Student Life: Lesson 1 - Studying at University
Today we’ll get dug
in with one of the most important questions you’ll face when coming to
university (or at least technically), “How will I be able to study?” To some
this may seem like a rather demeaning question, to which they could quite
rightly respond; “Well obviously I’ll be able to study, I passed my A-levels didn’t
I?” But as anyone who has been to university will tell you, student life is so
much more than just studying. The balancing act you did at school between
social and academic suddenly becomes more complicated with far more
distractions – Alcohol, unlimited freedom, house parties, club events, sports,
and (let’s be honest) sex – thrown into the mix. Furthermore, the escape from
social life you found at home is no longer an available luxury, it truly is up
to you to find the time & space in which to work.
“Will I have time
study?”
To say “Fresher’s
Week’ is a bit hectic” would be like saying “Wayne Rooney can kick a ball” – in
short, a massive understatement. Fresher’s Week is crazy 7 days of mainly
(though not exclusively); orientation meetings, lots of socialising, heavy
drinking, more socialising, registration, Jager bombs, and sleep – usually in
that order. However, Fresher’s actually takes place one week before term and
classes usually start, giving you time to get ‘most’ of the craziness out of
the way before you begin your studies.
In the weeks that follow, the time during Fresher’s devoted to partying and socializing, quickly opens up into large chunks of free time during the week. Though it is extremely tempting – believe me – to use this free time as an opportunity to socialise, play FIFA, go out, and try to complete Netflix, I would strongly recommend you capitalise on this free time to stay on top of any assignments you have upcoming.
There will still be plenty of absolutely
‘EPIC’; Student Union, Society, Club events throughout the semester, but please
balance your time, otherwise it’ll result in unnecessary pressure and you
staying up into the early hours of the morning, in order to submit below par
work. I made such a mistake in my first semester at university, it was an
important lesson for me and one I would not wish anyone else to have to learn
the hard way.
If you find yourself in such an unfortunate situation, organizing a meeting with your teachers or even academic adviser (Oxford Brookes
University will provide you with one) can be immensely helpful, as they can
help you divide up your time, so that you can find the time for all your work
as well as all the fun stuff you want to do!
“Where can I work?”
As for working space,
there are a number of different options, so you can find the one that suits you
best. I spent my first year as a Student at Oxford Brookes in Halls
(Clivebooth), there I was provided with a desk and fast internet assess on the
university ‘eduroam’ system, allowing me to get my various coursework’s,
readings, and revision done. In Halls it was not always easy to escape noise or
distractions of nightlife, as I found myself sometimes unable to concentrate
with the sounds of drunken pre-drinks from the flat above… which I would then
end up joining – naturally. Nevertheless, in halls you can find a bubble that
is all yours, with all the tools necessary for you to stay on top of your work.
If you are moving
into a shared house, no worries, most rooms in student housing come with a desk
or equivalent working space, but internet is something you may well have to
arrange with your Landlord and fellow tenants. In my second year I moved into a
shared house with five friends, all of our rooms had a desk and in the weeks
prior to moving in we set up the internet – we were also given the option of
continuing the internet contract the previous tenants had with another
provider. In a house you have the luxury of not being distracted by the sounds
of distant party goers, however, house parties can make it impossible to work!
Therefore, I would recommend that you plan your work round any social events
your housemates may have planned. If you still find yourself unable to work,
then the library is the place for you. Personally I found studying in Hall s
was no different to a house, but I am one of those people who are easily
distracted, and found the place I thrived best was the library – case &
point, this blog was written at the library – but I know plenty of people who
would give very different answers, so clearly it’s a matter of opinion as to
where is best to work.
Student life is a busy, hectic and unbelievably fun time. There will be experiences that you’ll never forget – I can vouch for that! – But in all the craziness you’ll be expected to work. Think of it as just one of the many lessons we all have to go through when leaving the nest that is home. I hope this has been a helpful insight into student life and as always have an awesome day.
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