Study Tips for New Students
Being a successful student means being able to maximise your own performance in the various kinds of assessment you will meet. Therefore as you go about your studies, it is worth spending time ensuring you study effectively. Successful learning involves wanting to learn, needing to learn, learning by doing, learning from feedback and making sense of what has been learned (Race, 2003). Ultimately it is not how much you know, but how well you show what you know in exams and in coursework assessments that will determine your success.
Make the most of the opportunities for personal and academic growth during your student experience.
On this page:
- Know your way around campus
- Do a library course
- Treasure the course outline from each of your courses
- Make contact with your Department/Faculty
- Establish a study routine
- Find social places and activities to balance the study side of your life
- Make a contact/acquaintance/friend in every tutorial
- Take advantage of any opportunities for extra help
- Seek help early
- Know what is available on campus
Know your way around campus
Come early. Wander and explore! Find your Departments'/Faculty offices, notice boards; toilets; lecture theatres; food places, library and bookstore.
Do a library course
This can save a great deal of time and energy later on especially when assignments are due. Contact the Library Information Desk for more details.
Treasure the COURSE OUTLINE from each of your courses
This usually contains all the vital information essential to your success! Note your obligations: due dates for assignments; terms requirements; Department requirements; contact and tutor names and locations; lecture outlines/programme.
NOTE : If you should misplace your course outline go to the Department/Faculty office to ask for a replacement.
Make contact with your Department/Faculty
Know the people and the places...they are your lifeblood. They, along with your fellow students, are your learning networks.
Establish a study routine early on
University has lots of unstructured time and this can mislead you to think that you have more time than you really have. Try to work on the basic principle of one hour contact needs two hours additional study. Be flexible but be firm about your commitments. It's very hard to catch up from behind!
Communicate your commitments and work schedule to those you live with – families, friends and flatmates need to know how hard you work and realise this is a serious job you are doing.
Find social places and activities to balance the study side of your life!
Victoria has HEAPS to offer - cafes, seated areas, lawn space in fine weather, clubs (more than 50!) and social events via the Student Union and VUWSA, physical activities through the Recreation Centre.
Make a contact/acquaintance/friend in every tutorial
This can reduce the isolation of study on a large campus. Working with others provides a valuable opportunity to enhance your learning through discussion, feedback, even lead to study groups which are a permanent commitment to working together, sharing the lead and developing greater understanding.
Take advantage of any opportunities for extra help
Talk with your Department or tutor for advice. or Student Learning Support Service provide drop-ins and appointments to guide you with your academic writing, study and maths.
Seek help early
For any subject related problems see the course coordinator in the subject area concerned or your tutor. To remedy or develop your skills e.g. writing, language, maths and statistics, seminar presentation, learning or study skills, reading, and research – Student Learning Support Service run FREE workshops on all of these. Pick up a copy of Campus Connections or call in to Student Learning Support Service, Level 0, Kirk Wing, Hunter Courtyard, Kelburn.
Know what is available on campus
Victoria provide student services in CAREERS, ACCOMMODATION, COUNSELLING, HEALTH, FINANCE, CRECHES, DISABILITIES, and LEARNING SUPPORT. Ask if you need help.
The Student Learning Support Service provides you with workshops and individual assistance in essay writing, study skills, maths and statistics, presentation skills and exam techniques. These are offered without charge during term time. For more information about any of our programmes, contact the Student Learning Support Service or check in Campus Connections.