Get ready: Before you start
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There are a few things you need to do about before classes start to help you be as prepared as possible. Take some time to go through each of the items below for tips on what to do and links to important information.
It is helpful to print out the Get Ready Checklist too, making it easier to stay on track of what you need to do. There is also a tailored Predeparture checklist for international students.
If you are unsure about anything please contact Customer Service.
Check your contact details
Please check the contact details you provided us are still correct. It is important you update them in eCentral anytime they change.
To do
✔ Login to eCentral to check your contact details and update if required
Get to know your Gordon email and user name
Once enrolled, you will receive a Gordon Email address in the format of studentnumber@gordontafe.edu.au. We will send you information to this email and your personal email.
Your Gordon email address is also your user name. You will login to the Gordon network, as well as Gordon systems (including Gordon Online, where your online studies area) using your Gordon user name and password.
To do
✔ Test logging into Gordon Online using your user name and password.
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- If you don’t know or have forgotten your user name, go to IT essentials > Retrieve your student ID for steps on how to retrieve it.
- If you have forgotten your password, go to IT essentials > Reset your password for steps on how to reset it.
Check your enrolment is correct
Domestic students
Before you start studying, you should check eCentral to see if you have already been enrolled into the correct units (subjects) based on the unit list that was sent to you. If not, you will need to enrol manually by selecting your correct units online. The video below will take you through what you need to do as well as how to pay online.
If you need help with anything to do with enrolment or fees, contact the Enrolment team on 5225 0601 or email enrolments@gordontafe.edu.au
International students
If you are an international student you will be enrolled by the International Office. If you have any queries about your enrolment, please contact the International Office, international@gordontafe.edu.au
To do
✔ Domestic Students: Make sure your enrolment is correct in eCentral and manually enrol in any missing units.
✔ All students: Explore Enrolment and Money matters for other important information.
Pay your fees and explore financial support
It is important to pay fees on time. You can find your fee due dates in eCentral once you enrol.
If you hold a concession card but didn’t let us know you in your initial application, please contact the enrolments team on 5225 0601 or enrolments@gordontafe.edu.au. You may be eligible for a concession on your fees depending on what course you are studying.
If you experience financial difficulty, explore Scholarships and Financial Assistance where you can
- find out if you are eligible for a VET Student Loan and apply (Diploma or Advance Diploma students only)
- find out if you are eligible for a payment plan and apply at least two weeks prior to the fee due date. Note: Students eligible for VET Student Loan wont be able to access a Payment Plan.
- find out if you could be eligible for a Scholarship.
To do
✔ Check when your fees are due in eCentral.
✔ Find out if you are eligible for a VET Student Loan or a payment plan and apply before any deadlines.
✔ Explore the Scholarships to see if you are eligible and apply.
Order your Student ID card
You can order your Student ID card online once have enrolled. You will need this card as identification on campus, to use the printers and photocopiers, and to borrow books from The Gordon library. Please keep it safe! Replacement cards cost $10.
To do
✔ Order your Student ID card online after you have enrolled.
Get your equipment and books ready
It is important to think about what tools you will need to help you study. Your course will let you know what clothing, equipment and books that you will need. Before you start you should also:
- set up a good study space at home or explore other locations, such as the Gordon Library
- make sure you have access to a computer and any required software
- get to know your online learning space (Gordon Online)
- find out where to purchase any books, clothing and uniforms
Computers and free software
If you are using your own computer or considering buying one, please check the recommended specifications. If you won’t have your own, you can find or borrow a computer when you are on campus.
As a Gordon student, you will be able to access Microsoft Office for free. IT essentials provides information about how to this and other software.
Gordon Online – your online learning space
Gordon Online is our online learning space and is required for most courses. You can access it from the Student Portal and use it to
- find course materials and assessment details
- submit or upload your assessments.
If you aren’t already logged into the Gordon network, you will need to use your user name (your Gordon email address) and password to login.
Clothing and uniforms
You will receive information about what you need either in an email as part of your commencement information or in your first class. The Gordon branded clothing, accessories and uniforms can be purchased through Hip Pocket in person at 170 Torquay Rd, Grovedale or online.
It is important that your clothing meets any safety standards required for your course (eg. Protective clothing). Bare feet, thongs or strapless shoes are not permitted. Shorts and singlets are not permitted in engineering, building, construction and cookery trade areas.
If you are unsure of clothing requirements for your course, please ask your teacher for clarification.
To do
✔ Organise a good space where you can study
✔ Make sure you have access to a computer that meets the recommended specifications
- If you are using your own computer, don’t forget you can access the free Microsoft Office software.- If you aren’t using your own, explore where you can find a computer or borrow a laptop on campus.
✔ Purchase books, equipment and any required clothing and accessories from The Gordon Bookshop and HipPocket.
Plan your time and check your timetable
Your timetable and study planners
It is good to stay on top of when your classes and assessment are. Planning ahead is important so that you can manage your time and balance study with your other commitments- - work, family and social.
Details about your first classes will be emailed to you. You can also see your timetable in Library and Learning Support in the Student Portal.
When classes start, you will also receive information about assessments and due dates. As soon as you know these dates, write them down in a Planner. Term Planners are available in the Library.
Attendances and absences
You are expected to attend all classes and to participate in all training and assessment. If you are unable to attend due to illness or other circumstances, you should contact your teacher as soon as possible. In most cases medical certificates will be needed for extensions to assessment dates. Students who don’t attend classes may be withdrawn and may still be liable to pay remaining fees if the withdrawal is outside the period that allows fees to be refunded or credited.
To do
✔ Check your emails from us to make sure you know when and where your first class is
✔ Check your timetable and add it to your phone and Gordon Online
✔ Use a daily, weekly or term planner to help organise your study and other commitments.
Plan how to get to and around campus
Getting to campus
Do you know how you will get to campus for classes? Will you ride? Will you take public transport and if so, are you eligible to get cheaper fares? Are you planning to drive and if so, do you know where you will park?
You can find information to help at Get to Campus.
Student tip #1: Parking is really hard to find at the Geelong City campus, catch public transport instead!
Student tip #2: Find out where the free, all day parking is near the Werribee Watton Street campus. It means you won't need to move your car every two hours!
Finding your way around campus
Before your classes start, you are welcome to explore the campus, facilities and inclusive spaces available to you. Check Campus Facilities in the Student Portal for maps and information about what is available at each campus.
No smoking or vaping on campus
To create a healthy and safe environment for our community, smoking and the use of tobacco products is prohibited on all Gordon campuses, property, land and vehicles .
To do
✔ Plan how you will Get to Campus for your first class
✔ Explore your Campus before classes start or in the first week.
Get to know the services available to you
Once you are a Gordon student, you will have access to a range of support services including counselling, learning and careers support. These services can help you achieve your goals and to ensure your experience exceeds your expectations.
There are additional support services for Apprentices, First Peoples students, International students and students with a disability.
To do
✔ Watch the Student Support video and find out more in Wellbeing and Support.
Understand your rights and responsibilities
The Gordon is an inclusive, friendly, safe and respectful environment.
As a student, it is important you are aware of your rights (what you can expect from The Gordon), and your responsibilities (what is expected from you as a student), to make your experience as the Gordon as positive and successful as possible.
To do
✔ Read about your Rights and Responsibilities as a student. If you need something explained, please ask.
✔ Watch the video about our Student Conduct Policy
Get ready for orientation
Orientation activities are a great way to help you settle in and get to know others.
To do
✔ Check your welcome emails from us for details about any orientation activities. You can also find out more in the Student Connection newsletter.
✔ International Students: Attend the compulsory orientation session before classes start– details will be sent to you.
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Find out what is on.
Ask for help
It is never too early to ask for help. If you are not sure who to ask, contact Customer Service.
To do
✔ Bookmark Help and Facilities for quick access to where to find help including Customer Service, IT essentials and 24 hour emergency support.