Being new to university can be quite challenging as students have to adjust to a new environment and meet new people. One significant hurdle first-years may experience is the transition to tertiary level academics. The shift from classrooms to lecture halls, from assisted learning to more reliance on self-study, and the faster pace at which coursework is covered, can be quite daunting. In order to maximise the academic experience, it is important to set a strong and steady start with coursework as the first-year sets the foundation for the rest of one’s university journey.
An essential step of managing academics is having a plan. After first-years have navigated through the unpredictable period of settling in at the university, some realistic goals should be set and a complementary routine should also be established. It can be a challenge for university students to try to balance studies with the development and maintenance of social relationships. Planning social activities and academic responsibilities will help students strike a more cohesive balance.
Attendance is another essential aspect of academic success. A 2019 study, conducted by the South African Journal of Higher Education, investigated the impact of lecture attendance on first-year Accounting students’ academic performance. The study confirmed that there is a positive correlation between lecture attendance and academic performance. Students often have days when going to class feels difficult. That is often seen as normal and acceptable, however, students should not become occasional guests in lectures. For some, tutorials might be tedious but they can be incredibly helpful with understanding and memorising coursework outside of the regular lecture times. It is also a great opportunity to interact with tutors who often have plenty of relatable academic or even social advice and experiences to share. According to the university’s general rules and faculty regulations, satisfactory attendance is a requirement for exam entrance. The university therefore has the right to refuse students admission to examinations or the promotion to a subsequent year of study if they fail to fulfil the attendance requirements. Students should thus read through their respective module study guides and frequently check ClickUP for updates.
An essential step of managing academics is having a plan. […] Another important aspect of student academic success lies outside of the academic sphere in extracurricular activities
For the bolder and braver students, participation during lectures will immensely help get recognition from the lecturers. For those who get the jitters from speaking in front of large groups of people, consulting individually with lecturers after class or during their provided consultation hours is just as valuable. It may be intimidating but it shows interest in the module, earning a positive image as a committed and a participative student. A major advantage of this is that it makes it easier to get letters of recommendation students might need in the future for scholarships or job applications.
Another important aspect of student academic success lies outside of the academic sphere in extracurricular activities. Being extremely focused on studying while neglecting other areas of life can negatively affect mental health. Whether it is a campus society or a hobby, students should find something outside of class that they can look forward to.
According to the 2018 Student Academic Engagement Survey conducted by the Centre for Teaching and Learning at the University of Free State, there is a link between academic advising and student success. Further data collected, however, showed little participation in students seeking advising, especially from first-year students. Many new students hinder themselves by managing their academic struggles alone and then only seeking advice as a last resort. It is advisable to be proactive by developing healthy and effective coping strategies to tackle challenges when problems are first recognised.
The university has a responsibility to help students navigate through studies and the relevant assistance is provided through support programmes, like the Faculty Student Advisors. These advisors can assist with valuable skills and student strategies such as time management, study methods and goal setting. Students can thus maximize their learning experience by being focused, diligent and utilising the structures UP has to offer. For more information about these structures, read Utilising UP’s resources for future success on page 11.
FELICIANA NEZINGU
Illustration: Promise Zulu
