BCom First Semester Guide
A step-by-step guide to help you thrive in the first semester of your BCom
Get organised
Prepare for a successful first semester. Complete core admin, 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 Planner
The BCom Planner contains information to help you understand your course structure and requirements and includes sample study plans, tips on how to plan your subject selection, and details of University services and support.
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Key dates
With so much going on, it’s good to get an overview of the important dates during the semester, like census dates, exams and public holidays.
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BCom Orientation
Your dedicated Faculty events are 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.
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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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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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Accommodation
Apply for university-owned student accommodation and explore other accommodation options.
Your Bachelor of Commerce journey starts at BCom Orientation!
Join us at BCom Orientation
Get to know your campus, 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 all first year's get matched with a peer mentor, someone who has been in your shoes and can help guide you as you settled in. Meeting and making friends is the key to creating an enriched university experience.
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Find your way around campus
Got to get to The Spot for a lecture but don’t even 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 for everyone. The Safer Community Program provides advice and support if you ever feel unsafe or threatened.
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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.
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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 host a range of events from comedy shows, sleep overs, clubs and societies to competitions and exam support.
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Stay up to date and connect on socials
With so much on offer you will want to keep in the loop on all things FBE, from social activities to programs and amazing learing opportunities, keep an eye on your inbox for the weekly BCom Newsletter for all the lowdown. And of course, you can follow FBE on socials too.
BCom Orientation is happening now. See you on campus!
Get started
Get your semester off to a good start, attend your first classes and remember 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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Your BCom Community
Some of your first lectures may feel daunting given there are so many new people and faces. 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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Food and retail
One of the best things about being on campus is being able to explore the different food options. Oh and did we mention coffee - so many options. Have fun exploring and finding your favourite spot.
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Time management
Pick up a poster-size yearly planner from a UoM library or Stop 1 or download a copy. Keep track of dates, break down tasks and meet deadlines whilst adding decoration to your space!
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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.
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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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Need help?
Find support at Stop 1. Stop 1 can help answer your enquiries and connect you with the right support. The hub of all things student is located on the corner of Swanston and Grattan Streets.
Discover secrets to thriving at uni at your next peer mentoring meeting
Get involved
Get involved both inside and outside the classroom. Explore future pathways during Employability Week. Revisit your class enrolment and make changes if you need to.
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Are you happy with your class selection?
Let’s say you’ve picked a subject but realise after the first tutorial that it’s not your thing. What can you do? You can still make changes to your enrolment and class timetable before the final cut off at the end of week 3.
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Find enrichment opportunities
Now that you have settled in, are you ready to find out what other opportunities are on offer for you both inside and outside the classroom? Access our catalogue of enrichment opportunities and map them on the FBE engagement planner.
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Have fun at events hosted by your faculty
Make new friends, join interactive events during the semester and share your experiences with other FBE students.
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Academic skills
Studying at a university can be very different to studying in high school. Things like taking notes in lectures, preparing for tutorials and working in groups can all be daunting at first but it’s all a learning experience. That’s why we have the Academic Skills Hub.
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Employability Week
Employability Week events are designed to help you plan for your career and arm you with real world employability skills - so you can land a job you love! No matter where you are in your career planning journey, there is an event for you at Employability Week.
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Library access and use
The Giblin Eunson Library is on the Parkville campus. Its collection specialises in business, finance, economics, education, and teaching. It has bookable computers and project rooms, audio recording facilities and an after-hours study zone.
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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 making meaningful connections and finding out all about how to thrive - not just survive - in your first year.
Find out what is on offer for you and design your own path to career readiness and connection
Adjust and take a break
If you need to withdraw from a subject or course, act before Census date. Once you have that sorted, enjoy your mid-semester break.
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Don't forget census dates
For whatever reason you realise that you can’t finish a subject, we get it, stuff happens. You can withdraw from a subject up until a certain date. If you withdraw before census date it will be like you were never enrolled. It does not appear on your transcript and you won’t pay fees for the subject.
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Study spaces
Find spaces to study on campus, access IT support and check what’s open.
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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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Extensions
So, it’s getting to that time when you need to submit your first assignment. Most likely, you will need to submit it through LMS, but what if all of a sudden you get sick. You need just a little more time to get it done. No problem, you can apply for an extension by either applying directly to the faculty or special consideration. Just check the info to make sure you pick the right one.
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Refine your study habits
Want to refine or develop your study skills? Want to polish your referencing or writing skills? Look no further than the Academic Skills team who offer a range of support options including 1:1 appointments., writing skills workshops and English Language development programs.
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Adjusting to uni life
Adjusting to life at Uni can sometimes be challenging. It's ok to need support. You can reach out and have a confidential chat with someone through the Counselling service or explore the on-line resources.
Studying is serious work, it's easy to forget to look after yourself
Learn and engage
Engage in your learning, opportunities and get experience. Remember to maintain a healthy study/life balance and access the support you need.
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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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Study overseas
The world awaits! Study Abroad and Exchange are your ticket to a whole new study experience.
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Exam timetable
Exams are coming up. Whether you have one, or, many, it's important that you are well prepared for what to expect on exam day. From time and date to how the exam will be run, down to what you can bring, you'll want to be across the details.
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Wellbeing
Alright, let’s all take a deep breath. Exams are just around the corner but you can’t let stress take over. Check out our tips for getting through. You got this!
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Get ready for Academic Advising
Academic Advising 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 are enrolled in the Academic Advising program starting next semester. Look out for your student email where you will get to take charge of your advising experience with a 2-minute survey on how you are matched with an Adviser.
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MU Sport
Getting active can help you manage stress and give you a good 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
Finish your Semester 1 classes and focus on preparing for your assessments and exams.
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Take study breaks and stay connected
All work and no fun can make your study time less effective. Don't forget to keep connected. While you may be busy your FBE Community has you covered with lots of chances to rest, reset and refocus.
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Study spaces
Want a good place to study without the distractions of home? There are plenty of spaces on campus and in The Spot and FBE building where you can find a quiet place, have good wifi and maybe catch up with some friends when you need a break.
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Revision and exams prep
Get set up for exam success by being well- prepared. A good study schedule and tips can be a game changer as you head into the exam period. Check out all the tips available for getting the most out of your revision.
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Exams and assessment
How can we say this even though you think you've got it all sorted, now is a really good time to review your timetable and exam requirements so you show up in right place, at the right time, with the right stuff and ready to ace it!
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Manage your mental health and wellbeing during exams
Exams can be stressful. Sometimes the pressure helps you focus, and other times it can be overwhelming. Get strategies to cope with stress during the exam period so you can be at your best during exams.
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Special consideration
We all know that out of the blue, life can throw some crazy things at us. Sometimes they’re good, sometimes not so good. That’s where special consideration comes in.