September – Getting ready to study

Most universities hold a Freshers’ Week or a similar event. Its chief purpose is to help new students settle in quickly. As well as a series of informative talks, there is usually an energetic social programme and senior students will be around to help you to find your feet. Your university will probably send you an information pack ahead of your arrival.

Do read this, because this may be the only time that the information will be given to you and when you arrive at university it will be assumed that you have read and therefore know all this stuff.

Entering or re-entering the learning community of university.
Although, initially, you may cover old ground in lectures, look out for different modes of presentation, terminology and emphases. The lecturer will probably take you further than your previous studies using your ‘old’ knowledge as a foundation for new and potentially different types of learning.

Prioritising tasks
Use the daily ‘To do today’ spaces in this planner to list all the things that need to be done in your academic and personal life so you are in a better position to prioritise and order them through the day.

Reviewing learning skills for university
Make enquiries about inductions or short courses to develop your skills for independent learning at university. Look for information on the university home page on: – IT Support Service for help with word-processing, software packages or keyboard skills. – Library for familiarisation/induction programme and guidance on information literacy. – Learning Support Centre for advice on learning including refresher maths, academic writing or exam techniques

Creating deadlines while building flexibility into your planning
Take into account that you may have more than one assignment due within the same few days. Set yourself a finishing date for each that is ahead of the formal submission deadline. That way you will have the luxury of time to review your work, correct errors and improve the quality of presentation.

Planning ahead for exams
It is never too early to think about how you will be assessed. A key activity is to look at the learning outcomes for your course as the component teaching elements take place. Marking criteria and past exam papers can also help you to get a feel for the standards required.