Don’t be afraid to ask your lecturers/tutors for
help
I was lucky that my undergraduate university had an open
door policy where you can go and see them any time for any advice or help. I
know some university’s don’t have this policy and in order to see your lecturers
you need to make an appointment – don’t be put off by this. If you’re
struggling with a piece of coursework or revision it’s always better to seek
help than suffer in silence.
Don’t leave coursework until the night before
the deadline!
Seems pretty obvious and this will be preached to you
continuously throughout your time at uni. I would recommend starting a piece of
coursework at least 3 weeks before it’s due. This gives you time to research
the topic, plan and write it… whilst also allowing time for procrastination! I
know some people cope better under the stress of deadlines but do yourself a
favour and save any unnecessary stress and just do your coursework early. Trust
me, there’s enough to stress about without adding late coursework into the mix.
Prepare for presentations
You’ll likely find yourself having at least a few
presentations to give throughout your time at uni. Most people don’t like
public speaking (myself included) but there are some things that may help it
run more smoothly. Do a few timed run throughs of your presentation alone or in
front of your friends, dog or cat. Recording your presentation in sections and listening
to them at night before bed or when travelling can also help you remember it. If
in doubt make some brief cue cards which are extremely useful if you forget
your place and also give you something to hold so you don’t fidget. Focus on an
empty seat in the middle of the room (or a friend) and talk to that seat, but
do look around the room every now and again, especially at your lecturer/tutor.
People are there to help if it all gets too much
Often, with the amount of coursework and deadlines you are
facing, it is easy to be overwhelmed. No matter how well you plan at some point
you will feel like this. The best advise there I can give is to try not to
panic and simply take a break and step back from your work and have some me
time.
This can be anything from taking your dog for a walk, going
out for a few hours with friends or watching an ASMR video on YouTube.
However,
if you find yourself getting increasingly stressed and worried ask at your
Student Services to speak to someone. You will not be judged for seeking help.
It is better to speak to someone and try to get a plan in action than suffer in
silence. You will never be alone, even if it feels like that.
Always check your university email
This will likely be the main method of communication between
you and your lecturer/tutor. You will likely receive information regarding time
changes to lectures/labs or room changes. You may also get feedback from
coursework or even exam results via this method, so make sure you check it a
few times a day!
Don’t be late for lectures
Whilst sometimes its unavoidable to be late, don’t be that
person who constantly turns up late to each lecture. Not only is it very disruptive
to your fellow students, your lecturer will notice also. So when it comes to
asking for a reference for a job do you really think they’ll give you a glowing
one when you have “great time-keeping” as a positive attribute?
If you do find yourself being late for lecturers then simply
get up an hour earlier (no matter how painful that is!).
HAVE FUN!
P.s I don’t recommend turning up to lectures hungover or
still drunk ;)
xoxo
