Education
The Change from secondary school to College is a big one. No more stupid ties, polished shoes or psychotic headmasters! But it also means no more organised study sessions, pressurising parents or routine homework. With the independence of College comes the independence of studying! To avoid realising that you know more about sleeping than psychology just before exam week, this simple Do’s and Don’ts guide to studying is a good start.
During the year:
Do try to work a bit; you may not think that you’re absorbing anything from going to your lectures but it’s surprising how much comes back to you when you start revising.
Do start the year on a good foot. Get your course outline and find what you are expected to learn. Find out whether there are assignments, essays, submission dates etc. and mark them in your diary. If you get to choose subjects, make sure you talk to lecturers/advisors before deciding.
Do learn to study properly.
Do date and number all your notes and lecture hand-outs. Coming up to exams, they’ll be easier to organise and you’ll know exactly what you are missing, if anything. Also, only write on one side of the page – it’s easier to spread out your notes before exams.
Do get all your stationery early. The students’ Union shop is your best bet and it is non- profit.
Do get a reading list from your lecturer and look for second hand books on the notice boards throughout the college.
Do keep your registration form as it has your PIN code for accessing your exam timetable an results online.
Do enjoy college life, it will be the best time you will have and maybe when it’s time to leave like me, you won’t want to.
Don’t let exam stress get you down; exams are not the end of the world.
Don’t stress if you feel you are behind in notes – your lecturers, classmates and moodle can help you out.
Don’t use different notepads for the one subject. It’s messy when trying to study if you have bits of subjects “here and there”
Don’t leave it until the last week to figure out how to use the Library.
Don’t be afraid to ask question. Lecturers expect them. If you unwilling to ask them in a packed hall, approach the lecturer after class, or e-mail him/her.
