Are you a first time or returning student?
Whether you are starting your first qualification or whether you are a returning student, starting out can seem difficult – especially since you may not be sure what to expect.
The following tips flesh out the main areas that you should focus on during your new school career. They have been concluded as the most important aspects that students should familiarise themselves with.
Take a tour of the grounds and facilities before you start class
It is important to familiarise yourself with your study environment before you start studying, especially if the grounds are large and there are multiple departments in multiple buildings. This way you will be able to get to class on time, from day one. You will also be able to find the resources you need, as well other facilities that will be important to your studies.
If you study via Distance Learning, you will need to familiarise yourself with the website and support tools provided by the study institution. Also make sure you have the contact details of administrators and tutors readily available.
Create a schedule
Time management is essential if you wish to excel in your studies. Having a schedule/timetable is the first step to successful time management. Scheduling study time is necessary, especially if studying is not your only priority. It will also help when you start studying for your final exams.
Buy or download a daily planner where you record your class times and study times. Make lists of necessary things to do and cross them off once you have completed them. This way you will be able to keep track of what you still need to do.
Practice your group work skills
Study institutions, especially business schools, often require group work. Whether you are assigned to a team for a project or need to create a team for study purposes, you will need to learn to communicate effectively with other students to excel.
The key thing here is to not be shy. Remember that most of your fellow students are also new at this, just like you. Working with other students is a great way to learn from them as well as to network. Other students may have more knowledge in areas where you lack and vice versa, so it is a win-win situation for all.
Learn to read lots of tedious text quickly
You will have to do a lot of reading for research and study textbooks for projects, tests and final exams. Learning how to get through large amounts of text and extracting the most important informationis an essential skill that will allow you to excel.
This is different to speed reading, as you need to figure out what is important and what is not. Get tips on how to read and retain large amounts of information.
Don’t stress yourself out
Stress is unnecessary and may prevent you from producing your greatest work due to your body failing you. While other students may not have the same background as you, they probably have similar concerns. You may feel uncomfortable at first, but remember that you are not alone.
If you learn to manage your time efficiently and pay attention to the work, you should be able to produce great results. Making friends and discussing fears will help you let go of some of the angst. Also get to know your lecturers and tutors so that you have open communication channels regarding your subjects. Whether this is your first term or last term, establishing relationships with students and lecturers will always be advantageous.
Milpark Business School, a leading business school in South Africa, specialises in long- and short-term qualifications in areas from accounting and administration, to management and leadership. Contact Milpark today for study options and course outlines.
Article issued by Milpark Business School.