5 November, 2025 | Olivia Martini, journalism student
As your teen starts thinking about life after school, you might be wondering what university will actually look like for them day-to-day. The transition can feel like a big leap, not just for students, but for parents too. Understanding what to expect can help you support your teen as they take this exciting next step.
A week in the life at university
At university, the structure of study is quite different from high school. Instead of attending classes five days a week, students usually have a mix of lectures, tutorials and workshops, with plenty of independent study time in between. A full-time university load at QUT, for example, is generally three to four units per semester, with each unit requiring around 10–12 hours of study per week. This includes a combination of contact hours on campus and time spent completing assignments, preparing for exams or studying independently. A typical unit will include multiple assessment tasks: assignments (individual or group), practical tasks (especially in science, health, and design fields), and possibly exams (mid-semester or end-semester).
Every student’s week can look a little different depending on their course and timetable. Timetables can vary for different courses and from semester to semester. Some days might be full of hands-on learning or group projects, while others might be spent catching up on recorded lectures or collaborating online with classmates. Your teen will nominate for their preferred class times during class registration in January and they’ll receive advice about how to do this once they’ve accepted an offer from QUT.
QUT’s flexible study options, including blended and online learning, give students the freedom to balance study with work, sport and social life, helping them build independence and time management skills along the way.
Settling in and finding support
Before classes officially begin, orientation and Welcome Week give students the chance to settle in and connect with their peers. These events help them get familiar with campus, meet academic staff and discover the wide range of support available—including academic guidance, wellbeing support, counselling, accessibility services and career advice. These resources are designed to help students feel confident, connected and ready to thrive, whether they are studying on campus or online.
Of course, there's also plenty to get involved in outside of the classroom. Welcome Week can be a great time to explore clubs, sport, events and other campus opportunities.
Gaining confidence and real-world experience
Throughout their studies, your teen will not only gain deep knowledge in their chosen field but also learn to communicate effectively, work collaboratively, solve problems creatively and adapt to new challenges, all of which are highly valued by employers. QUT’s approach to learning is built around preparing students for the real world from day one. Expect them to participate in hands-on projects, develop practical solutions to real industry or community challenges, and use the same technologies and tools professionals rely on in the workplace.
QUT’s work integrated learning program further connects classroom theory with practical experience. Students can access internships, work placements and real industry projects, helping them discover their strengths, clarify their career goals and build valuable professional connections.
‘In my journalism degree, I have created full radio bulletins, recorded television news, used an auto-cue camera, interviewed real people, written real stories and gained amazing experience both in front of, and behind the cameras. I am well equipped to report the news across digital and multimedia platforms. My experience has helped me create a portfolio of professional quality which I will use for job applications down the track.’
Olivia Martini, journalism student
Exploring, learning and preparing for the future
University is also a time of exploration and growth, where students learn to think critically, collaborate with diverse people and apply their knowledge in meaningful ways. Through QUT You, students take part in a cross-disciplinary curriculum to prepare them for life beyond graduation and connect them with peers in other courses and in different years of their degree. As part of their degree, your teen will study up to four QUT You units that put real-world learning into action. They might design prototypes, pitch business ideas, produce media content or explore ethical decision-making in authentic contexts. Each experience helps them build the confidence, creativity and professional capabilities to thrive in their future career.
Career outcomes
A QUT degree opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities and further study options. For more detail on the career outcomes associated with your teen’s chosen degree, you can explore the ‘Careers and outcomes’ tab on each course page on the QUT website. There, you’ll find information about possible roles, industries and postgraduate study pathways relevant to their area of interest.
As a parent or guardian, you also have resources available to help you support your teen through this transition. For tips, guidance and more information, visit this page.