The Student Representative Committee duo are sharing their top tips for balancing university life, health and study as 735 on-campus students begin study at the Port Macquarie campus in 2020.

Ms Rance is completing her third and final year of a Bachelor of Para-Medicine. She was awarded the Jacob Berry Memorial Scholarship in 2018.

Ms Chan is progressing from graphic design into a Master of Communication (Marketing and Crisis Management). She has previously jointly won the 2019 Port Macquarie Airport Billboard Competition and organised the 'In The Making' graphic design exhibition at CSU in 2019.

"The first year of university straight out of school is very confronting because it's so different to high school," said Ms Rance.

"You have a lot more responsibility with your studies and a lot more control of your learning."

"You can get so much out of university if you join in. You will make friends and everyone knows each other, those life skills translate into the workplace as well," said Ms Chan.

"Everyone is different and you just need to find that balance of study and fun."

Both students emphasised the importance of new students seeking help academically and socially if they need it.

Ms Chan recommends students not to pressure or overload themselves with too many activities. Ms Rance recommends students to open themselves to new experiences and push their boundaries in new sports or social clubs.

"I think because university is such a big part of our lives while we are here, you might as well make it enjoyable," said Ms Rance.

"It shouldn't just be an option to study. It should be an opportunity for growth of your social structures and maintaining well being.

"From the start I think you need to have your priorities in check because if you want to go to university to party, that's what you're going to do.

"Balancing everything is a skill in itself because if you study too much you can isolate yourself, but if you party too much your grades will suffer."

Ms Chan said one of the biggest challenges in Port Macquarie is the availability of work outside university hours.

"The biggest problem here would be that we have 200 new residential students looking for work and employment in Port Macquarie," she said.

"Trying to get those students into work and financial stability is one of the biggest challenges.

"But we do have the Earn As You Learn program and most students find work in hospitality or retail in town."

Orientation Week or 'O-Week' officially began on February 25 at Charles Sturt University Port Macquarie.

Students will have the opportunity to take river cruises, learn-to-surf lessons, play paintball, beach games, an 'Amazing Race Around Port Macquarie' and try ten pin bowling during O-Week.

READ MORE: State government's $61m investment in stage 2 of Port Macquarie campus

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