On the University of Chester website, recent graduate Megan, who is about to begin her postgraduate studies, has detailed a series of things that she wish she’d known before beginning her studies.
Megan’s first piece of advice for new students is to embrace the experience and be yourself. She says that the sooner you are comfortable being yourself, the sooner you’ll find your place and the extra-curricular activities that you’ll enjoy the most.
Next, she advises against treating the first year as not mattering just because it doesn’t count towards your final grade. She says putting the effort in during the first year to get the grades you want will pay dividends later, because you’ll already be used to doing this when you start your second year. She recommends not getting caught up with comparing grades with those of others, however, because it could affect your confidence and self-esteem and, ultimately, impact your academic performance.
Megan also recommends resisting the temptation to skip lectures, even the ones first thing in the morning, because they can be vital in receiving the necessary knowledge for completing assignments, as well as a good opportunity for clarifying things with lecturers. She also says to check your emails regularly, so you know if any lectures are cancelled.
Living close to your study facilities can be helpful in ensuring that you attend lectures, and even when you live off campus, you can find nearby student accommodation in Hoole and other nearby areas, sometimes with no deposits or upfront fees to pay.
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Mark