Feeling nervous about finishing Year 12 and starting university next year? You’re not alone. With thousands of degrees to choose from, confusing university jargon, and the pressure to pick your future career—it can feel overwhelming. But don’t stress! This guide will walk you through what university is really like, what to expect, and how to make the most of your uni journey.
Whether you’re aiming to become a doctor, designer, or still figuring it all out—this is your go-to guide for navigating university life.
🎓 What Actually Is University...?
University is your chance to dive deeper into subjects you enjoy, learn new skills, and (hopefully) figure out what you want to do for a career. You can:
- Choose a career-specific degree like Nursing, Law or Physiotherapy.
- Explore your interests with flexible degrees like Arts or Science where you build your own study path.
- Double your options by doing a double degree—say, Business and Computer Science.
Whichever path you take, most degrees require certain Year 12 subjects and ATAR thresholds. If you need a last-minute academic boost before final exams, you can find expert tutors with KIS Academics.
🧠 Understanding the Uni Lingo
Never been to university before? Let’s decode the language.
| Term | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | Your first degree after Year 12—usually a Bachelor’s degree (3–5 years). |
| Diploma | A shorter, 1-year qualification—can be used as a pathway into a Bachelor’s. |
| Double Degree | Study two areas at once. Takes longer, but gives you more career options. |
| Postgraduate | Degrees like Masters or PhDs that you do after finishing a Bachelor’s degree. |
| Major / Minor | Your area of specialisation—e.g. “Major in Psychology, Minor in Philosophy.” |
| Electives / Breadth | Extra subjects you can pick based on your interests—often outside your main degree. |
📚 Example: How Units Work
A “unit” is like a subject in high school. Full-time students usually take 4 units per semester (8 per year). For example, if you're doing a Bachelor of Arts and want to major in French, you’d take 8 French units across your degree. Want to minor instead? You’ll usually only need 4.
Electives give you even more flexibility. In a science degree, you could take electives in coding, climate change, or even languages. If you’re strategic, your electives can even help you qualify for an extra major or minor.
🏫 How University Classes Actually Work
You’ll hear a lot of new terms thrown around—lectures, tutorials, workshops, and labs. Here’s what they usually mean:
- Lectures: A big class (sometimes hundreds of students!) where a professor delivers content, often via slides.
- Tutorials (tutes): Smaller groups where you discuss the content and ask questions.
- Workshops: Hands-on or problem-solving sessions, depending on your degree.
- Practicals (pracs): Often science-related—like lab work or fieldwork.
Each uni and subject will run things differently, so be flexible and give yourself time to adjust in your first semester.
🧭 How to Choose the Right University and Degree
1. 🎯 Know Your Goals (or Explore Until You Do)
Do you have a dream job in mind, like becoming a lawyer, teacher, or engineer? Great—look for degrees that directly lead to that profession (e.g. Law, Education, Engineering).
Not sure yet? That’s totally normal! Choose a flexible degree like Arts, Science, or Commerce that lets you try out different subjects in your first year. You can narrow things down as you go.
✅ Tip: University isn't just for students who know exactly what they want—it’s a place to figure it out.
2. 🏫 Research the Uni Experience (Not Just Rankings)
Don't just look at the top universities on a list. Think about what you value most:
- Location: Do you want to live on campus, stay close to home, or move interstate?
- Campus life: Are there clubs, societies, and a strong student culture?
- Support services: Does the uni offer tutoring, mental health support, career advice?
- Industry connections: Do they offer internships, work placements, or exchange programs?
👀 Check out campus open days (most are held mid-year in 2025) and virtual tours to get a feel for the environment.
Manoj Arachige
3. 📚 Compare Course Structures
Even similar degrees can vary across universities. For example:
- Some science degrees have more lab time, while others focus more on research skills.
- Some commerce degrees might offer co-op internships, others might focus on theory-heavy learning.
Go to the course page on each university’s website and compare:
- The core units you’ll have to study
- The electives or majors available
- Assessment types (exams, group projects, practicals)
- Prerequisites and ATAR requirements
4. 💸 Factor In Costs and Scholarships
University can be expensive—especially if you’re moving out of home. Be sure to consider:
- HECS-HELP loans (for domestic students)
- Scholarships (for academic achievement, equity, regional students, etc.)
- Cost of living in different cities
- Accommodation options (uni colleges, shared housing, etc.)
💡 Pro tip: Most unis offer generous scholarships in 2026—even for general academic achievement or extracurricular involvement.
Manoj Arachige
✅ What You Should Be Doing in Year 12
- 📅 Mid-year 12: Finalise your university preferences through your state’s tertiary admissions centre.
- 🧠 Late Year 12: Prepare for final exams and meet prerequisites (like UCAT for medicine).
- 📝 By October Year 12: Submit your university application through UAC, VTAC, QTAC, or SATAC.
- 🎉 End of year 12: Accept offers, enrol, and prepare for O-Week!
Need help navigating this? KIS Academics has expert tutors who’ve been through the process and can guide you every step of the way.
Manoj Arachige
Final Thoughts
Starting university in 2026 is a massive milestone—but it’s also one of the most exciting chapters of your life. You’ll learn, grow, and meet amazing people along the way.
And remember: no one has it all figured out at 18. The best thing you can do is start, stay curious, and enjoy the journey. 🚀
Want more personalised study guidance to help drastically improve your marks? A private tutor can make the biggest difference!
