Start@Uni
Supporting confident student transition to university.
Starting university can be a big leap, especially for students who may not be familiar with the academic expectations or culture of higher education.
Start@Uni is a collaborative initiative led by UNSW in partnership with the University of Sydney and the University of Newcastle. It supports students from underrepresented backgrounds with the transition to university through digital, practical and inclusive resources.
These resources are freely available and can be adopted or adapted by other institutions working to improve student transition and equity in higher education.
Uni Ready – student digital toolkit
This practical, strengths-based resource helps students:
- Understand how university works, including academic and wellbeing support
- Build core academic skills (critical reading, critical thinking, communication, assessment strategies)
- Develop practical skills (time and task management, effective notetaking)
- Strengthen confidence and self-efficacy
- Foster a sense of belonging within the academic community
Inclusive Teaching Guide – educator toolkit
A professional learning resource that helps educators:
- Recognise the diverse learning needs of first-year students
- Promote inclusive teaching, assessment and classroom dialogue
- Value students’ existing knowledge and lived experience
- Build strong teacher-student relationships that support academic and personal growth
- Apply practical, inclusive strategies across curriculum design and learning environments
About the partnership
Start@Uni is a collaborative initiative led by UNSW in partnership with the University of Sydney and the University of Newcastle and co-designed with the very students it supports. Students from equity backgrounds were consulted to ensure both toolkits reflect real transition experiences. Educators and academic support teams also contributed insights, shaping practical, inclusive resources for both students and staff.
By pooling expertise in equity, student support and transition pedagogy across three leading universities, the initiative reduces duplication, shares knowledge and delivers adaptable, open-access tools that promote confident and equitable student transitions.
This initiative is proudly supported by the NSW Department of Education under the Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program (HEPPP).
