Surviving Your First Semester

Louise Livesey

Academic Skills Advisor

This workshop will:

− Provide basic information on who, where and what to access for course information− Suggest ways to organise yourself, your notes and course documentation− Describe how University learning differs from school and college study

Today’s Plan…

1. What is expected of you

2. Be organised

3. Use the technology

4. Transition into University study

5. Ask for help

6. Review and prioritise

7. Enjoy!

• Administration• Know which staff do what• Read the small print: handbooks and other

documentation:− Learning objectives− Marking criteria− Deadlines and rules− Reading lists− Course topics− Referencing rules− Seeing tutors

Course staff are the first port of call

1.What is expected of you

• Keep a timetable/diary/year planner

• Read and safely file all course documentation

• Keep your lectures notes etc. organised

2.Be organised

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Oct Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat Sun

Wk 1

Wk 2 Lecture 3-4

Lecture 11-12

ASA workshop 4-5

Seminar 10-11 Library research for essay

Librarian App 1-1.30

Wk 3 Lecture 3-4

Lecture 11-12

Seminar 10-11 Work on essay draft

Work on essay draft

Jenny’s birthday

Wk 4 Lecture 3-4

Lab practice 11-12

Seminar 10-11ASA workshop12-1

App with ASA re essay 10-11

Wk 5 Directed Study Week Essay Deadline 4pm

Wk 6 Lecture 3-4

Lecture 11-12

Seminar 10-11

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• Make yourself aware of libraries, computing facilities etc.

• Find your way round the University website• Find out what you can/can’t do online• Find out what software/ programmes you

will need to use• Attend workshops/ get help sheets/

practice

3.Use the technology

Activity 1: What technology can help you?

In pairs or small groups, make a list of technology/IT services that would help you in your studies

3.Use the technology

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• Blackboard• E-mail (on campus and at home)• Word, PowerPoint, Excel, • Library: catalogue, online renewals, subject

databases• PC labs• Software licences (SPSS, Virus etc.) • University website – support services• IT Workshops• E-vision

3.Use the technology

• Your learning is your responsibility• Different styles of teaching• Attend classes for university and subject

information• Less contact time• Check your university e-mail and

BlackBoard regularly• Get together with other students on your

course

4.Transition into University study

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• Don’t suffer in silence: let us know if you have queries/ problems

• There are no stupid questions

• Ask lecturers• Contact your

personal tutor• Use student services

5.Asking for help

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Activity 2: Quiz

Read the quiz questions and the list of places or people or resources to get help.

In pairs or small groups discuss who you would turn to in each of these situations.

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5. Ask for help

• Keep your plan up to date• Be aware of what’s going on• Review lecture notes etc.• Be aware of, and implement, feedback• Be selective

6.Review and prioritise

7. Enjoy!

• Don’t forget to have a life!• Make friends – on your course, in your

halls, in Student Central, in activities• Get involved• Think about sports, societies etc.

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Activity 3: Modelling fun

• Each pair or group has Play-doh and a box with cards in

• Each team member pick a card and model the word on the card – each word is a way of way of finding information WITHOUT SPEAKING

• The other team members guess the word

4.Keep in touch

Help is at hand!

• On-campus Counselling service• Student Central near SU• 30 minute chat• Confidential• Confidence; home-sickness; anxiety;

stress; sleep problems; exam nerves• www.bradford.ac.uk/counselling• 01274 235750

Academic Skills Advice Service

• Where are we? Chesham Building B0.23• What do we do? Support undergraduate students with

their study skills by running clinics and workshops, having bookable appointment slots, and enabling students to drop-in for Instant Advice.

• Who are we? Michael and Helen specialise in Maths Support; Lucy and Russell advise students on study skills; and I (Louise) deliver the workshops

• When can you come for help? Everyday both face to face and on-line

• How do I get in touch? Email: academic-skills@brad.ac.uk or website www.brad.ac.uk/academic-skills

1–diary; 2 and 3–file; 6-connection; 7-puzzle; 8-climb; 11-question: Clip Art

4. Year planner from previous Academic Skills Advice Service PowerPoint Presentation

5: University of Portsmouth. Computer Suites. Portsmouth: University of Portsmouth [online] Available at:

http://www.port.ac.uk/why-portsmouth/the-place/ [Accessed 11.6.2014]

9: Preuss & Knorr GbR. Lifesaver, red/white, 13.8 inches. Berlin: Preuss & Knorr. GbR [online] Available at:

http://www.mare2.com/Lifesaver-red-white-13-8-inches-p1295.html

Accessed [11.6.2014]

10: CutestCatPics. (2013) Bunny, mouse, kitten and puppy. CutestCatPics. [online] Available at:

http://cutestcatpics.com/bunny-mouse-kitten-and-puppy/ Accessed [11.6.2014]

ReferencesReferences

Any questions?

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