College leavers say…

What's uni really like? How will it be different from college, and what will help you make a success of your uni studies? What skills do you already bring? Hear what these students said, and ask yourself some questions too… Are you ready?

Uni is completely different from college

So what's uni really like? Uni is challenging but it's also exciting - you'll be expected to really stretch yourself both as a learner and as an individual. There is less interaction with staff than at college, and more emphasis on independent learning, so it might feel a little impersonal at the beginning. This can be quite hard initially, especially if you are starting uni in the second or third year. But you'll soon find you meet others with common interests and you'll settle into the new environment.

Choosing elective modules I am in the business school but I'm not restricted to the business school modules alone. Each semester I get to choose an elective module from the other schools and departments. I really like this because I get the opportunity to explore other subject areas that I am really interested in. Roberta
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Moving from college to university Firstly, I would say the emphasis is more on you the individual to take charge; you can't rely on lecturing staff. You have to take control. You have to make sure you know what's going on. At FE College you're spoon-fed a bit. At uni you have to read the course handbook, the handouts, everything that's given, and be aware of what's going on. Basically, you're taking charge, the responsibility belongs to you. Val

Become an independent learner

At uni you need to be an independent learner – that means you're in charge of your studies. It's important to actively seek out the information you need, and that's not always easy when you don't know what you need to know! To help get started, make the most of uni induction activities and (of course) read your course information carefully. Ask library staff to help you search for information. Discuss techniques with other students. Being independent doesn't mean being isolated.

Getting started with uni study There are several good study guides, make sure you equip yourself with one of them. I think the Stella Cottrell seems to be the most popular today. I also got myself a psychology and sociology dictionary and they've both been invaluable. Carey
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Finding information For most of my modules, I need information and resources that are not available in books, but I can get them from other Universities, or from professional bodies. I also have access to Emerald and lots more. Roberta
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Ask for help when you need it

At the beginning you might feel uncertain about asking questions. But no-one expects you to know everything! If you're joining as a direct entrant, you almost certainly will have some questions. If you have any problems, you can email the appropriate person. Some lecturing staff have times when you can drop into their office and ask for advice. You can also contact student support or apply for a student mentor, if you'd like informal help from an experienced student.

Don't be afraid to ask for help Students are sometimes worried that if they approach a member of staff, that person will think they are stupid or not coping. I think sometimes it's easier to approach staff individually, by email or catching them at the beginning or end of a lecture. You should never, ever, be sitting, frightened to ask for support. Val

Asking for help and support As a direct entrant into the second year university, I had never written a report before or used Harvard referencing. I actually laughed and thought what's this all about? I went to the lecturers and academic support group and they were able to explain what was required and point me in the right direction and to find the material I needed to get started. They were absolutely brilliant. Don't be scared to ask. Deborah
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Keep on track!

It can be hard to keep your studies on track, particularly if you have other commitments, so it's important to be organised, and plan your studies from the very start. And try not to miss lectures! It's just as important to get to know new people and build new social and professional networks. Uni is an amazing opportunity to meet new people, try new things, and just enjoy yourself, as well as to learn about your subject.

Build up social networks Join a club or society. Make as many friends as you can. Don't limit them to your age group or sex. Hang out in the coffee area and blether as much as you can. Why? Because this will become your support network. All your new friends are going thorough similar problems to you. They have assessments to write, exams to sit, careers to find. Talking about it helps. The worst thing you can do is go through university life alone. Have fun, be young, even if you are a mature student like me! It's the key to eventual success. Alistair
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Making the transition to uni As a mature student the thought of coming to university was very daunting, but the support of the student mentoring programme made the transition so much easier. I had made a new friend and could also ask all those silly questions like 'how do you log in to network of library databases?' You know you don't have to feel stupid - it's just about asking! Deborah
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What skills do you already have?

Most students feel a bit anxious when they first start uni - it's natural. But you already have many skills that will help in your studies.

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Are you ready…?

So you're thinking about uni study, or perhaps your application has already been accepted. What might help you make the most of your time at uni?

Why not make some notes here? You might find it useful to save these, to look at again later.

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And finally… Have balance between fun and study. That's very important! Eve
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Last updated 15 January 2009.