To make the transition to a new life in a new city a bit smoother, UKrant‘s student editors give their top tips over the next three weeks. Today: beware of your social battery.
When I began my bachelor’s degree in economics and business, I never used to skip a lecture. I would feel so guilty if I skipped one, I attended all of them. But sometimes after an intense math lecture, my brain just couldn’t handle anything else that day. I’d attend the next lecture, understand nothing, and end up feeling tired, just to avoid that sense of guilt.
However, time management is key to succeed at university. So after my first exam period, I re-thought my strategy.
Attend the first two or three lectures and determine if they are useful to you. If not, dedicate that time to studying. Don’t use it to sleep in, but hit the UB and set yourself weekly goals. Don’t feel guilty for skipping a lecture that wouldn’t have been productive for you. And if a lecture overwhelms you, it is better to read the corresponding book chapters and self-study.
Bear in mind though, that this does not apply to practical sessions. I made the mistake of thinking I’d be better off studying all of the coursework by myself. Big mistake. After skipping most practical sessions, I soon found myself with loads of content to study that I didn’t remotely understand, and no one to ask my questions to.
So remember: practical sessions, seminars and tutorials are very useful in almost every course!