1. Login to myUniSA

myUniSA is the online student portal where you can access student email, course websites, and other university services. Once you have your username and password, visit www.unisa.edu.au/myunisa or access the portal from the top of the university's homepage (use the link 'For students'). Login and explore the portal.

2. Check your email

Once you've logged into myUniSA, open your student email account and read any important messages from the university. As an external student, email is your main channel of communication with the uni, so check it regularly. If you like, you can redirect your university email to another account.

3. Visit your course websites

Every course you’re enrolled in has a learnonline website which is accessible from myUniSA. This is where course information, readings and resources are located. Spend time exploring your course websites and getting to know their layout. In particular, for each course you should locate:

• Course Outline: this provides an overview of course content, assignment due dates and instructions
• Lecture recordings: this is where new lectures are uploaded
• eReadings: this is where required weekly readings are found
• Contact details for the Course Coordinator

Please note that some course websites might not be open to students until the very start of study period. Once study period begins, visit your course websites each week. Don't postpone or go long periods without visiting them, otherwise it can be hard to catch up and you might miss important information.

4. Attend Orientation

Even though you’re studying externally, if you live in the Adelaide area you can attend Orientation activities for the Division of Health Sciences. This is a chance to meet staff, network with other students, and learn about services available to you. If you’re based elsewhere and/or unable to attend, you should still explore the New Students website.

5. Create a weekly schedule

As an external student, it's important to create a study routine. Download a weekly planner, enter all your work and family commitments, and identify optimal times to study. We suggest devoting around 10 hours per week to each course you enrol in. If this isn't manageable or your circumstances change, you can modify your enrolment: be aware of census and withdraw without fail dates to avoid fees or fail grades.

6. Create a calendar for study period

We also suggest downloading a study period calendar. Once you've done this, look at your Course Outlines and record the due dates of different assignments onto your calendar. This will help you remember what’s due when to plan your time effectively. If you live with a partner or family members, display the calendar in a prominent place so they know when your workload is heaviest. Also record census dates, public holidays and deadlines for fees.

7. Set up computer facilities

Since you’re studying online, it’s important that you're comfortable using computers. If you need to develop your skills further, enquire at your local community library or adult education provider. It's also important to have access to a good computer at home, i.e. a machine no more than a few years old with Microsoft Office, high speed internet access and virus protection software. If you don't have a home computer and live near a UniSA campus, you can use computers on campus. You can also connect to the University's wireless internet with your laptop, tablet or Smartphone.

8. Create a study space

It’s important to create a suitable study space for yourself. Your space should be comfortable, well-lit, quiet and free of distractions. If you live near a campus you can use student spaces on campus and in the Library for study, but a study space at home is very beneficial.

9. Explore the Library website

Spend time exploring the Library's website. The Library is your gateway to information, and will be your main research tool for assignments. Also, as an external student you're eligible to use the Library's Off-Campus Library Service.

10. Explore other student services

Familiarise yourself with different student services, such as Campus Central - your one-stop shop for enrolment info and general enquiries - and the Learning and Teaching Unit, which provides counselling, disability services, language and learning support, career advice, and international student advice.