My Top 5 Tips for New Uni Students!

1. Set up a schedule - it is important to focus on time management when in University. A lot of the time students will put things off and tell themselves that they have time until that same thing they put off is now due and they haven’t even read the material yet! Procrastination is at the forefront of every student’s mind, but a good way to avoid getting stuck in its claws is to set up a schedule for yourself. Begin by writing out important dates on a calendar or a planner, preferably one with dates, as well as due dates for assessments. Then, one should work out how long they think they should spend focusing on each assessment. Some assessments require research, interviews and/or meetings to prepare whereas others only require your brain and a pen. Make sure you are allotting enough time for yourself to attend classes, keep up with the reading list and turn in assessments on a regular and fulfilling timeline in order to avoid last minute stress.

   
   

2. Read your syllabus/class handbook - at the beginning of each module, the lecturer will provide a syllabus or a class handbook. These are generally pdf’s explaining what the module will consist of, the assessments, contact information to the faculty for the specific module, the reading list and the week-by-week schedule. It is important to read the syllabus not only in order to prepare your schedule, but also to ensure that you understand what the module and lecturer is expecting of you.

   
   

3. Read the set reading list as soon as you have access to to it - the reading list is not always given out before the module begins, but if it is, take advantage of it, especially you humanities students! I am an English and Creative Writing student and let me tell you, the reading list can be overwhelming! Sometimes I will have to read three novels in a week with side reading still to look at before class. Remember, it’s okay to miss some side reading especially if it is not for your focused assessment. However, us humanities students tend to want to read everything they can get their hands on. Thus, the best way to go about getting through all of the reading list, side reading and still performing at an adequate pace for their assessments would be to begin reading the material in advance! I suggest audiobooks as an extra tip for longer novels such as Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre (1847) if you feel as though you are falling behind on the reading and wish to catch up quickly!

   
   

4. Join clubs and societies - University life is not complete without sharing the experience with others! Enjoy yourself! Take a dance class, join the theatre club or find a cultural society that would make you feel more at home during this new chapter of your academic life. Some of the best moments at Uni will be with the societies and/or sports teams you joined on the side. Don’t forget to take the opportunity to explore what your University has to offer you inside as well as outside of the classroom!

   
   

5. Explore the city, especially if you’re new to it - let’s be real here, Uni work can be exhausting! It is higher education after all and it will remind you of that throughout your experience. So, take the time to get to know your city. Take a break to go out and explore! You’re only there for as long as your degree is, you might as well find a favourite coffee shop, cinema or park to visit!

   
   
   
   

   Sincerely,

   your 21st century poet~