3 things you should know about studying at university

First year doesn’t count? I don’t get any support from my lecturers and tutors? Due today, do today? We hear myths about university and university students all the time, but how many of them are true? In a two part series, I’ve reflected on my time at university to debunk some of the most common myths about university life. This week I looked at common myths faced when you’re at uni. Take a look at part one here: 4 university life myths debunked.

 

First year doesn’t count

This could not be more untrue. First year is a great way to find your feet in university life, and it’s also designed to help find your interests and the specific career you wish you pursue. First year gives you a taste of the different areas of your degree and allows you to try different courses (electives). For example, I studied a Bachelor of Public Relations and Communication (now Bachelor of Communication and Journalism). In my first year we got to choose from a selection of courses from the different minors before having to select our specific minor in second year. This allowed me to develop my current interests and create new ones before finally settling on what was right for me, a minor in Sport Management. As I was exposed to different courses, I found things out about myself that I didn’t know and found interests in areas that I didn’t know I had.

 

I don’t get any help/support from my lecturers and tutors

University is different from school in that you can get as much help and support from your lecturers and tutors as possible, as long as you ask for it. Lecturers are normally contactable via email or you can book consultations for a more formal session. Tutors are available in tutorial time to assist you with your course work, or you can also book consultation times with them. They won’t chase you for drafts or ask to look at your work, but if you approach them and ask for help, they will be more than happy to assist. Take advantage of the extra help that’s also available on-campus: PASS class, library sessions, referencing tutorials and other services offered in the library.

 

Due today: do today

While many students claim this to be the mantra they live by, it’s not a good idea. You should aim to start an assignment early so you have enough time to research, draft, get feedback on your draft and finally edit before submitting. I always aimed to start my assignments 2-3 weeks before the due date (depending on my study load from other courses) to avoid a pile up of assessment towards the end of semester. Starting early also gave me plenty of time to ensure that the work I was submitting was the best quality I could produce to put me in a position to get the best mark I possibly could.

 

By Phoebe Maher