If you’re heading off to University this year, here are 6 essential skills you’ll want to brush up on.
How to Reference
This is SO important but many find it quite tricky (and boring). Getting your references spot on is the step one on the road to a first class essay so learn how to reference!
Each course/subject area will have its own particular style or guidelines, such as the IEEE style in Computer Science, OSCOLA for Law or Harvard referencing in Humanities.
Find out which style your course/University uses, learn it (GOOGLE!) and stick to it!
Giving presentations
Sooner or later you’ll probably have to give some sort of presentation at Uni, either on your own or as part of a group. These can be pretty nerve wrecking, especially in front of a huge, full lecture theatre. Fortunately we’ve got you covered with a number of guides:
> Cure presentation nerves: 7 ways to make giving presentations easier
> Revise for a presentation: 7 ways to give a killer slideshow
Revision and reading
At University you won’t get told everything you need to learn on a nice little A4 sheet, you’ll be expected to read up and revise continuously outside of your lectures to achieve a first degree.
Get bored of reading? > Six revision techniques other than reading
Getting organised
Get yourself a good academic diary (your Uni may provide one for you) and learn your time table. University campuses can be pretty complex places to find your way around and see where you need to be and when and get yourself into a routine.
When it comes to things like essays and coursework, DON’T LEAVE THEM TO THE LAST MINUTE! Make sure you know when the deadlines are and get working to submit it on time. You’ll face late penalties on your marks or even a zero mark for late submissions, there’s no ‘Sorry Miss!’ at Uni.
> Stop time wasting! Top 5 time management apps to use
Punctuality
You’ll want to avoid awkwardly sneaking to a lecture as much as you can, especially if you’ve got a professor who loves to pick on such late students. From exams to lectures and tutorials, leave yourself plenty of time to get in and settled. It’s a good habit to get yourself into for when you’ve got a job.
Staying motivated
At University, you’re put in a lot of control of your academic life and this means it can be all too easy to not bother or put in minimal effort.
Some super quick tips: Keep an eye on the future and the end goal of getting that degree and ultimate job. Reward yourself for work well done and try and keep a healthy work/social balance.