First years - make this one count
AS thousands of first year students head off to varsity in coming weeks, education experts say they should embrace the excitement and opportunity - but also ensure they start off on the right track.
The demands of high school, in comparison to the demands of higher education, are worlds apart, and new students need to understand how to deal with new challenges which will come their way.
Dr Gillian Mooney of The Independent Institute of Education, says that most importantly, they need to understand that ‘winging it’ is no longer an option.
‘Some people managed to attain good marks at school with very little work, but this will not be possible at university.
‘There is a big jump up from high school in the expectations on students in terms of the volume and complexity of the work, and there is simply no substitute for long hours spent in the library.
‘Your higher education experience is unlikely to be like anything that you have seen on television and in films,’ says Mooney.
‘Yet, while this new world can be intimidating, there are a few things you can almost certainly expect, and being prepared to respond to these in an informed and mature manner will dramatically increase your chances of success.’
Everyone is anxious
You can feel quite anxious when you are new to a campus and don’t know anyone.
It may also seem like everybody else already has friends - but this is probably not the case, and many students are in a similar boat.
There will be people from different cultures, economic backgrounds and academic levels.
This is an opportunity for you to have new experiences, and broaden your frame of reference.
Find a buddy
It is a very good idea to make a friend in each class that you have.
This will allow you to discuss the course material and have someone to take notes for you if you have to miss a class (but don’t make a habit of it).
Lectures and tutorials - the difference
Lectures are generally large classes, often with hundreds of people in large venues, particularly if you are attending a public university.
Tutorials however are generally smaller classes, and students often feel less intimidated in tutorials, which means they are a good opportunity to ask questions and make new friends.
Make an effort to attend every lecture and tutorial, as lecturers and tutors are there to explain difficult concepts and to assist you with your learning.
‘Am I just a number?’
At school, your teacher knew your name - and probably a lot more about you.
At a university with large classes it will not be possible for the lecturer to learn all the names of hundreds of students, or to have insight into their unique circumstances.
In private higher education institutions, the situation may be different because of smaller class sizes.
Whatever the case may be, ensure you get to know your student number by heart, as this is the way you will be identified.
‘There will be no spoon-feeding and you are in charge of your own learning,’ says Mooney.
‘If you miss a lecture, or do not submit an assignment, no one will care.
‘Teachers at school would nag you about your homework, but at university you need to know when assignments are due, and when and where tests are being written.
So right from the start, commit to taking responsibility for yourself, your learning and success.’
Step up and ask
A good higher education institution will always have support structures in place, such as student guidance and career centres.
Make use of these support structures, as they will have trained and experienced counsellors to guide you and help you make a success of your studies.