Your Ultimate Guide to Academic Success at ECC

To help you succeed, ECC Student Learning Advisor Dr Shankar Dhakal shares practical study tips and highlights the support services available to make your transition smoother and more rewarding.

1. Master the Art of Planning

One of the biggest challenges new students face is balancing academic responsibilities while settling into a new environment. Planning ahead is crucial. Why is planning important? Because it helps you avoid procrastination, prioritise tasks, and perform better overall.

During Orientation Week, you’ll be introduced to Moodle—ECC’s online learning platform—which includes a built-in semester planner. This tool helps you map out your schedule, assignments, and deadlines early on, setting you up for success from day one.

Create a daily routine that includes short, consistent study sessions. Even just an hour a day can make a big difference. Starting small and building good habits over time is key to mastering time management and reducing stress.

2. Use the Right Tools to Stay Organised

ECC offers helpful tools and resources to support your study routine:

• Planner from E-Café – A simple way to visualise and organise your weekly schedule.
• Access to ECU Library – A valuable academic resource for research and quiet study.
• E-Café tiles – Especially the ‘Study/Learning Support’ section, which includes resources on:
  • Academic writing
  • Paraphrasing and referencing
  • Avoiding plagiarism
  • Understanding academic integrity
• Language Tools – Try apps like ‘Duolingo’ or ‘Speak & Improve’ to enhance your English communication skills.

3. Essential Study Skills for Success

Building effective study habits early will make your academic life at ECC much easier. Focus on these core skills:

• Note Taking – Effective notes help you retain important information from lectures and readings. Try the Cornell method, summarise key ideas, or highlight important terms for later review.
• Critical Thinking – Go beyond memorising facts. Analyse information, connect ideas, participate in discussions, ask questions, and apply your learning in different contexts.

4. Stay Engaged and Take Initiative

At ECC, you’ll benefit from smaller class sizes and a more personalised learning experience. Make the most of it:

• Stay in touch with your lecturers – Each unit may have different expectations and assignment formats. Clear communication is key.
• Be proactive – Don’t wait until you struggle to ask for help. Taking initiative is part of becoming an independent learner.
• Speak up in class – Silence doesn’t always mean being respectful. Engaging in discussions, asking questions, and sharing ideas help you learn and show your interest.

5. Should You Join a Study Group?

Study groups can reinforce your learning if used wisely. They offer diverse perspectives, expose you to different learning styles, and improve your English language proficiency through peer interaction—especially if your group includes students from various cultural backgrounds.

However, if you tend to rely heavily on others for answers, be cautious. Study groups should not be a shortcut. Misuse can lead to academic integrity issues, such as plagiarism. Remember: the goal is to learn and grow together, not to copy.

6. The Importance of Class Attendance

Regular class attendance is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to stay on track with your studies. Attending classes give you access to key concepts explained by your lecturers, opportunities to ask questions and clarify doubts, and the chance to stay informed about assignments and any changes to your course.

7. Don’t Forget About Your Wellbeing

Academic success is closely linked to personal wellbeing. Taking care of your mind and body will help you focus, retain information, and stay motivated.

Tips for wellbeing:

• Practice mindfulness – Try meditation or deep breathing exercises to manage stress. [Click here to learn more.]
• Stay active – Regular exercise boosts your mood and concentration. Joining a sport club at ECU is a great way to stay active, have fun, and build connections. [Click here to learn more.]
• Make time for self-care – Balance study with rest, hobbies, and social time. Whether it’s putting on your favourite face mask, binge-watching shows, or taking a weekend road trip outside Perth, make time for yourself.

8. Take Advantage of ECC’s Support Services

ECC is committed to helping students succeed—both academically and personally. Here are some of the support services you can access:

• Learning Advisor
  • Get help with academic writing, speaking skills, referencing, academic integrity, and many more.
  • Contact: learningsupport@ecc.edu.au
  • More info: [Study & Academic Support – ECC]
• Student Counselling Service
  • Support for mental health, stress, and general wellbeing.
  • Contact: Amber.Roche@navitas.com
  • More info: [Counselling – ECC]
• Lecturers
  • Reach out to your lecturers for extra guidance, mentoring, or clarification on coursework. They genuinely care about your progress.

Success at ECC begins with building strong habits, using the support around you, and staying engaged in your learning. Whether you’re organising your schedule, asking questions in class, or seeking advice when you’re unsure, every small step counts.

Ready to start strong? Reach out to ECC’s support team or explore the Student Portal today. You’ve got this!