UON Advice Letters

Advice Letter #53

If I accidentally locked myself out of canvas and my emails because I entered my password wrong too many times how do I get it unlocked

Advice Letter #52

Any suggestions for a p**s easy elective course to choose? Anything that doesn’t have much/any assumed know and is easy to pass

Advice Letter #51... doubt this will be helpful now as it was submitted in may but ill post anyway.

PLEASE HELP - LOST WALLET
A family friend of mine has left his wallet at the forum last night (Thursday, 4th May). The wallet is a black leather, rip curl wallet & inside will have his St Joseph’s student ID card. The wallet itself holds significant sentimental value to him, as it used to belong to his father. He is incredibly upset. He does not care if the contents of the wallet are gone, with money and gift cards taken out of it, he just wants the wallet back. If you have taken the wallet yourself, there are no hard feelings - just please return the wallet to the forum or student services.

If anyone knows anything about the wallet, or who we can contact about lost and found, please let me know in the comments. It would be incredibly appreciated, more than you know. ❤️

Advice letter #50

Ok so like I want to actually know - does anyone know how to make friends? Like do I just go up and say hey let’s be friends? As I don’t really want to do the whole “heart react if you wanna be friends” because 9 times out of 10 I probably won’t want to be friends bc realistically I have friends they’re just like 2 hours away and I don’t really want to go through the whole superficial friendship that have no substance to them.

Thanks for any advice given
- a student who can’t be bothered to make friends but wants friends x

Submitted : a long time ago

IM BACK

Last semester was hell for me because of placement I literally became best friends with the afterhours crisis support team but I'm finally back to having time to post everyone's submissions xoxox

Advice Letter #49

Hi besties, i currently do not study at UON but i was wondering if the uni offers any good veterinary courses or anything relating to animals?

Advice letter #48

i’m sure this has been asked before, but where is the best place to study at NUspace? i need some aesthetics around me to be able to focus lmao

Submitted 4/7/23, 10:24 AM

Advice letter #47

When it comes to travelling to uni every weekday, how far is too far?

Submitted 4/6/23, 4:42 PM

Advice letter #46

Question to all the people who live on campus; how on earth do you afford it 🥲

Submitted 4/6/23, 1:13 AM

Just a reminder of the link for submissions ❤️

UON Advice Rules: Be kind

Advice letter #45

I am a current student studying Primary Teaching at University (2nd year).

I have been obtaining distinctions and credits in all of my subjects, and I believe I would become a successful Teacher.

Recently, I have been offered a position with NSW health. This employment is open to promotion and doesn't require a course or any assessments.

I am tempted by the job, but don't want to discard al the effort that I have put into university so far.

What would you do if you were me?

Submitted 4/5/23, 3:00 PM

Advice letter #43

Has anyone done music video over the winter break? Is it good?

Is it group work? Do you make a music video? There’s surprisingly little info on the official site about what it actually is

Any info would be appreciated

Submitted 4/5/23, 7:29 AM

Advice Letter #43

How do i bag a baddie

Submitted 4/5/23, 12:23 AM

Advice Letter 42

does anyone have an Apple Music (I know Apple Music...) playlist that's really good for studying with ADHD??

Submitted 4/4/23, 11:34 PM

Advice letter #41

If I drop a course this semester am I able to reenrol in it next semester (it’s available in both semesters)? From a girl who knows absolutely nothing about how uni works 👍🏻

Submitted 4/4/23, 7:40 PM

Sorry haven’t checked the form in a few days, was going through some personal stuff but I’m back now

Advice Letter 40

Does anyone know where to plug in your laptop on campus without having a charging cord?

Submitted 3/31/23, 3:01 PM

Advice Letter #39

Does anyone have advice for doing uni full-time and working 30+ hours a week? Currently drowning in the workload, and REALLY don’t want to ruin my near-perfect GPA that I’ve worked hard to maintain.

Submitted 3/29/23, 11:16 PM

Advice letter #38

Comfiest seats at nuspace please? I am struggling to find a comfy place to study 🥲. Callaghan has all the good seats 😔

Submitted 3/27/23, 11:48 AM

Advice letter #37

Does anyone have any advice for anyone struggling with the academic side of uni? I failed one of my courses last semester and feel really inadequate and dumb for failing a first year course. I know I can always retake it but I really hate that I might end up having to do extra time to catch up and graduate.

Submitted 3/23/23, 9:28 PM

Support tool recap #2 - ADHD

What is ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder is a neuro-developmental condition that can be diagnosed in children and adults. People with ADHD can have difficulty with attention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. In addition, people may struggle with executive functioning and emotional regulation

How does ADHD affect people?

ADHD affects the way a person feels, acts and thinks. ADHD can affect people in different ways.

Some affects can be difficulties in (but not limited or definite to):

•making and following a plan
•prioritising tasks and managing your time. •Getting started on a task that is not interesting as well as sustaining attention and effort. •acting on impulses or being distracted by internal or external stimuli.
• It can also be harder to recall information when needed and hold it in your mind.
• Some evidence suggests people with ADHD tend to feel emotions more intensely and it can be hard to inhibit your reactions to these emotions.

Some advice on how to help with difficulties

• Sleep
Avoid taking long or frequent daily naps
Bedtime routines / wind down ritual prior to sleep (no screens)
Have your bedroom dark, cool and quiet
Only be in your bed for activities in bed 😉 (don’t eat or study in bed)
Avoid sugar, coffee after lunch and alcohol late at night (boring I know)
If you are restless start thinking about pros and cons (personally I would over think this) for the next day

Sleep meditation is available from GPs if needed reach out to them or even a quick chat with your pharmacist

• Nutrition
Honestly their wasn’t much information on nutrition on their page but:
Simple healthy snack / meal prep for uni
Setting reminders to eat
Stay hydrated
include high protein, complex carbohydrates and omega-3 fatty acids as part of your diet while limiting sugar and highly processed foods

• Physical Activity

How could you be active every day?
Can you walk to uni?
Can you join a uni sports team?
Do you have any friends that like to walk or gym?
Dog walking as a job for extra money and exercise
Standing desks
Walking whilst listening to a lecture
Yoga

• organisation and time management
Keep you notebook on you when you may need it
Consider using a paper notebook if you get distracted from being on your phone/ laptop
Set time for weekly commitments
Instead of vague times such as study put in more specific tasks e.g read notes of book … pages 5-10 or start assignment for class …
Set reminds
Break tasks into smaller steps
Focus apps
Visual planner
Uon counselling resource for planning a good semester

• Focus and Attention
Study/ work somewhere separate from your relax or fun areas e.g a specific room or desk that is only for study or going to the uni
Put phone on do not disturb
Notice that you are getting distracted by wanting to do another task? Write it down instead and come back to it once done
Set a timer for 30 mins, When the timer goes off check that you are still on task and you are doing what you intended to do
Use the “Body Double Strategy” - having someone in the same room while you study. You can also use the “Study with me” videos on YouTube.
Have a clear plan for the day
if you are inclined to ignore the timer, when it goes, get up and move

Below are some ways of changing the sensory input in your study environment:

Increasing stimulation:
Have a crunchy snack
Listen to music - fast paced e.g. gaming music.
Study with other people around e.g. Library, Cafe or Study With Me YouTube video
Use different coloured pens.
Alternate standing and sitting or sit on an exercise ball.
Change your study environment when feeling unmotivated e.g. study outside.
Use a fidget toy.

Decreasing stimulation:
Book a room in the library.
Close the door and let people know you can't be distracted.
Listen to no music or music with a low tempo.
Be consistent and study in the same place regularly.
Choose a chair that doesn't swing or move.
Wear comfortable clothing.
Avoid fluorescent lighting.

Managing emotions

Noticing emotions and how you experience them is an important first step.
What are your main emotions, see if you can name them, when do they show up, where do you sense them in your body, how intense are they?
Be specific. Right now I feel ….
Try exploring the Wheel of Emotions if you are struggling to identify the emotion:
Interactive Wheel Of Emotions
Practice noticing emotions when you’re under less pressure.

When you are experiencing intense emotions try following these steps:
Pause. Check in and notice the feelings in your body. Notice what your mind is saying, what is it telling you to do?

Check in with why you are in this situation - is it purposeful, is it important to you?

Make room for the emotion and take action towards what you really want to do or the kind of person you want to be.

Advantages

Hyperfocus: The ability to become engrossed and work intently on something that interests you.
Creativity: The ability to use your imagination to come up with original ideas and approach situations from a different perspective.
Spontaneity: The ability to utilise impulsive tendencies to take a chance, not be constrained and deal with things as they come up.
Engaging conversationalists: The ability to connect and talk with people to get your needs met and achieve your goals.
Heightened energy: The ability to utilise extra energy to work for longer or be more active.

SUPPORT

If you haven't already, it is worth considering registering with the University's AccessAbility Service. An AccessAbility Advisor can support students with a diagnosis of ADHD to develop a 'Reasonable Adjustment Plan' which may include supports such as extra time in exams or sitting exams in a quieter room with less distractions. The plan can be used as a communication tool between yourself and your academics to let them know what support will enable you to engage best with your studies.

My 10 Favorite Things About Having ADHD There are many strengths that go along with our ADHD symptoms. Which strengths you have and express will depend on a lot of factors, and it's not the same fo...

Struggling with food costs? Here’s some options to help that

I know not everyone had the option to ask to borrow money from parents, if this is the case I’m sure talking to UNSA or the Uni can help you out ❤

So I’ve decided to make a post that recaps one of the support tools.

This post will be about the first point: Worrying vs Problem Solving

What is worrying ? A repetitive and circular thought process which can become a habit

What is problem solving ? A linear and constructive thought process ( that is within four control)

There are three aspects / issues:

- The Circle of Control and contains all the actions directly within our control that we can take to address our concerns

- The Circle of Influence and contains all the actions we can take to influence people/events to address our concerns

- The Circle of Concern contains all the factors that concern us but which we have no control or influence over

It can be helpful to put these into three columns

Ask yourself these three questions before starting to problem solve

• How likely is the problem I am concerned about?
• Is the problem something happening now?
• Is the problem something I have some control over?

Once you have identified the problem and if it is in your control, you can problem solve!

Only tackle one problem at a time

Come up with possible solutions

Evaluate the alternatives

Now decide your plan

Implement your plan

And finally evaluate the outcome

Here’s a video on it all 🙂
Hope this helps!

Tackle your worries Feeling anxious? Our short video will take you through some simple tips and advice for managing your worries

NUSEC is hosting a bush walk this Thursday (March 23rd. Could be a great way to meet new people and be active!

Are you wanting to get out and about and see some nature? Well NUSEC is hosting a Bush walk!! It’s a great way to explore a local trail while also getting to hang out with some awesome people!! Don’t forget to bring a hat🧢, sunscreen, and lots of water💧. We hope to see you there! Click the link in our bio to grab your ticket!🌿

Date: Thursday March 23rd
Time: 2pm
Location: Yuelarbah Trail Carpark, Glenrock State conservation area. Turn left past fernleigh track crossing on Burwood Rd, Whitebridge

Advice Letter #36

Where are the best places to study in Auchmuty? The info common is extremely loud and there are obnoxious people everywhere, but the reading rooms are so uncomfortably quiet that people judge others if you move your chair or cough etc. Looking for somewhere in between I guess.

Submitted 3/21/23, 10:50 AM

Advice Letter #35

Hey guys, I’m Looking for a ucat tutor/medical interview tutor and was wondering if anyone knows someone I could contact

Submitted 3/17/23, 6:55 PM

Advice Letter #33

Ciao! I'm currently learning Italian (beginner's level) and would love any suggestions of groups/resources/etc to keep learning and practicing! Potentially even start a social group for all skill levels to practice together if there's enough interest.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxhNC22TghLXxbqC-8uKssp06lXIIe0Ck8XylOXZ2m-ShgWg/viewform

UON Advice Rules: Be kind

Advice letter #32

Hey guys, just needed an opinion.

Do you guys be like there are more opportunities for Industry placements in Business during Semester 1 or 2?

Any advice would be very helpful

Submitted 12/13/22, 5:18 PM

I’m sorry for taking so long to post these but better late than never ?

Advice letter 31

I need to make a formal complaint about my course coordinator. Does anyone know who I should get in contact with? For reference this is a core course taken under a business degree

Submitted 2/11/22, 12:04 PM