Year 12 exams are over: what to do next

Author: Caitlin Ganter

Photographer: All images used with permission.

Hooray! Finishing your Year 12 exams is a massive milestone. As you put away your study notes and breathe a sigh of relief, you might be wondering, “what now?”

Here’s how you can make the most of your time after your exams, from getting ready for the next chapter of your life at uni to enjoying some well-deserved relaxation.

Relax and re-energise

After the intense pressure of exams, it’s important to give yourself a break. You’ve worked hard, and now it’s time to recharge. Spend time with friends and family, go on a road trip, get involved in hobbies, or simply enjoy lying on the couch and streaming movies. This is your chance to relax before diving into the next phase of your life.

Apply for university

If you haven’t done so already, now is the time to apply to uni or make sure you’re happy with your course preferences.

Check deadlines for applying and key offer dates, and don’t feel shy about reaching out to universities for help. At ACU, our AskACU team are happy to guide you through the admission process and your course options.

Consider a scholarship

Now is also a good time to explore scholarship opportunities that can help ease the financial requirements of university life. Don’t leave this to the last minute – give yourself time to carefully consider and apply.

ACU offer a huge range of scholarships for a variety of reasons – not just academic performance – so it’s always worth exploring your scholarship options.

Prepare for more freedom

Freedom is a wonderful thing, but with greater independence comes greater responsibility.

While you’re making the most of your holidays, it’s also worth brushing up on life skills – such as cooking, budgeting, time management and organisation. It may sound obvious – but if you’re planning to leave home and have never planned meals or put together a grocery list, now is the time to practice.

Familiarise yourself with public transport and how to use it, and if you don’t already have one, a casual job is an excellent way to earn some money and build basic skills.

Also get ready for what’s to come at uni – write down key dates such as when timetables are released, orientation dates and when semester starts.

Attend uni events and information sessions

If you’re still uncertain about which university or course is right for you, going to a university event – such as an information session, online webinar or guided campus tour – can provide very valuable insights.

For example, ACU offer a range of events for you to discover your study and career options. They give you the chance to explore campuses, hear from staff and current students, and get a feel for the ACU community.

Consider your accommodation options

Making the move to uni can also mean moving out of home. This is a big step, so take the time to research your options and secure accommodation that suits your needs.

You can rent privately (either alone or in a shared house, depending on your budget), or you can look at student accommodation designed for university students.

Consider factors like ease of getting to campus, safety, lifestyle, cost and facilities. At ACU, we have a range of student accommodation options available, and we also offer accommodation scholarships. And if you need help, our rental advisory service is available to help answer questions, avoid common issues, and find legitimate and safe housing.

Set goals and get excited

Reflect on your future goals. What do you hope to achieve at university and beyond? What are your long-term aspirations? Do you have any travel plans or major life experiences you want to hit?

Now is a fantastic opportunity to start exploring what experiences (beyond the classroom) uni can offer you. For example, ACU has a campus in Rome – maybe you’d like to study abroad? Get a job on campus? Join a club? Or familiarise yourself with the student services you’ll have available to support you during your degree.

Setting some goals now – professional and personal – can help you stay focused and motivated during your studies. And most of all, it helps you get excited – because after all, this is a truly exciting time in your life.

Learn more about ACU.