University Tips

I made mistakes to get here...

...And there will be more to come! The important thing is how I learned from them and became a better version of myself.??

I want to celebrate my graduation humbly to remind those who may be struggling that it's okay and without failing or making mistakes along the way I wouldn't haven't learned as much and wouldn't have gotten this far.?

And although I'm not perfect, I wanted to share a few tips I learned that made university life a little easier:?

1.?Seminars are more important than lectures!?

Seminars go over the exam questions that are going to be asked - don't miss it! It gives you the ability and practice to answer exam questions.?If you go to lectures, then pre-reading makes it easier!?Reading before the lecture almost makes the lecture a "recap" or "revision" session rather than a brand-new chapter and gives you the opportunity to ask questions on bits you didn't understand when you were re-reading. It also shows you're interested in their topic - helps to build a good rapport if you need a reference in the future for job roles!

2. Don't buy Books ???

Honestly, they're expensive and your university should give you access to an online version or access to their library where you can borrow the books you need for free for a period of time. Besides, you won't need them when you graduate.?

3. Reach out?

Talk to the students in the year(s) above you. They've completed the topic you're currently studying! Consider them to have expertise. They can help you - people are willing to help just don't be afraid to reach out!?If you don't know who those students are - go to university events or societies related to your course and you'll find them!?

4. Search Blackboard ?? for past papers?

Your course, including the previous years, are all on the blackboard site. You can snoop ?? and find the previous year's content - which is most likely to be similar, if not the exact same. Using past papers is a great way to practice for the real exam. If you can't find the answers - book time with the lecturers once you've had a go answering them. But don't be cheeky! They're not going to be happy if you ask for answers without trying

5. Do more than expected?

I was a Department Representative - I got to know lecturers and students and voice their opinions on how to improve the course. I also organised study sessions to help improve grades. When you do more than expected people will recognise your efforts. I was awarded a silver award for my role. You'll be known on your course for implementing positive change.?

I took part in The Ready Programme designing ways to make Zambia a better place through social, economic, or environmental change. This gave me the opportunity to work with a team of people outside of my course and make a difference.?

Join Societies. It's a great way to get your mind away from your studies and meet people outside of your course! Plus, you can learn a new skill and it doesn't matter if you're good or not. - Basketball and Boxing ??

6. Professional Development Centre (I think this was university specific). Spending time with people at the PDC helps you towards building your career path. They view your CVs for free to help you get past the first round of job applications. They advise you to practice psychometric tests and YES, they're a bit of pain when trying to study for university exams but this is your time to ace those too so when you finish university, you're ready to tackle those applications and get your foot in the door to your new career.

Remember feedback is a gift. They'll advise you on what you need to change. Don't be afraid to also ask for feedback after interviews also!?

7. Don't be afraid to ask questions?

Whenever a lecture or seminar has finished 9 times out of 10 someone would come up to me and say, "that was a good question", "how did you think of that?" or "I thought the same, but I didn't want to ask". Don't be afraid to ask as someone is probably thinking the same thing. It's an opportunity to learn something new. Plus, it's better to ask before the exam!!?

8. Give where you can - You'll get it back??

Although my degree is an Economics and Finance degree. I was better at the Economics side. There will be other people who are the opposite. So, I gave my time to teach people the Economics side - plus it's good practice. But they also gave back, teaching me the Accounting and Finance side of the course. It's hard to specialise in every topic (if you can then brilliant) so spend time teaching and learning with fellow students.?

?9. Most importantly - Don't forget to have fun!?

When you look back at university times you smile at the fun things you did, besides you only live once so make the most of it.

10. Don't be afraid to make mistakes - you'll learn more from them! Put yourself out there, learn, practice, do and achieve. It would be worth it in the end.?

P.S Thank you to all my friends and family that helped me across this journey. I couldn't have done it without you.?

?#BrunelUni #brunel #PDC #graduate #graduatelife #graduatehacks #unilife #universitylife #lifehacks?