So I am completing my final year of my undergraduate degree this year and I thought I’d share some advice that I wish I had gotten (and followed) when I was a first year. I’d like to pass on some wisdom from me to you. By no means do these tips apply to every degree or every individual but if they do help you even a little, it’s worth it.
1. GO TO CLASS
- This is my number one tip because it is the most important tip in my arsenal. I made the mistake of skipping class as much as possible to hang out with my friends in first year. I did not do as well as I could’ve because I missed out on some super important stuff. Even if you just sit there, you might just catch something important or the lecturer might hand out some small important tip. It’s not always necessary to take a bunch of notes or be super studious. Just go to class, even if it’s just to zone out for an hour.
2. READ THE SET WORKS
- As a literature major, I have many set works to read and I have learnt the hard way that you can’t pass on Sparknotes and Shmoop alone. The lectures and the internet are not enough to give you a larger understanding of the text without having actually read the text. Even if you only read it right before the exam or only read it once, it’ll help.
3. MANAGE YOUR TIME
- I know that Uni can be stressful and hectic and makes you want to bite your own head off but trust me, manage your time well and it’ll be slightly less so. Write down your due dates, draw a calendar or use the one on your phone. Set reminders or make a bullet journal to keep track of tests, assignments and oral exams. Set aside time of hanging out with your friends or reading or studying or even your commute. There are so many time planning printable on the studyblr to help you out. (check out @emmastudies‘s awesome printable)
4. EXTRA READINGS
- Usually the lecturer gives us a list of extra reading to do on a certain set work and I used to ignore that list. Actually its really helpful to go through them during exam time, it usually has loads of summaries and ideas in them that will help remind you what the book is about and make you think critically about the text. The library should also have study guides on most of the classic books which can be a huge help too.
5. GO TO THE TUTORIALS
- They offer tutorial classes for us every week and I used to spit on those cause I thought I didn’t need them but now I religiously attend them. Sometimes I am still bored out of my mind but other times it has helped me a great deal. It’s just an hour out of my time which I was going to spend studying anyway.
6. DISCUSSIONS OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
- My classmates and I found it helped to discuss the set works outside of class. It helped me develop my critical perspective of the set work and also makes me engage with the text with others in a non-classroom environment.
7. MAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF
- This is also where time management plays a key role. Take an hour off everyday just to relax and do something you enjoy whether its a nap or playing The Sims or watching the latest Game of Thrones episode. Give yourself time to recuperate and have a good chill. The rest of the day can be dedicated to work work work.
I hope this helps anyone who is starting uni or is struggling. Please feel free to pop me a message if you have any other questions or need advice about college. I might add a few in future if I think of some more so keep checking ;)
happy studying everyone!
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