6 tips to survive and thrive in your first year of university

University study is a major commitment and is quite different to high school. This big new phase of life can feel both daunting and exciting.

But many first years don’t have anyone they can ask for advice on transitioning from school to uni, or may be the first in their family to go to uni.

Reaping the benefits of uni doesn’t happen through hope or just turning up to lectures – you need to ask questions, and be an active, independent learner.

Over the last two decades, I have taught thousands of first year students from various disciplinary backgrounds. I regularly teach a large first year academic writing class, and have designed and managed undergraduate arts courses for nearly half a decade. Providing these evidence-based tips in the early weeks of study helps students take control and set them up for success.

Uni lecturers generally expect students to devote ten to 15 hours of study to each subject each week.

If you’re enrolled in three or more subjects, your studies are almost equivalent to a full-time job.

You might spend this time:

• reading the subject materials (study guides, textbook chapters, set readings)
• going to lectures
• attending tutorials/seminars/workshops
• working on assessment tasks
• reading widely and reflecting on what you’ve read
• regularly checking online learning management systems (such as Blackboard, Moodle or Canvas) for updates and discussion.

So, what do you need to know to survive and thrive as a first year at uni?

1. Do the readings before class, and attend

Reading ahead of time will help you get familiar with what will be taught and identify tricky things to listen out for.

Prepare some questions on these trouble spots to ask in class. It’s likely your classmates will have the same queries.

Just because you have newfound independence, or haven’t done the readings, does not mean^[1] it’s OK to skip class^[2].

Showing up helps you stay informed about the subject content and housekeeping, like due dates and how to tackle assignments. Some classes require you to attend or participate to pass.

Going to lectures and tutorials, and having dedicated study hours gives structure and purpose to your day, which help you adjust to university life and stay on track^[3].

2. Keep up. It’s easier than catching up

The study timetable outlines what topics and readings will be covered weekly. Put that timetable somewhere you can see it often. Letting your readings and work pile up can become pretty scary. Missing lectures and ignoring your work will make life harder than it needs to be.

Much of uni study success is about being organised. Your lecturers will have devised the most appropriate order in which to teach you new information.

Prioritise your readings and remember you might have to read them a few times to grasp the content – this is normal in academia.

3. Take notes in class and on your textbooks

This means you can record your interpretation and understanding of what the lecturer is saying while it’s being said.

Your understanding of a topic is really tested when you paraphrase it into your own words^[4].

Once you’ve made your in-class notes, write them up while they’re fresh in your mind. To improve retention, opt for handwriting these rather than typing^[5]. You might have to block out some time directly after class for this.

Your textbook and readings are not designed to remain pristine. Write notes in the margins, circle important words and phrases, and use sticky notes.

4. Use positive reframing

When you’re working through new material, it’s easy to succumb to the overwhelm and start directing a lot of negative energy towards it.

Rather than “I can’t do this” and “This is too hard”, try “I can’t do this yet” and “This is challenging. It’ll be such an achievement when I nail it.”^[6][7]

Learning a new skill involves shifting from controlled processing to automatic processing^[8]. Initially it takes lots of time and mental effort to develop a new skill. With practice, it gets easier.

Your time at uni is about more than just achieving good marks. It is about cultivating your curiosity.

5. Keep a glossary of terms and practise what you’ve learnt

Each week you’ll be learning new terms and concepts. Keeping a log of these as you learn them, giving a brief definition and example or two, will make revision easier.

Work these new terms into your assignments to show your marker you’ve engaged with the subject materials.

Some subjects have weekly exercises and activities to help you understand and consolidate the topic. Take these seriously and use them to revise.

6. Know what’s expected

Yes, you need to know when assignments are due. But you also need to know the university policies and guidelines around things such as asking for an extension, plagiarism, AI use, and conduct. If in doubt, ask your lecturers.

Overall, self-reliance and independence are crucial^[9].

Part of becoming a good student is about taking responsibility for your learning, showing initiative and independence.

References

1. ^{^} does not mean (doi.org)
2. ^{^} it’s OK to skip class (doi.org)
3. ^{^} stay on track (link.springer.com)
4. ^{^} into your own words (doi.org)
5. ^{^} opt for handwriting these rather than typing (doi.org)
6. ^{^} “I can’t do this yet” (doi.org)
7. ^{^} “This is challenging. It’ll be such an achievement when I nail it.” (doi.org)
8. ^{^} controlled processing to automatic processing (doi.org)
9. ^{^} self-reliance and independence are crucial (doi.org)