We completely understand how daunting and nervous it can be on that first day of university – in fact that whole week might be a little chaotic because you’re still trying to figure out what to do. From finding lecture theatres, trying to make notes to making friends, we’ve got it sussed! The Springboards Project was created to make that transition easy for you guys and as part of that, here’s a blog on what a day at university looks like.
So the first lectures start at 9 am and in most first year lectures, your lectures will have a big group of students because everyone does the same modules. The lecturer begins and trust me, you DO NOT have to write every word he/she says. It will probably be there on the slides, but try and get a summary of what they say so that you understand it months later. Because university is all about independent studying, you may have only 4-6 lectures a week – yes, that means no lectures on a few days!
When I’m usually waiting between lecturers, I hang out with my friends at the Hive or the computer room in the Geography building. If it’s a nice day (we all know how rare that is in London), we sit beside the canal and watch the canal boats and swans. We would probably get lunch at Sainsbury’s or even on campus. This is also a great time to head to the library and do some reading or borrow books. Apart from lectures, you may also have tutorials which are meetings with your personal tutor with 4-5 students as a group to help you out academically with writing skills, referencing, etc. The last lectures finish at 6 pm and you’re done for the day!
On Wednesdays, most lectures end in the afternoon in time for society activities and events but those can take place on other days too. There’s always events going on or around campus, be it social nights at Drapers or guest lecturers at the People’s Palace!
It doesn’t sound that bad right? As long as you’re up to date with all of your lecture material and readings, you don’t have to worry at all! Feel free to ask any doubts or questions to any of us!
-Mishma