First weeks of study

The first weeks of study are an important part of your success. Being organised and prepared will go a long way to help you when the study periods become busier.

The following provides an overview of the key areas that you should consider. 

• Review and organise your study materials and requirements
• Put a semester calendar together
• Organise a study area at home
• Familiarise yourself with Massey University
• Refresh your study skills
• Understand your responsibilities as a student

More information on these topics, including interactive activities, is available through the online Distance Learning Orientation course available within Stream.

Step 1: Review and organise your study materials and requirements

• Review the course structure and assessment requirements and ensure you are familiar with the important contacts for your courses. All this information can be found in your Administration Guide. See dispatch of study materials to find out when you should receive your materials.
• Order your text books. If you are buying second hand text books ensure it is exactly the same as the book you need, including the same edition.
• Familiarise yourself with the Stream online environment. Log in to Stream to ensure your user account has been set up and take the opportunity to review the Student Guide to Stream.
• If you have contact workshops ensure you register early and arrange time off work, accommodation, transport, etc.
• Ensure you know when you need to pay your fees.
• Ensure you have your student ID card.

If you have not received your study materials by the first week of the semester contact us. 

Step 2: Put together a semester calendar

A semester calendar with all your key dates can help you to plan your study and ensure that you do not miss any important deadlines.

You should include:

• Dates for assignments, exams and any contact courses. These included in your Administration Guide.
• Personal commitments - birthdays, holidays, sports, weddings, etc. 
• Semester start and end dates.
• Dates for changing and withdrawing from study.

Step 3: Organise a study area at home

Having a quiet place to study is an important part of distance learning. While you have more flexibility about when you study you still need to find the equivalent 'lecture' time in your daily routine.

• Find a good study space. Ensure it is a space where you will not be interrupted or have to pack up each night (ie the dinning room table). It is much easier to remember to study if your books are staring at you!
• Have good supply of stationary at hand.
• Talk with your family about your study, what you are doing and what support/assistance you might need ie quiet study periods, partner to help with the children, and so on.

Step 4: Familiarise yourself with Massey University

Massey University offers you a number of services and resources. Take the time in these first few weeks to review what is available to you and take advantage of all the support that we offer. For more details see services and facilities for distance students.

Step 5: Refresh your study skills

These first few weeks are also a good time to refresh your study skills. Massey University has a wide range of study resources available through the Online Learning and Writing Link (OWLL) web pages and the Maths First web pages. 

Step 6: Understand your responsibilities

Massey University recognises that the relationship between students and staff is a partnership where both groups are active participants in learning and teaching at the University. In order to remove uncertainty from the relationship the University decided to enter into an explicit contract with its students. By enrolling at Massey University you are offering to enter a contract with the University. The Grievance Procedures referred to in Clause 12 of the Contract are set out in the Calendar. The Contract is formed if and when the University issues a Confirmation of Enrolment Form.

Massey University accepts its responsibility to provide timely, accurate and helpful information on which you can make your programme planning decisions (refer to Clause 10). However, it is also your responsibility to familiarise yourself with the relevant regulations of the qualification in which you wish to enrol and to ensure you meet all requirements.

It is your responsibility to contact a Course Advisor for any required approvals, clarification of the University’s rules and regulations and for guidance in academic planning. It is also for you to ensure your proposed programme of study has no lecture or exam timetable clashes, to manage your workload and to meet the published requirements of your courses.

Page authorised by Director, Student Administration
Last updated on Friday 14 July 2017