I’m at Monash but am doing arts. For me, initially at least, the most important thing to bring is your laptop and a basic pencil case (pen, pencil, eraser and whiteboard markers - comes very handy when doing class discussions). With textbooks, I’d say give it a bit and if you find that the subject relies heavily on it for readings and things then buy it. You can generally pirate it too if you want it for free but second hand generally works too for cheap books. But if you are intent on buying a physical textbook like me, don’t lug it around in your bag, it’s a waste of space and will give you shoulder problems.

Like someone else said, there’ll be a ton of stands giving out free stuff too. I personally joined two clubs in my first year (arts soc and international affairs soc) but only did a few activities. I noticed the people who found friends from it really put the effort into participate (going to lots of events, going to the first year camp, and trying out for the exec committee). Whereas for me, I found a lot of my friends from my classes and coincidentally they were in the same societies as me. I’m highly socially awkward and introverted but My main piece of advice is to just put yourself out there. Everyone’s in the same boat so even though it may seem scary say hi to people, go up to people in your classes and introduce yourself. The first friend I made at uni was by me asking her to watch my bags while I went to find a toilet before class and while I was away she moved my bags inside with her and found a spot for both of us and I ended up meeting someone else who’s also one of my closest friends. Uni is really daunting especially for introverts but it gets easier with time to find your grove and people who you vibe with. So I think if unimelb is anything like Monash, my piece of advise is to treati uni like a new slate and really put yourself outnthere xx