in australia circuit height is 1000ft above ground.
approach the airstrip at 1500ft above ground which places you at 500ft above the circuit pattern if anyone is there.
look at the windsock and figure out which circuit you are going to to use.
turn and descend to circuit height on the dead side of the circuit, cross the runway over the upwind threshold and continue the circuit.
use your noggin, keep a good lookout and be where another pilot would expect you to be in the circuit.
it is pretty easy really.