The First semester of University is nearly over and I can’t believe it! It has been a great experience being a student again and I have loved learning new things. It has also been a timely reminder of a few long forgotten but soon remembered truths:
- The anxiety of deadlines is awful – it can be avoided by planning out in advance what needs to be done on a wall chart I need to look at every day.
- I often don’t quite understand what to do for an assignment– asking the lecturer for some time or emailing questions is better than sitting at home saying “I don’t know what to do 50 times”.
- Make some friends in your classes. Talk to them about assignments. Share ideas and meet up for study. If you’re all wrong at least you have company.
- Get a friend to proof read final assignment work. Ok, I admit it – I can’t spell and my punctuation is awful.
- Learn how to reference properly. The Librarians offer courses on Ref works and End Note – go on one or beg your older children for a tutorial.
- The Student Support services offer great courses on everything to do with writing essays. I will aim to sign up for as many as I can.
- Attend every lecture – just being there seems to help me understand what’s going on and keeps me motivated. It’s also reassuring to hear other people struggling with the same things – it’s nice not to feel you’re the only one.
- Walk or exercise every day. Things I struggle with seem easier to solve after a break and a walk in the fresh air.
Remember to help your ‘student’ or yourself find practical solutions to any problems with study – help is out there and it can make all the difference to your grades and your mood!
Good luck : )
Julie
