University and I

JUST IN case you don't like anything to do with the economy or markets, this post is for you. Two of my friends' younger sisters are starting university this autumn and wanted some tips on university and on how to be a successful student from someone who's been there and done that (!)

Since I am a blogging newbie and the novelty of Blogger hasn't quite worn off, I will blog my tips to them and to you. Hopefully, from my tips below, this can spark some inspiration and ideas in your exciting forthcoming student life!

Freshers' week

I found Freshers' Week a great time to meet new friends, get to know your flatmates, explore societies/sports/other clubs and also for getting freebies (mugs, stationery, key rings, canvas bags etc) from fairs. Looking back,  I never really found a good use for the free stash other than to brighten up my room but I still enjoyed having and hoarding! 

I would also say spend each day constructively. For example, you should: 

• Really familiarise yourself with you library (very important place!!) as you will be here a lot over the course of your studies. Academic books are expensive costing around £35-50 each so think twice about buying books when you have a well stocked library! I mean...do you really need to spend over £300+ in one go on textbooks? If you don't get your hands the book you need straight away because somebody else has just been that bit faster than you, consider requesting them from other borrowers via librarian help-desks. I bought 3 books at the beginning of university costing about £45 each. I didn't end up using them very much and later discovered that there were numerous copies in the library, for example!

• If you are lucky enough to avoid the most dangerous and long-lasting disease known at university (Freshers' flu), still register with a university GP.  I would especially recommended to those unfortunate enough to contract this illness to visit a doctor; it saves yourself from embarrassing coughing fits during lectures that also keep your flatmates awake at night (speaking from personal experience). 

• Begin to get to know your city, local supermarkets, bookstores and attractions. 

• Get a supermarket loyalty card if you haven't got your own already for pretty good coupons and money-off vouchers. 

• Many people don't bring really important things like laundry basket, enough clothes hangers, cooking oil, kitchen knife, some food you can cook with on the first day(!) or a desk lamp.

• A general tip from me is to take advantage of the fact that you are now a student by always asking for student discounts in shops. You'll be surprised to know how many shops/ eateries offer 10-20% off for students! 

Lectures and Lecturers 

Lectures aren't compulsory but you should go to them, even the 9AMs. If you are too lazy to go - ergo, not valid excuse! - then you should make an extra effort to go to them. If you really can't, I would advise you to learn the lecture yourself in good time, and follow up with your lecturer to clarify any misunderstandings. Its not a good habit to let your problems build up!

Lecturers are mostly nice, happy, helpful and helpful & happy to help. They are easily accessible by email or by designated Office Hours. Make use of them to your needs. Before handing in the essays you've spent days toiling over, you could also to ask them what makes a good essay (or an exam answer) since they're the one marking your work!

Readings 

For subjects with huge reading lists such as the non-maths-y and science-y ones...read, read, read, read round your subject to be a book-worm or a journal-worm. This just means reading some of the prescribed reading's bibliography and so on. Especially when writing essays, bibliographies can be a goldmine of knowledge and ideas. I have actually exclaimed "GOLDMINE!!!" in a busy computer lab once, when I got overly excited at the treasure of relevant journal articles I found.  Embarrassing? A little. Needless? Very. 
Undertaking extra readings to make use of their ideas and forming your opinions on them in your work is what distinguishes YOU from a student gaining a mid 2.1 grade or lower.

Be your own teacher 

University is different from school since there is far more teaching yourself at university and learning on your own, so make sure you bear this in mind early. 

Revision and exams 

Revision times compared to school revision times are tough. Enough said. For me, these are the worst and the most dreaded time of a semester. But really, with hard work, the results (no pun intended) can be thoroughly rewarding. I feel that university revision times are difficult as there is little guidance from lecturers about the specifics of what you need to know and also due to the volume of material/readings for each module. At many universities, there is not a hugely long study break so plan you revision carefully.

I am not advocating this risky tactic but all-nighters the day before the exam work really well for me. Weirdly, a diet of water and plain cream crackers keep me going all through the night and into the exam. Even more weird, I find this time to be the most effective for re-capping. 

Last words 

University is a wonderful life and learning experience - getting a good grade obviously requires effort and hard work from the start. But, university is more about study study study. Make use of your careers service from day 1 and begin to career plan and research. A good thing is also to be proactive extra-curricular wise. 

The bottom line, I would say, is don't spend the next 3/4 years at the library, and don't spend the next 3/4 years in the pub! 

Last last words

I didn't want to finish this post without a spot of economics and markets. Here's two good videos that will assist and entertain the economists among you:  

Last last last words

I bet you are clicking through related videos on YouTube now. From my personal experience, such procrastination  at university is a terrible terrible thing. Don't go down that route!

JH