This section will introduce you to the people and places that make up a tertiary institution and help unpack some of the concepts so they feel a little more familiar.
Tertiary institutions are large places with lots of different spaces and staff members who support these spaces and students. Like any community, everyone contributes to keep things running. We might only view these educational organisation as places to learn. However, they do so much more to contribute to society, so having an understanding of how they operate will help you get the most out your time there.
Spaces and resources
A university is much more than a collection of classrooms. Universities provide students with a variety of study, collaboration, social, recreational and creative spaces.
The campus
University campuses are vibrant places and can be crowded with people walking to various buildings and social spaces. The campus community is generally made up of students, teachers, professional staff, and visitors.
Some of your learning may take place on campus where spaces are set up for a variety of different types of learning including:
lectures
labs
classrooms for tutorials
media studios
creative spaces
study spaces
the library
common areas
cafes
Wifi allows you to connect your PC, laptop, mobile phone or tablet device without using a cable. Wifi access points are across the campus, making everywhere a study space.
University campuses provide recreational and social spaces for students such as sports facilities, like gyms, basketball courts and running tracks. Social events are held on campus for students to hang out with classmates and get to know their peers. Image by Drazen on Adobe Stock
University libraries as community and cultural spaces
University libraries are centrally located on campus where the university community can come together to meet, collaborate and build a sense of place. Libraries are often positioned near other services where you may seek information and advice, like the enrolment centre and student union.
Libraries help build community in several ways. They offer study support through drop-ins or consultations, workshops and training, as well as cultural events like exhibitions and seminars. At the same time, libraries also provide a quiet environment for students to study on their own.
Some Libraries manage makerspaces, where students gather to work on projects while sharing ideas, equipment, and knowledge. A makerspace is often equiped with 3D printers and laser cutters.
Study spaces
The space in which you work plays an important role in productivity as well as improving focus and efficiency.
When setting up a study space, it's a good idea to have all the materials you need within reach. That could be physical items like a notebook, pens, highlighters and course material like course notes, textbooks, calculator.
When setting up a digital study space consider bookmarking study resources frequently used to improve organisation. It's also set up some folders for online documents for your courses.
When working in a group space on campus, hoose a space that will enable you and your group members to talk freely, exchange ideas and plan your work. Booking a group room on campus is one option and another is to arrange an online meeting with your group.
