Prepare for semester

Get to know UQ

When you’re a new student, there are many things you need to know, but might not think to ask. This section will fill you in on all the practical knowledge you need about UQ.

Rules, policies and procedures

When you accepted your offer, you confirmed you would comply with UQ's policies, procedures and rules. Please make sure you're familiar with what's required of you.

See all UQ policies and rules

Academic calendar

During your time at UQ, you’ll need to remember a number of important dates every semester. These include:

  • Orientation Week – O-Week takes place in the week before the start of each semester. It introduces new students to academic and social life at UQ. 
  • Due date to enrol – You must enrol in at least 1 course by this date.
  • Final date to add courses – If you want to add or swap courses after this date, you may have to pay a fee and get special permission.
  • Due date for the payment of fees – Late fees will apply if all course fees and the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) aren't paid by this date.
  • Census date – This is your last chance to apply for a HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP loan, or get a refund on fees after withdrawing from a course or cancelling your enrolment, unless there are extraordinary circumstances.
  • Last date to withdraw from courses without academic penalty – This is the last day you can withdraw from your studies without penalty unless there are extraordinary or exceptional circumstances.

For more information about these dates, check the Academic Calendar for semesters and trimesters, or the Teaching Periods Calendar.


Faculties and schools

For most students, schools can help with courses and your faculty can help with your program – but there are some exceptions and overlaps. Visit our faculty or school contact page to learn who to contact and how to get in touch.

Contact your faculty or school


UQ Library

Understanding our libraries is one of the best ways to prepare for study. Once you're enrolled, you can access library resources 6 weeks before semester begins.

Try the Digital Essentials to build your skills for success at UQ. Information Essentials and UQ Systems are the top modules to start with to help you navigate your first few weeks.

If you're studying on campus, take a Library tour to learn about our library spaces and resources. Our friendly student guides regularly provide tours of different Library locations regularly during Orientation week.

If you’re studying externally, our website has all the information you need.

See UQ Library’s services for students

Places to study

You’ve packed your bag and got an extra-extra-large coffee, but where can you go to study? There's plenty of places you can look:

Wherever you study on campus, remember to be considerate of other people. 

Getting around campus

Take a quick virtual tour of St Lucia, Gatton or Herston campus before you visit.

Check out our campus virtual tours

Maps, parking and transport

Find your way to, from and around campus, whether you’re commuting by car, bus, bicycle or walking.

Accessibility

UQ offers free support and services for students with a disability, illness, injury or mental health condition. Email a UQ Disability Advisor at disability@uq.edu.au before you arrive to arrange appropriate support for you.

Find out more about accessibility on campus

Safety

UQ campuses offer 24-hour security patrols and a safety program to help you navigate campus with confidence.

How can we help?

Student Central can help with most student admin questions. The Library can help with research questions:

Contact Student CentralVisit the UQ Library website


Report any problems you experience with the Starting at UQ website.