10 Top Tips for New Students

The following 10 tips can help you ensure that your first term is a great term:

1. Create a 'study space'

A place where you feel comfortable and can avoid interruption will help you to focus and absorb the material. Switch off your phone, and let the rest of your household know this is your time.

2. Be realistic about your workload

It can be tempting to be caught up in the excitement of a new course and take on too much in your first term. Be realistic about the time you have to commit to study. Start small and build up. Taking on too much too soon can lead to feeling overwhelmed.

3. Check your expectations

What are you expecting of yourself in this course? Have you allowed yourself room to adjust and build your skills?

4. A little bit at a time

Read along the way and make use of your Readings Pack. You will find yourself better prepared for your assessments.

5. Start early

Start your assessments early to leave yourself enough time to revise your work and avoid a last minute panic.

6. Clarify anything you do not understand

If you are unsure about something, or do not understand what an assessment is asking, clarify this with your educator.

7. Use Academic references rather than websites

The library has thousands of resources for on and off campus students, these are more reliable than websites and should be your first port of call.

8. Final check

When you finish an assessment, do a final check to ensure that you have met all the marking criteria and answered the question.

9. Proof read your work

A first draft is not a final draft. Always proof read your work prior to submitting

10. Don't be afraid to seek help

If you need help, seek help. There is no need to feel alone, see the Student Services section for information on the help available to you.