Are you ready for uni?! Whether you’re finishing high school, or returning from a gap year, or you’ve found a new passion to pursue as a career, the first year of university can seem daunting. It’s a whole new world, so here are our top tips to navigate this exciting chapter.
In high school, your teachers were always there to remind you: homework’s due! From daily reports to the rigid 9AM–3PM schedule, your days revolved around structure. But post-high school? Life looks a little different.
While guidance, support, and passion are still part of the picture, your study schedule is way more flexible. You might have a Tuesday morning class and a Thursday evening one, with heaps of time in between. The catch? It’s up to you to stay on track.
That’s where organisation tools become your secret weapon. Jot down to-do lists, keep a diary (whether it’s digital or old-school), and explore project management apps, like Notion or Monday. Scheduling your days doesn’t just keep your study load in check—it frees you up to plan all the fun stuff too, without the stress.
And hey, if it feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. Most unis and colleges offer support, and at Collarts, our Student Support Team is here to help you ace those study habits. Need a hand? Drop them a line at support@collarts.edu.au —we’ve got you.
When you’ve got free time on your hands, the world is yours to explore—and at Collarts, you’re right in the thick of it. With all four campuses nestled in the vibrant Collingwood/Fitzroy area, you’re surrounded by cool cafés, design stores, record shops, pubs, and more. It’s a playground for creativity and culture.
But with all that excitement comes the allure of spending. Lunch at Stefanino Panino again? A quick stop at SWOP for some new threads? Records, books, post-class drinks—temptation is everywhere.
That’s where a budget becomes your best friend. Sure, it’s fun to splurge, but if you’ve got rent to pay or groceries to grab, it’s all about prioritising. Skip the café coffee and make use of the coffee machine in the student kitchen instead. Grab a packet of noodles from reception if you’re in a pinch, and maybe keep your shopping to window-only if payday’s still a while away.
Get everything down in writing—whether it’s a trusty notebook or a Google Sheet. Direct debits can also be a lifesaver when it comes to keeping things organised.
That way, when you do spot that one-of-a-kind jacket at SWOP, you can grab it guilt-free, knowing you’ve planned for those well-deserved treats.
At the end of a high school day, the gates close, and you head home.
Post-high school, it’s a whole different story. At Collarts, you’re welcome to use our campus facilities and equipment whenever you need—a game-changer if you’re struggling to access the right tools or even a solid internet connection.
Take advantage of these perks while you’re here. Some gear, like microphones, cameras, instruments, lights, and pedals, might be way out of your personal budget, but on campus, you can get hands-on with it all for free.
Need a space to create? You can book out a studio—whether it’s for photography, recording, or rehearsals—and skip the sky-high hire fees. Our studios are fully kitted out with all the bells and whistles to bring your ideas to life.
It’s as easy as making an online booking or having a quick chat at reception. And if you’re studying online, don’t worry—equipment and facilities are still accessible, and for some courses, we’ll even mail out a kit to get you started.
With flexible class hours and multiple campuses, you might be thinking: how do I make friends? Sure, there’s no school carnival, but at uni, it’s all about the vibe of community—and Collarts delivers.
Community is at the heart of what we do, and we host regular events to bring everyone together. O-Week is a classic starting point, ending with a party or celebration to get you hyped. Each trimester kicks off with workshops, industry guest talks, live performances, bus tours, alumni networking and more. Whatever your jam, there’s something for you.
As the year unfolds, the fun continues—think Halloween costume competitions (with prizes!), holiday events, and other celebrations.
Online students, you’re not left out. In the digital age, most of our events come with an online option, from trivia nights to live-streamed O-Week parties. (Trust us, live chats can pop off.)
Still looking for your crew? The Collarts Common Room is your go-to for staying connected. You’ll find info on what your fellow Collartsians are up to, job and collab opportunities, and updates on any external events. Plus, there are more Facebook groups to keep you in the loop, whether they’re official or student-led.
So jump in, get involved and make the most of your Collarts experience—friendships here are just waiting to happen.
One of the best things about uni? Meeting a whole new group of people.
Unlike high school, where you’re grouped by zones and ages, university and college brings together students from all walks of life. And for the first time, you’ll be surrounded by people who not only have diverse backgrounds, but also share your creative interests.
Studying Comedy? Your classmates probably know all the must-see shows at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. In Fashion & Sustainability? Band together with class mates for exclusive volunteer opportunities at Melbourne Fashion Week. Enrolled in Screen & Media? You’ll find plenty of people to hit up the Melbourne International Film Festival with.
Above all, at Collarts, you’re joining a community of creatives. If you’ve ever felt stuck in the suburbs, searching for your people, that ends here. At Collarts, finding your scene is effortless—you’re already part of it.