As students prepare for the start of a new academic year, I thought it would be helpful to share my three top studying tips from my two years at university.
As the title suggests, this blog is geared towards criminology students here at the University of Leicester. That’s not to say students studying different degrees at this university or other universities cannot learn from this post, just that the structure of their courses might be very different from mine. As a result, these tips might be less relevant.
Early in the Term: Read, Read, Read!
For a lot of students, the first two or three weeks of a new term are for easing back into studying before assessments are given out and the pressure starts to increase. Yet that’s exactly why you should do as much reading as possible. Gaining a broad overview of the key topic of each lecture which you can then summarise in a few sentences will allow you to help different topics in the module fit together. This will help make answering assessment questions much easier. Furthermore, copying key points onto revision cards early in the term will make revision for exams much easier because the topics will already be embedded on your brain. You’ll also have less competition for library books if you read well ahead of schedule!
Make Blackboard Your Friend
The BA/BsC Criminology degree at the University of Leicester is heavily assessed by coursework, mainly essays. If essay-writing is not currently one of your strengths, you need to change that, and quickly. The good news is that there are lot of sources of help at the university: other students, your tutor, module leaders.
Yet you can find most of the help you need without having to leave your bedroom. Everything you need is on Blackboard. The Learning Support section is an invaluable resource which should be read as early, then as often, as possible. Then, if there is anything you are still unsure about, contact your personal tutor or book an appointment with student learning development (for free).
Maximise the Department of Criminology
Successful studying at university is primarily achieved by taking responsibility for your own learning. But taking responsibility does not mean being alone. All the lecturers I’ve met at the Department of Criminology have their own personal teaching style and unique personality, but they are united by a desire to help students thrive. Make the most of them and you’ll give yourself a better chance of succeeding at your studies.
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