Monday 06-12-2021 - 08:30

by Anita Ajmani and Richard Buckley

About to make a start on your first essay?  Here’s the advice that Anita wishes she’d had when she was a level 4 student!

 

1. Making a study calendar isn’t procrastination – it’s an investment in your time

You might feel that making a colour-coded calendar to stick on the fridge (or wherever works for you) is a great way to put off getting started on your assignments, and isn’t a good use of your time.  But for many students, it’s the most effective way to make sure that you fit it all in!  Time for family, cooking (in my case, to Bollywood music!) and stretching between study sessions ARE important, so they’re worth scheduling and sticking to.  And by including realistic study goals, you’re less likely to fall behind, or end up studying for so long that your mind just goes blank.  

 

2. Taking advantage of the support out there isn’t a sign of weakness – it’s what it’s there for

Many assignments come with opportunities for formative feedback on drafts of your work.  Even if they don’t, there’s no harm in asking your lecturers for support.  Your lecturers would much rather you did that than simply give up and hand in something half-hearted (or nothing at all).  If they offer you 1-2-1 time, take them up on it!  Your lecturers aside, help is on hand from Library and Learning Services with referencing and identifying resources, and from Student Services for about everything else.

 

3. You might have more reading to do before you’re ready to complete your assignment

When you start writing, it’s normal to realise that there’s actually a lot you still don’t know.  Don’t be down if you discover that you’re not yet ready to reach a conclusion on your assignment because you don’t yet have enough information to form your argument. Go back to the assignment brief and make sure you’ve understood what it’s asking you.  Then, go back through your lecture notes, check out the Essential and Recommended Reading lists, and use what you’ve read (with the correct referencing!) to answer the question.  

 

4. It’s normal to feel stressed and frustrated, or to believe that you’re not making progress – even if you are. 

Very few people find the assessment period relaxing.  Having thousands of words to write within a few weeks can feel overwhelming, even to final year students.  Focus on achieving small, manageable goals, and celebrating them – if you’ve done 500 words towards one assignment, 800 words towards another and 1000 towards a third, this means that you’re well on your way.  If you haven’t made as much progress in a study session as you hoped, it’s ok – tomorrow is a new day.  And don’t forget that your friends and colleagues on your course will be going through exactly the same thing as you.  Why not check in with them and congratulate each other on the progress you have made?

 

5. Your life will be much easier if you decide BEFORE the assessment period how you’re going to keep your kids occupied!  

Until they got their own tablets, my children were haranguing me to let them use the computer every day – which didn’t exactly help with concentrating on my studies!  If you have family responsibilities, give thought in advance to how you plan to manage this.  

 

And finally – don’t suffer in silence if it’s not going well! 

If you’re struggling with your assignments, there is support on hand:

 

Worried that you might not be able to get your work in on time, due to challenges in your personal life or health problems?  

You might be able to apply for Extenuating Circumstances.  You’ll need to complete the form on MyTSD, and provide evidence.  You can get more information on this from your lecturers, Student Services on your campus, or from us in the Students’ Union – unionadvice@uwtsd.ac.uk.  

 

Unsure how to start your assignment, how to structure it, or what resources to use?  Or maybe you still haven’t got your head around referencing?  

The University’s Library and Learning Resources offer a range of support with referencing and study skills. You can find out more here: Student Essentials | University of Wales Trinity Saint David.

 

Feel that you need more specific support with personal challenges, or are concerned about your mental wellbeing?  

UWTSD is home to some of the UK’s best-quality Student Services, including dedicated counselling, mental health and disability support: Student Services

 

What advice do you wish you’d been given before your first University assignments?  

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us with any thoughts, comments, questions or concerns – unionadvice@uwtsd.ac.uk.  

 

 

Anita Ajmani is Student Voice Rep for Institute of Inner-City Learning students at UWTSD London Campus, where she studies BA Leadership and Management.  
 

Richard Buckley is Advocacy Co-ordinator at the Students’ Union, and works with students at all campuses to offer advice and support.    
 

Study Aid: Tips, tricks and support networks.