When you start university, one of the biggest shocks to the system can be the leap from teacher-led learning to self-directed study. At times, it is challenging to cope with.
Independent study requires a whole new approach to education. Forget everything you know about how to study (well, not all of it!). You’ll need to become responsible for your own learning and be proactive; the only person you can rely on is yourself. It may sound daunting but it can be quite liberating. After all, your tutors are willing to help you with any problems that may arise, just don’t depend on them to tell you what to do and when to do it.
Take control: universities try their best to offer all the help, materials and guidance possible, and although they offer it they do not give it to you. You must decide what you need and seek it out yourself, whether it be recording equipment for a media piece you’re producing, a meeting with a mental health specialist for when things get tough, or advice about referencing.
Know the essentials: your module lead should put out a handbook with essential information such as deadlines, assessment briefs and what they expect from you. Make this your bible.
Find your own resources: although your teacher should provide a reading list, this is not a strict guide. To succeed you must go above and beyond that which is provided. The reading list should be a springboard for you to go and find related texts and deepen your understanding.
Go beyond the lecture hall: make the most of the opportunities that university provides you. Join that society! Attend that guest lecturer’s talk! Volunteer! You are multifaceted, so show employers that you are more than your education.
Deal with stress: university can be a stressful time. Don’t wait until the stress builds up and you breakdown. Be proactive and dedicate time each day to relax and be mindful. Meditation is key.
Create a task matrix: Focus Matrix from the App Store is great for this! Divide your tasks into “Important”, “Not Important”, “Urgent” and “Not Urgent”. It will stop you wasting time doing pointless tasks, something which we tend to do while procrastinating.
Intrinsic motivation: this comes from your interest in the subject and a curiosity to find out more. It assumes no reward, or at least the reward of satiated curiosity.
Extrinsic motivation: being motivated by external rewards such as good grades, scholarships and approval form others. However this type of motivation is not sustainable.
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