You’ve done it! You’ve made it to the end of your high school years (or you’re almost there) and you’re ready to make the transition from high school senior to university student. While this is a really exciting time, you might also be wondering what to expect and how much will change. We take a look at some of the biggest differences between high school and uni to help you get a feel for what university study is all about. For even more helpful tips and advice, check out the resources in this special edition of HeyU magazine or get ready to attend an upcoming USQ Open Day.

1. High School Universityvs
Check out the differences you can expect as
you transition from high school to university

2. Have you ever wondered what the difference between
being a high school student and a university student is?
Find out how your lecturers play a different role in your education
to your high school teachers, how much time you will spend in
class and studying and what is expected of you to succeed.

3. High School Universityvs
Your time is
structured by
your parents
and teachers
You manage
your own
time

4. High School Universityvs
You must
balance your
responsibilities
and set
your own
priorities
Your parents
and teachers
will remind
you of your
responsibilities
and help you
manage them

5. High School Universityvs
Class
times vary
throughout
the day, and
you usually
spend 12–16
hours in class
per week
School days
are Monday to
Friday, 9am to
3pm (30 hours
a week)

6. High School Universityvs
For each
hour you
spend in
class, you
need to
complete 2
to 4 hours
of additional
study in your
own time
Aside from
your classes,
you need
to complete
around 5 hours
of study
each week

7. High School Universityvs
If you need
assistance,
you should
initiate
contact with
your lecturer
or tutor
Teachers
approach you
if they believe
you are falling
behind

8. High School Universityvs
Lecturers
schedule tests
and expect
you to attend
regardless of
commitments
outside your
course
Teachers
frequently
rearrange
assessment due
dates/deadlines
to avoid conflict
with other
classes

9. High School Universityvs
Lecturers
expect you
to locate and
catch up on
any notes or
information
you missed
when you
miss a class
Teachers
provide you
with class notes
or the reading
material when
you miss a class

10. Attend one
of our
Open Days
visit usq.edu.au/study
to find out moreor or
Check out our
online student
magazine
Still have some questions about
what to expect as a uni student?
CRICOS: QLD00244B NSW02225M TEQSA: PRV12081 15.1.A 01.2017
social.usq.edu.au