Academic
Studying in higher education is a truly exciting experience. However, the reality deadlines and amount of work required to be successful can soon become overwhelming. Unlike classes at your school or college, it can feel that as a higher education student, you are often left to your own devices. This can be incredibly un-settling to many.
In school or in further education, you often see your teachers or tutors several times a week and much of the work you needed is given to you. Whereas, on a higher education course, you may only have one lecture and maybe one seminar or workshop a week. To be successful on your course, you are expected to spend hours reading and carrying our research by yourself in the library. You will also need to follow academic rules when writing your essays and exams. Adjusting to this new way of learners can be a challenge for many first-year students.
There are many reasons for feeling overwhelmed by your new academic life. Maybe you have personal or health issues, you may have been under-prepared by your school or college to deal with academic life or you may lack motivation if you have chosen the wrong course. These struggles are also some of the main reasons for students dropping out of their courses.
KNow before you go
Hacks for Academic life
It’s often the simple things that can have the biggest impact on your success academic success.
Sleep
Sleep is a much-undervalued tool to help you dealing with academic pressures. A recent study by researchers at the University of York, found that 60% of UK students were sleep deprived. Many of these students noted that their lack of sleep negatively impacted their mental well-being. Not only that other research published in the Nature Research Journal found that poor sleep partners can lead to lower grades in assignments and exams.
Plan Ahead
It’s easier said that done, but don’t leave things to the last minute. Many students find themselves pulling ‘all-nighters’ to meet deadlines. Staying up all night pounding coffee or energy drinks, really isn’t the best way to get things done. The combination of sleep deprivation and caffeine can mess with your mental well-being, and generally make you less productive and understand less. If this is you, consider joining a study group or find friends or classmates that can help you become more organised.
Questions
If you are lost in or struggling with your studies, ask questions your lecturers questions during, before or after classes or even by email. They are there to support you and it is in everyone’s interests that you succeed. There will also be support services at your university or college that can help you with academic support, managing your workload as well as making support arrangements for assignments or exams if needed.
Useful Sites to Learn More
The National Health Service (NHS)
Education Support