Start with a clean slate
CHECKING out course textbooks, managing non-study commitments and simply cleaning the desk can put students in the right frame of mind to start the academic year.
Experts agree students often struggle with motivation after the summer break but say there are tips to make the transition from holiday to study-mode easier.
University of South Australia learning advisers manager Kirstin Marks believes some early preparation is the key to a successful return to study.
“If you leave [preparation] until O-Week [Orientation Week] n you’re probably waiting too long,’’ Ms Marks says.
“Once O-Week is done, you have to hit the ground running, so I think it’s better to actually start thinking about [your study] a few weeks before O-Week and planning out what the next three months [first semester] is going to look like.’’
She says students often like to start afresh but it pays to revisit assessment results from the previous year to see where strengths are, and what areas need improvement.
Ms Marks says course materials, such as textbook requirements, are often listed online and advises students to start reading early to ensure they have plenty of time to consider the concepts being taught, and to solidify their learning.
Being aware of non-study commitments can help with time management and even cleaning the desk, ensuring the computer works and buying new stationery can help to increase motivation and get excited about the year ahead, Ms Marks says.
TAFE learning support teacher Janice Torrens says libraries offer a range of resources — many of them online — for students to prepare for the new academic year.
She advises students to look at resources on essay writing, researching and study skills such as time management and to undertake a “skills audit’’ to determine what prerequisite knowledge is needed to brush up on for the year ahead.
“If your course says you need intermediate wordprocessing skills but you can only send an email, then a short course in computing skills, which are often offered for free, can be really helpful,’’ Ms Torrens says.
Surrounding themselves with fellow students and just getting on with the job of studying, rather than procrastinating, will also “start the ball rolling’’ and get a student’s mind back into study, Ms Torrens says.
Contemporary art student Nastassia Morrison, 36, agrees returning to university after the summer holidays can be a struggle.
She says remembering her end goal often provides the necessary motivation to get back into study.
“Planning is a must when it comes to uni and the sooner you start a routine, the better,’’ she says.
“As a contemporary art student, my prep is going to galleries and talking to curators to get inspiration.
“I also find getting involved with O-Week a really good jump start to the new year.
“Even if you are just walking around and enjoying the atmosphere, or voluntarily helping with activities, it is rewarding and always helps get that study mindset going.’’ O-Week at the University of Tasmania will be from February 18-22.