How to excel at university
Starting university is a tough call for many students. Not only are the expectations and processes at university different from school, but there's often a change in how lectures are given, more independent study, and the added stress of life admin, new friends, and social life.
Whether you're struggling or feeling a bit lost, here's the best advice and places to go for support with university life.
Develop a strategic approach to lectures and the workload
For many new students, the workload at university can feel unfamiliar and overwhelming, with many struggling to keep up and stay focused. Students also find the leap from school to university massive as the expectations and processes differ. Whatever your feelings, know there are ways to make it easier on yourself.
University lectures are considerably different to Year 12 and 13 lectures. To start with, they tend to be less structured. They may include larger class sizes and a greater emphasis on independent learning than the more guided sixth-form approach. University lecturers also adopt a more lecturing style, expecting students to engage with the material independently.
As a result, lectures often cover more complex and specialised content, and students are expected to have a foundational understanding of subjects. For this reason, you need to be prepared.
1. Review relevant materials or readings to familiarise yourself with the topic. This context will help you identify the main points during the lecture.
2. Develop a more strategic approach to notetaking, such as the Cornell method. Remember to include full citation details for your sources and note the page number of each argument or quote you select.
3. Experiment with different notetaking methods. Find one that suits your learning style.
4. Develop a system of abbreviations and symbols to take notes faster and keep up with the pace of the lecture.
5. Instead of transcribing everything, concentrate on key concepts, terms, and examples.
6. After each lecture, write a summary of the key takeaways. This reinforces learning and makes studying easier later.
7. Organise your notes with headings, bullet points, and numbering to structure them clearly. This will make it easier to review and locate information later.
8. After class, review and revise your notes. This will help reinforce the material and fill in any gaps.
Seek help and support with academic and stress-related issues
The good part about being at university is a wealth of resources at your fingertips, such as libraries, academic advisors, and tutoring services, all of which will enhance your learning experience.
Tutoring at university level provides an opportunity for help with clarifying complex concepts and topics that may not be fully understood in lectures. It also gives you more face time that may not be available with lecturers.
If you're struggling with study techniques, tutors can also help with time management skills and strategies for organising notes and materials.
Be sure to choose a tutor at the right level who has experience with your course so they can give you targeted help in preparing for exams, offering practice questions, review sessions, and tips for effective test-taking strategies.
They should also be able to provide additional resources and materials that complement your coursework. Engaging with a tutor can also foster critical thinking skills through discussion, which is essential for success in university.
Don't forget the benefits of collaborative learning through peer study groups. Be proactive and ask people in your group or lectures if they want to join a study group. Ask your course administrator to send out an email to gauge interest.
If you fall behind, always seek help before panic sets in. Contact your academic tutor and student services; they should be able to point you in the right direction and get you extensions on any currently active assignments you have. Also, if you've been missing lectures, get in touch with your lecturers, explain the situation, and ask for notes/slides from these lectures.
Studies also show the sharpest increase in anxiety occurs during the initial transition to university. Anxiety, depression, and stress levels rise steadily during the first semester and remain elevated throughout the second semester, suggesting that the first year of university is a high-risk time for new students.
Don't suffer in silence if you're finding student life and academic life challenging. Contact your academic tutor or department head for help.
Student Minds: A mental health charity that offers free, 7-day-a-week helpline support from 3 PM-12 AM at 0808 189 5260