If there was something I could tell my first-year-self it would have been to slow down with my approach to work.

It’s easy when you start at university to get bogged down by the big words and even bigger reading lists. The lists of tasks can seem so daunting that you don’t know where to start, so you dive right in. In reality, it can be far more time-efficient to think things through a little. That’s what I’ve been trying to do this year.

I’ve been trying to utilise the university support systems that teach you how to read more efficiently, take better notes or write stronger essays. These simple tasks often seem over-shadowed by the rest but in reality they are the foundations which support your whole work ethic. They are not to be taken for granted and you can use the skills you gain throughout the rest of your working life.

This year I took a ‘super reading’ course to improve my reading methods, I see a study support advisor to improve my approaches to work and I’ve increased my dialogue with my class teachers to draft and redraft better essays. It may take a little more effort to begin with, but that’s why it’s best to plan ahead and focus on self-improvement at the beginning at the start of term when work is more quiet.

The best part?

When you feel the results as the pressure begins in your other work. You feel stronger, better, faster, and more ready than ever to take it on and own it.