Start well with CDU
Get set-up for study now so that you can focus on learning.
Simply follow the steps below to activate your account and get your student card. From there, check out Virtual Orientation where you'll hear tips and words of advice from current students. Plus, get to know your lecturers and course coordinators by listening to their introduction.
If you have questions, reach out to Student Central or talk to your academic team. We're here to make sure you get the most out of your time with CDU.
1. Activate your computer account
Whether you're studying online or on campus, activating your computer account is an important step.
Your computer account will help you a lot throughout your studies. Once it's activated, you'll have your university and email access to all the essential systems and applications.
Visit ITMS to read important information about your computer account.
Where to get help
If you need help with your computer account, you can:
Visit the ITMS website
Contact the ITMS Service Desk by calling (08) 8946 6600
Visit the IT Kiosk, Casuarina campus, Building Red 8
2. Find your student number and create your Unique Student Identifier (USI)
These are two important numbers you'll need throughout your student life.
Your student number is specific to CDU. We use this to identify you throughout your studies. All student numbers start with an 'S' followed by 6 digits. For example, S123456.
Your USI is a little different. This is a nationally recognised number used to create an online record of your qualifications and training. So, if you've done previous study, you might already have a USI.
USI numbers are now an Australian Government requirement for all Higher Education and VET students. All students require a USI to be able to graduate and receive their award.
Higher Education students will need a Unique Student Identifier (USI) to be eligible for Commonwealth supported places (CSPs) and Commonwealth financial assistance (HECS-HELP, FEE-HELP or OS-HELP). You need to provide CDU with your USI before the census date to remain enrolled.
Find your student number
If you're a Higher Education student, you'll find your student number at the top of your offer letter.
If you're a VET student, you'll receive an email with your student number after applying for your course.
Create your Unique Student Identifier
Applying for a USI is free, and you will have the same USI for life. You can apply for a USI in as little as five minutes by visiting usi.gov.au.
3. Get your student card
Your student card is your everything card. It will be your key to accessing CDU facilities including, the library and computer labs, printing, and scanning, and will allow you to sit exams. You'll also be able to use your ID to get student discounts at relevant businesses.
Your student card is free, but you'll need to get a new one every year before it expires. Don't forget to apply yearly as we won't automatically send you a new one. *Top Tip* put a reminder in your calendar so you don’t forget.
How to get your student card
Online
To get your student card online, complete and submit the Student Card eForm (login to the CDU Portal, select eForms and select Student Card eForm).
*Top Tip* check that you've attached all the required documentation.
In-person
To get your student card in person, visit Student Central at any CDU campus. You'll need to bring your photographic ID (Australian Driver's Licence or passport).
CDU campuses in Alice Springs, Casuarina, Palmerston and Darwin Waterfront offer a ‘while you wait‘ service.
Our other centres have a turnaround of three working days before your student card will be ready for collection.
4. Get to know your new course
Find your course below and watch the video to find out what you need to get started.
Please note, some course videos are not current but the information provided is still relevant. If you have any queries regarding your course, please reach out to your course coordinator.
5. Watch Virtual Orientation
Virtual orientation
Hear from current students as they share their secrets to studying success and find out how we can support you.
Login to the CDU portal
The CDU Portal will become your best friend at University. It's an online portal that gives you access to all the applications you'll need during your studies, all in one place.
Below are a few of the applications you can access through the portal.
Life and wellbeing
Having the right support can be the secret to success. We provide access to counseling, financial support, study skills, and careers information to help you achieve your goals.
Advanced standing
Advanced standing is a way for you to earn credit points towards your CDU course from previous achievements.
If you're an international student, you might have already provided the information for advanced standing when you first applied for your course.
Guide to enrolling in units
Enrolling is the fun part. Here you will choose the units you want to study.
What is a unit? This is just a fancy way of saying subject.
What's difference between enrolment and admission?
Enrolment can sometimes get confused with admission. Here's the difference:
- Admission just means you are in our system as studying a particular course. Depending on your type of course and how you applied, admission steps might differ. Check out the last step of your application process for more information.
- Enrolling means selecting the units you wish to study or need to study, to complete your course.
If you're a Higher Education student
You can study up to 4 units a semester, so that's 8 units each year.
International students need to maintain a 4 unit study load (unless there are exceptional circumstances, in which case you can apply to reduce your study load).
For domestic students 3-4 units are considered a full-time study load. 1-2 units is part-time.
If you're a VET student
Your number of units varies depending on the course and how it is being delivered.
Your lecturer will discuss this with you when they get in touch after you make your application.
In each unit, you might have lectures, tutorials, practicals or training sessions. This depends on what is the best way to teach your unit.
What are census dates?
The census dates is the last date that you can withdraw from a unit without receiving a financial penalty. The census dates for Higher Education and VET differ.
Check out important dates to find out more.
Get setup to study
Get involved
Stay up to date with all things student life at CDU by following our Facebook page. Here you'll find updates about events and what's happening around the University.
New international students
New international studentsGetting around
Transport
There are regular bus routes that cover Darwin and Palmerston and Alice Springs.
Student concession for bus travel applies seven days a week for CDU students. You must present your Student ID card to the bus driver to get a concession.
The major bus interchanges are located at Casuarina Shopping Centre, Palmerston interchange and Darwin interchange.
You can plan your journey with the bus tracker app.
Parking
There are a few different options for parking at CDU.
Free parking, parking permits and pay and display parking are available at Casuarina and Palmerston campuses. Parking at Alice Springs campus is free.
Other CDU campuses and centres don’t include CDU parking facilities.
For more information about parking visit the Office of Facilities Management.
CDU apps
CDU Mobile app
The CDU Mobile app helps you stay connected to the University, wherever you are. Here are just a few of the things you can do on the CDU app:
- get in contact using the staff directory
- find your way around with campus maps
- check out the latest news and events
- connect via social media
- find places to eat
- access support services
- learn about student accommodation options
- explore photo and video content.
SafeZone
SafeZone is a free app to help you stay safe at CDU. It connects directly to our security and safety staff, allowing you to quickly and easily get help if you need it.