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Orientation

Transition to student life

Your roadmap to success
two girls at orientation

Your student journey continues

Orientation is just the beginning! Adjusting to student life takes time. 

Whether you study on-campus or online, we want you to feel connected and supported for study. 

Students studying in library

Transition to student life

Over the first four weeks of the semester, we will run a huge range of fun activities, informative workshops and academic support sessions. These are all designed to connect you with our teams and give you the tools you need for a successful start at CDU. 

Your passport to getting started at CDU

Check out the CDU Orientation Passport below. There is a program for on-campus students in Darwin and one for online students, so make sure to download the right one for you. Add the dates to your calendar so you do not miss out on any of the action.

CDU Orientation Passport - On-campus

H5p file

Download PDF

CDU Orientation Passport - Online

H5p file

Download PDF

Three people sitting on a bench. Person in middle looking at laptop screen.

Connect at the New Student Welcome Centre

Want advice on starting your first semester and navigating the university? Connect with us at the New Student Welcome Centre. Our staff can offer one-on-one support to help you enrol in the right units, choose a suitable study load, use CDU's online learning platforms, make friends with your peers and much more. This service is available on campus and online after-hours during those initial weeks when you are setting up for success.

Summer Semester 2024 opening hours: From 14 November to 29 November 2024

Danala | Education and Community Precinct

 

Darwin, 54 Cavenagh Street, Level 1

Monday - Friday
10.30 am - 4.30 pm ACST

Casuarina campus

 

Darwin, Red Building 8.1.05, Library

Monday - Friday
10.30 am - 4.30 pm ACST

Sydney campus

 

815 George Street, Haymarket, Level 10

Monday - Friday
10.30 am - 4.30 pm AEDT (Sydney time)

Online

 

Join the Online New Student Welcome Centre via Zoom

Monday - Friday
4.30 pm - 6.30 pm ACST /
6 pm - 8 pm AEDT (Sydney time)

Explore the Student Portal

Find all your study apps in one place and see the latest student news, events and student groups.

Not sure where to start? Take a tour of all things Student Portal.

CDU 101: Your guide to student life

Discover New to CDU information, a snapshot of student services and more in the CDU 101 Getting Started Guide.

CDU 101

Week 1: Navigate study week

How to use Learnline

Learnline is an online learning platform where you access your units, find your learning materials and attend online classes. 

Explore the platform by watching the How to use Learnline video.

Watch video

Still have questions?

Check out the Learnline page or contact 1800 984 057 for 24/7 support.

Get your timetable

Your CDU timetable shows you when your classes start and where you need to go. 

Find your Higher Education timetable via 'My Apps' on the Student Portal.

Go to Student Portal

 

Academic integrity module

The mandatory Academic Integrity module on Learnline is not only a checkbox, it is your commitment to honesty, trust, fairness, respect and responsibility in academic work.

As a new commencing student, you must successfully complete the unit by the end of your first period of study.

Learn more

Student events

See the CDU Orientation Passport for a highlight of this week's events on-campus and online. 

What else is happening at CDU? Check out the Student Portal for more current student events on offer.

Week 2: Access study resources

Your course enrolment

The final date to enrol for Summer Semester is Friday 29 November 2024. Remember to check your enrolment and the unit requirements for your course. After this date, you cannot enrol online and must receive written permission from the unit lecturer to join the class.  

Watch the How to enrol video for a visual guide.

Have more questions?

We have a troubleshooting guide if you come across any issues. 

Guide to enrolling

Study skills

Did you know the Library provides open access to academic resources and practical study help? From a guide to assignment types, to reading and writing strategies, the Study Skills page has it all.

Learn more

Study skills recordings

Check out recordings from previous semesters which cover relevant and helpful information. 

Return to study: Harness your strengths as a mature studentWatch video
Critical thinkingWatch video
Reading for universityWatch video
Skilful searchingWatch video
Peer advisor support

Peer Advisors are senior students who are high-achievers and are dedicated to supporting new commencing students at CDU. You can receive support through:

  • Peer-to-Peer Appointments (individual support for specific units)
  • Peer-Assisted Study Sessions (collaborative opt-in sessions for specific units)
  • Peer Mentoring

Learn more

Student events

See the CDU Orientation Passport for a highlight of this week's events on-campus and online. 

What else is happening at CDU? Check out the Student Portal for more current student events on offer.

Life, health and wellbeing

Explore our range of resources and support services aimed to help you thrive both inside and outside the classroom, including:

  • Counselling
  • Financial and other assistance
  • First Nations student support
  • Staying well in mind and body

Learn more

Support for Students Policy

The University is committed to ensuring you have all the support available to help you succeed. Read the Support for Students Policy.

Student Support Policy

Week 3: Plan your semester

Important dates

Census date for Summer Semester is on Friday 6 December 2024. This is the last day that you can withdraw from units without receiving an academic or financial penalty, so make sure your enrolment and payment details are correct. 

See all important dates for the academic year to organise your calendar and stay on top of your due dates. 

Download 2024 Year Planner

Understanding your fees

As a domestic student, it is important to keep track of your fees and their due dates. Such students include: Australian or New Zealand citizens, humanitarian visa holders, holders of a Pacific Engagement Visa or Australian permanent residents.

There are two main student fees: 

  • Tuition fees - cover the basic cost of your CDU course
  • Student services and amenities fees (SSAF) - helps fund non-academic services and delivers projects and activities to improve your student experience

Domestic students may be eligible for Government subsidies such as a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or support through a student loan, such as HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP. If you choose to pay upfront or have any student fees due, you must pay by the census date of that teaching period.

Learn more

Library support

As you tackle your first assessments, our Library experts are on hand to help you succeed. Register for workshops and get assessment help from the Librarians and Language and Learning Advisors.

Learn more

Library recordings

Check out recordings from previous semesters which cover relevant and helpful information. 

Library 101Watch video
Your online LibraryWatch video
APA 7th referencingWatch video
Student events

See the CDU Orientation Passport for a highlight of this week's events on-campus and online. 

What else is happening at CDU? Check out the Student Portal for more current student events on offer.

Week 3: Plan your semester

Important dates

Census date for Summer Semester is on Friday 6 December 2024. This is the last day that you can withdraw from units without receiving an academic or financial penalty, so make sure your enrolment and payment details are correct. 

See all important dates for the academic year to organise your calendar and stay on top of your due dates. 

Download 2024 Year Planner

Understanding your fees

As an international student, it is important to keep track of your fees and their due dates.

There are two main student fees: 

  • Tuition fees - cover the annual cost of your CDU course
  • Student services and amenities fees (SSAF) - helps fund non-academic services and delivers projects and activities to improve your student experience

New commencing international students must pay your tuition and Student Service Amenities Fees (SSAF) by the first day of teaching.

International students and visa compliance

As an international student, it is important to know about your obligations while studying at CDU. Find out how to keep your studies compliant with your student visa conditions.

Learn more

Library support

As you tackle your first assessments, our Library experts are on hand to help you succeed. Register for workshops and get assessment help from the Librarians and Language and Learning Advisors.

Learn more

Library recordings

Check out recordings from previous semesters which cover relevant and helpful information. 

Library 101Watch video
Your online LibraryWatch video
APA 7th referencingWatch video
Student events

See the CDU Orientation Passport for a highlight of this week's events on-campus and online. 

What else is happening at CDU? Check out the Student Portal for more current student events on offer.

Week 4: Student success essentials

Connection and student life

Connection and student life recordings

Check out recordings from previous semesters which cover relevant and helpful information. 

All things uni - CDU services and student supportWatch video
Connect with your student leadersWatch video
Let's talk scholarships 101Watch video
Regional report - From Alice Springs to SydneyWatch video
Getting a job as a student

Want to know how to stand out and gain confidence for your next job interview? You can get advice, attend workshops and find more opportunities with CDU Careers Centre.

Learn more

Careers Centre recordings

Check out recordings from previous semesters which cover relevant and helpful information. 

Stories of success with the Careers teamWatch video
Safety and respect at CDU

CDU is committed to creating a fair and inclusive university where everyone can thrive. It is everybody's responsibility to foster a safe and respectful community. 

Safer communities at CDU provides valuable resources including:

  • CDU security
  • Safety and emergency
  • Respect
  • Diversity and inclusion; and more.

Learn more

Student events

See the CDU Orientation Passport for a highlight of this week's events on-campus and online. 

What else is happening at CDU? Check out the Student Portal for more current student events on offer.

Need more help?

Contact Student Central

Free call 1800 061 963

Monday - Thursday: 8.30 am - 4 pm
Friday: 8.30 am - 3 pm

FAQs:  Ask CDU

CDU Wellbeing Support Line

If you need to speak with someone urgently, the CDU Wellbeing Support Line is available 24/7.

Ph: 1300 933 393

SMS: 0488 884 144

Counselling - current students
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