Study Tips for First Years

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 etc.

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.

Page Top

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.

Page Top

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 hoursadditional 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 options through the Recreation Centre, etc.

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

From your Department, tutor or Student Learning Support Service – e.g. drop-ins, consultation hours etc.

Page Top

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, research etc – Student Learning Support Service run FREE seminars on all of these and more. Pick up a brochure from SLSS Level 0, Kirk Wing, Hunter Courtyard, Kelburn.

Know what is available on Campus

Student Services provide services in CAREERS, ACCOMMODATION, COUNSELLING, HEATH, FINANCE, CRECHES, DISABILITIES, and LEARNING SUPPORT. If in doubt just ask.

Page Top