It seems strange that this time last year I was tentatively finding out if I would finally be able to fulfil the dream of going to University to read Literature and Writing. Here I am going into my second year (as I’m part time this is the second part of my first year). I love uni; learning, reading, writing, heaven! That’s not to say there aren’t points when it’s overwhelming, tiring and difficult to balance with small children, but here are a few things I have learnt….
Prepare
In my experience, the one evening I need to get my head down, will be the evening one of my children get’s ill, won’t go to bed or launches a nuclear missile – all resulting in me needing to tend to my little darlings. So, my tip…
Do as much preparation as possible. Try and spend your time between now and starting uni working your way through your reading list. If possible find out which areas you will be studying in order so you can read accordingly. Once term starts you have so much additional work, squeezing it all in can become difficult so the more reading you can do before, the better.
Read All The Information
Expect a lot of information, try and read it all and pick out the relevant parts. Most of it is online nowadays so keep an eye on your email and for links. As with everything there is a lot of red-tape, Uni’s have to keep tabs on all students so there is lots of singing in, swiping ID cards so get up to speed on what you need to do and get into the habit of doing it from the very beginning.
Create ‘Uni Time’
How you work is unique to you and your situation but I found it easier to have dedicated university days. If I’m in university for lectures, then I go straight to the library and work for as long as possible staying in that ‘uni headspace’. Otherwise you know what it’s like, you get home think you will quickly put a wash on, make a coffee but
whilst getting a mug out the dishwasher you quickly unload it and before you know it you are totally out of your uni headspace and need to get the kids / go to work. Plus you aren’t constantly trying to pickup where you left off as you are already there.
Give Yourself a Chance
There are skills that come with being at university and studying. It takes time to become good at anything, including being a student. If like me you have been out of formal education FOREVER, it is going to take time to get into the swing of it. Thankfully that is what the first year is all about, finding your feet, learning skills and building your confidence.
Keep Going
Sometimes the hardest thing to do but keep going, allow yourself some flexibility, suddenly you will be at the end of the year and not believe how quickly it has gone. You will be pleased of the summer break but then find you are even more excited to get back to it and into your 2nd year in September!
Happy Studying x
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