The transition from high school and university can be frightening, and rightfully so. At university, you will attend bigger classes, learn advanced courses, and worst of all, you will have to deal with it all independently.
Yes, you may be attending Uni with some of your high school friends, or you may still be living at home, but you will be solely responsible for your performance. There are no parent-teacher associations in college.
Your first year will be the hardest; however, you will have to adjust quickly. You will have to locate all your classes, familiarize yourself with your lectures, and perhaps make new friends, all in a couple of months.
To make some of those tasks more manageable, here are three expert tips for surviving your first year at Uni.
Know The Course Content
Once you find a degree you would like to study; the next step will be applying to university. You must always apply to more than one institution to keep your options open. When you have applied to multiple colleges, the chances are that you will be accepted to study at one or more of these institutions.
The first piece of advice we suggest is that you visit the university’s faculty website and find a list of your modules. Then you should attentively read the course content summaries.
Reading these summaries will help you prepare for the course. Start doing some research on the coursework.
Be Prepared For Lectures
University lectures are nothing like high school classes. The rooms are bigger, and the projector screen is further, thus making it hard to stay 100% focussed during the lecture.
To avoid being distracted, ensure you have all your essentials before the class begins. Firstly, you need to know where your lecture is taking place. You should know the building name, the floor number, and the lecture hall number.
Secondly, arrive early to pick a good seat. A good seat is closer to the lecturer and the screen or chalkboard.
Lastly, read the course guide to know what chapter or topic you will be doing on that day. Finally, make sure that you have all your stationery, a bottle of water, and perhaps an energizing snack. Oh, and always go to the bathroom before your class begins.
Be S.M.A.R.T
The smart-goal setting framework is one of the most effective project management techniques many people use to achieve their objectives.
The letters are a mnemonic acronym that stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-bound.
To be successful in Uni, you have to set goals that will motivate you when the going gets tough. Your goals must be specific, e.g., “I want to achieve 60% for module X”.
Then you should be able to track your progress towards that goal. Your tests and exam results will be a great indicator of this.
Your goal must fall within your capabilities. You know your limits, don’t aim too high; this will only add unnecessary stress. Be realistic with your goals. You will face challenges along the way, do not shy away from asking for help. Moreover, consider tips to avoid distractions while studying.
University is where you begin your adult life. It would be best if you started off on the right foot. The tips above will not bar you from facing challenges, but they will soften the blow.
