9 tips for new students

But don't worry, this article is not intended for you to fear or determine your joys, excitement and dreams when you step into the university lecture hall. Contrary to the truth! Here are the top 9 things you need to do to not only survive your first year, but have the best college years.

Picture 1 of 9 tips for new students

This information will transform you from an insecure applicant to a real student.

1.Get to know your university better before the beginning of the academic year

Usually, a university building is much larger than a school building, so it can be difficult to find the right audience the first time. Especially when the building is old and has a long chain of corridors. Most colleges have several buildings: additional difficulties may arise if they also have an internal division, for example, there are buildings 2, 2b, 2b. The names of the classrooms in different buildings may be the same, so carefully check in the schedule not only the number of the office but also the number of the building in which it is located.

Be sure to check where the organizational center of your faculty is located. You can apply there for any question related to your studies. Usually, there is a board with important announcements, offers for part-time work, and a schedule hanging somewhere nearby.

2. Attending lectures and doing homework is your concern

Another obvious truth, the neglect of which leads to sad consequences. No one cares about the progress of students, unlike themselves, because it is your responsibility, not the teachers': if you study poorly and skip school, expect to be expelled.

If possible, attend all lectures, ask questions, prepare for seminars, and complete term papers and term papers promptly. This will increase your chances of high grades and passing the exam. Today it is easier to get access to all the necessary literature than 50 years ago when the Internet was not around and you had to "live" in the library. Various online sources also greatly help with essay writing.

3. Take notes

To come to a lecture and be bored for two academic hours, looking at the ceiling, is not a good idea. In these classes, teachers provide information that will help you prepare for an exam. Therefore, it is important to record it. The information is not always available in any textbook that you can easily read a couple of days before the exam. That is why it is in your best interest to attend lectures. So you can not only take notes but also record the information on the recorder or ask the teacher again if something is unclear.

Usually, teachers in lectures speak quickly and do not repeat the same thought several times. To keep up with the notes, use abbreviations, for example:

Characters‑abbreviations: = > (hence), ≈ (approximately), = (equal, same).

Letter abbreviations: f (function), t (time).

Do not expect that the notes can be copied from one of your classmates. Sometimes, because of abbreviations, students ' records are difficult to decipher even by themselves.

4. Communicate with your classmates

This is a great school of life: in the future, you will need to interact and negotiate with different people. In addition, at the university, there are often group tasks that are much easier to perform with those with whom you have established contact. Try to be friendly with everyone, but do not tolerate bullying and unpleasant people, you can safely avoid them: there will be no benefit or positive emotions from this communication.

Get the contact numbers of the students. This can come in handy: if you get lost and can't find an audience, or if you skip a couple and need to get your homework. You can also help each other with your homework. For example, you provide your classmate with biology homework help, and he helps you with Chemistry.

5. Have some fun

The university has a huge selection of classes. These are clubs, such as a discussion or business club, scientific communities, and sports teams. You can find out what interesting things the university offers in the Department for Extracurricular Activities.

6. Do not take seriously the horror stories about teachers

Older students often share stories about teachers with first-year students. You do not need to believe in this and set yourself up for the bad (or good) in advance, thinking that nothing depends on your efforts.

On the other hand, it is beneficial to listen to general useful advice. For example, "Mr. Smith likes to ask clarifying questions", " Mrs. Berton strictly keeps track of attendance, but Mrs. Jojnsons does not about the attendance of classes."

7. Keep track of your budget

A student's income may consist of pocket money given to him by his parents, scholarships, or a salary that he receives on a part-time job. These funds will be spent on public transport, meals, clothing, entertainment. And if the student lives separately from his parents, then the expenses may also be added to the payment for an apartment or a dormitory.

Keep track of your budget conveniently in notepad, notes, or special apps on your smartphone.

Students can save on many things. Be sure to check what benefits you are entitled to. For example, a pass for public transport, discounts in museums, cafes, clothing stores.

8. Follow the daily routine

Lack of sleep, poor diet lead to reduced productivity, poor brain function, and other problems. Therefore, you do not need to study around the clock and not sleep for several nights.

Strong coffee or energy drinks will not save you from a regular lack of rest. The human body gets used to the dose of caffeine within a week and stops responding to it. In general, you can drink coffee for cheerfulness, most importantly no more than two cups a day.

9. Put your knowledge into practice and take advantage of the opportunities

If you have time, look for internships during your studies. This will help to create a professional portfolio and simplify employment after university.

You can search for a part-time job not only on the Internet. Contact your Faculty's department or the trade union committee, a student association that exists in every university.

Many other universities have signed international agreements with foreign universities. Students can go there to study for a semester or two. You need to apply and pass the intra-university selection. Good academic performance and attendance will help you.

Also, the university often helps students get into international internships, take short educational programs, or summer internships abroad.

Marvin Fry

Update 21 March 2021