can apply for an extension either by contacting the faculty or requesting special consideration. Check the information to ensure you pick the right option.
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Special Consideration
When there are circumstances beyond your control, like illness or the loss of a loved one, special consideration is here to help.
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Academic integrity
Academic integrity is about understanding and upholding the academic values essential to a scholarly community. When you enrol, you agree to follow the University's rules and policies in place to maintain these standards. It’s important to understand what the University considers a breach to avoid academic misconduct.
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Study spaces
Find spaces to study on campus, access IT support and check what’s open.
Studying is serious work, it's easy to forget to look after yourself
Your wellbeing is vital for personal and academic success. A dedicated FBE Student Wellbeing service is available to support you through connection, referrals, and focused programs.
Learn and engage
Maintain a healthy study-life balance and access support.
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Career readiness
Explore the comprehensive range of FBE careers programs and activities, designed to help you develop your skills and professional networks.
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Wellbeing
Exams are just around the corner, but don't let stress take over. Check out our tips now.
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Exam timetable
Exams are coming up. Whether you have one or many, it's important to be prepared for what to expect on exam day. From times and dates to how the exam will be run, you'll want to be across the details.
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Study overseas
The world awaits! Study Abroad and Exchange are your ticket to a whole new study experience.
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Get ready for Academic Mentoring
Academic Mentoring is a one-on-one session with an experienced academic to discuss your university journey, share ideas, and talk about your goals and passions. You'll be enrolled in the program starting next semester. Keep an eye on your emails and take charge of your experience with a 2-minute survey on how you are matched with a mentor.
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MU Sport
Getting active can help you manage stress and give you a break from studying. Melbourne University Sport has so much on offer.
Take your learning out of the classroom and apply it to real business problems
Prepare for assessments and exams
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Revision and preparation
Get set for exam success by being prepared. A good study schedule and tips can be a game-changer. Check out tips for getting the most out of your revision.
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Study spaces
Want a good place to study without distractions? There are spaces on campus, in The Spot and the FBE building, where you can find a quiet place with wifi and catch up with friends when you need a break.
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Take breaks and stay connected
All work and no fun can make your study time less effective. While you may be busy, your FBE Community offers opportunities to connect, reset and refocus.
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Exams
Review your timetable and exam requirements, so you show up in the right place, at the right time, ready to ace your exams.
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Manage your health and wellbeing
Get strategies to cope with the pressure of exams so you can be at your best.
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Special consideration
Life can throw some unexpected things our way. That’s where special consideration comes in.
Take breaks and stay connected
Make new friends, join interactive events during the semester and share your experiences with other FBE students.